The entire state of Virginia has been shut down due to snow, so I've had lots of time to sit and knit, and catch up on my reading.
As it always seems to happen, after our conversation last month about requiring computer science courses in K-12 schools, everywhere I look this is a hot topic.
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| Darning my Waldo socks - so ready for spring! |
- This article asks readers if computer science should be required in California schools:
[Muhammed Chaudhry, CEO of the Silicon Valley Education Foundation] notes that “56 percent of California high schools don’t offer computer science courses at all. Only 13 percent of high schools offer advanced placement (AP) courses in computing. Schools that teach computer science offer such a hodgepodge of courses that it’s hard to fit them into any particular department — with most labeled as electives."
- And in Arkansas legislation was just passed requiring that all high schools offer computer science classes. The most interesting part is the formation of a state level task force to steer the courses and standards to make sure they are high quality.
By requiring high schools to teach computer-science classes, "Arkansas will become a national leader in computer-science education, and we'll be preparing a workforce that's sure to attract businesses and jobs to our state,"
- An finally the Harvard Gazette featured the recent panel discussion about gender diversity in tech - the panel included Jane Margolis, Stephanie Wilson, Maria Klawe, and Kimberly Bryant. This conversation is so important as we expand where computer science is offered. It is critical to expant where, but also to whom.
“It matters for what’s being invented and what’s being created. I think in today’s world, computer science especially is affecting every single solitary aspect of our lives, and it’s affecting our culture, and it’s affecting democratic participation,” said Jane Margolis,
It is fascinating to watch how quickly things are changing in computer science education.
Later,
Becca
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