Importance of Computer Science in K-12 Education

Presentation prepared by Mobile CSP

What is Computer Science (CS)?

Computer science education focuses on understanding the use, functionality, and importance of computers in our personal, social, and professional environments.

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The AP CSP Course

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• The new AP Computer Science Principles Curriculum Framework developed by the U.S. College Board is organized around principles called the five Big Ideas and six Computational Thinking Practices.

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What is the most exciting part of learning CS?

The most interesting thing about this course is being able to relate to what our future is going to be like.”

Mobile CSP Student

If you’re not into math or logic but you’re into art and the creative side, this class could help you (in those areas).”

Mobile CSP Student

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It makes you think more creatively … that’s more useful in the real world. In your jobs they’re not going to say exactly what you need to do.”

Mobile CSP Student

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The skills I’m learning for this course could be used for my job … I’m planning on being a psychologist.”

Mobile CSP Student

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Why is CS education important?

I talk to people who are in the industry and we have former students who’ve been out there and they’re all saying, ‘Give us more! Give us more highly skilled students who are excited about this.’”

Jessica Breed, Educator at Eden Prairie High School

Completed Mobile CSP PD 2016

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By 2024, there will be a projected 1.1 million computing-related job openings in the U.S. (U.S. Department of Labor).

54%

1.1

Students tend to like computer science! 54% of students stated that they like computer science and engineering a lot.

18%

Technology jobs are expected to increase by 18% between 2012 and 2022. The average projected growth for all U.S. occupations is only 11%.

90%

The majority of parents (90%) want their child to study computer science.

60%

Despite parent and student interest as well as projected job growth, 60% of schools do not teach computer programming.

Source: NCWIT Counselors 4 Computing and Code.org

How will students benefit from CS education?

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Computer science teaches students design, logical reasoning, and problem solving - all valuable well beyond the computer science classroom. The ability to create and adapt new technologies distinguishes computer science from computer literacy, which focuses more on using existing technologies (e.g., word processing, spreadsheets).”

Source: NCWIT Talking Points Resource | Moving beyond computing literacy: Why schools should teach computer science

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• Computer science education has the potential to …
• Help students develop skills that are transferable to other areas of their lives
• Make curriculum more relevant for students -- encourages student interest and involvement
• Prepare students for high-paying, in-demand jobs
• Help educators meet accountability goals

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Source: NCWIT Talking Points Resource | Moving beyond computing literacy: Why schools should teach computer science

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• The skills developed from taking a computer science course can prepare students for a variety of options after high school graduation.

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• Encourage all students to take technology and CS courses

Source and Additional Information: NCWIT Pathways

I think having anything with computer science is really important now that everything is becoming very technology oriented… Employers knowing that you're able to do anything with programming or that you’re going to be able to problem solve at all looks really good on applications for anything.”

Mobile CSP Student

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Of the students who took the AP CS exam in 2011, less than 1% were African American.*

Of the students who took the AP CS exam in 2011, less than 7% were Latino.*

*Source: UCLA/IDEA Computer Science Exam

Pictures from Mobile CSP Program

• Promote and implement computer science at your school.
• Research the curriculums that will best meet the needs of your students.
• Actively recruit students from all backgrounds to consider the possibilities of computer science.

More information about recruitment can be found here: NCWIT Recruiting Resources.

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Mobile CSP is an AP Computer Science Principles course that focuses on mobile computing:

• Build socially useful mobile apps
• Project-based focus
• Emphasis on writing and communication
• Fosters collaboration and creativity

of Mobile CSP students passed the AP CSP exam, above the national average of 74%*

78%

of students plan to take additional CS courses in college after completing Mobile CSP**

of teachers believe their students will apply skills from the CS Principles class in the future**

84%

76%

93%

of teachers said they received excellent support from Mobile CSP**

*Based on 2017-18 AP CSP exam results. Will be updated for 2018-19 exam results once available.

**Based on 2017-18 Mobile CSP research participant results. Will be updated for 2018-19 exam results once available.

• If you are a teacher who is interested in implementing Mobile CSP at your school, please follow the steps below to begin your involvement today.

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5 Steps to Offer Mobile CSP at Your School

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1) Sign-up | Learn more about the curriculum and professional development online.

2) Add Course | Get approval from administrators to add it to course offerings.

3) Recruit Students | By sharing information with counselors, parents, and students

4) Complete the PD | Led by experienced master teachers in flexible formats

5) Teach the Course | With learning community support

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For more information and assistance with each of these steps, or to learn more about the Mobile CSP project, please visit mobile-csp.org.