Is there a decline in Computer Science in our education system?
By Ron Kimlinger, Partner/Business Transformation Capability Lead
Most data support that computer science is declining in our education system, for example Computer Science degrees have dropped nearly 20% in the last two decades and high schools have reduced adoption of computer science curriculum and policies by school districts. Despite the decline in computer science curriculum and policy adoption, the technology industry continues to grow at rates far above other occupations.
Computer Science education mainly focuses on core principles like hardware/software design, computer and algorithmic processes, computational thinking and coding/programming. To attract more computer science students and to better align with industry growth, most colleges currently have formed more specific CS related majors such as artificial intelligence, business/data analytics, cyber security and cloud computing. However, speaking with a local college professor, it is estimated that only about 1 in 14 CS majors arrive on campus with some programming/coding experience. Because of the lack of programming experience from their high school education and the need for programming in core principles, many CS majors have to learn the needed programming skills for college courses outside of the classroom. Many students are learning programming on their own using free internet-based sources or “side hustles” usually around programming for gaming or video applications. The lack of programming experience from graduating high school students could be caused by the lack of computer science teaching in high school curriculums and district policy adoptions.
To make matters worse, Minnesota ranks nearly last in US high schools that offer Advanced Placement (AP) level course in Computer Science. In fact, less than 1 in 5 Minnesota high schools offer AP level Computer Science courses. Minnesota is also well behind the 5- State area in the adoption of school district policies related to computer science for CS teacher funding and certification, CS district standards for K-12 grades and a state wide CS plan.
Why do we need more Computer Science in our education system? Forecasts project a 22% job growth for information technology positions in the next decade. This growth outpaces the average 8% growth for all occupations. As most companies become technology-driven enterprises, the need for computer science educated professionals will continue to grow.
The question then becomes, what can be done to help promote the computer science change in our education system? First, encourage your local school districts to develop more curriculum, policies, and standards that are more focused on CS. Also, get involved with STEM/CS volunteer opportunities at your local school districts and promote the focus on the core Computer Science principles.
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Check out who is joining us in October!
Sandeep G – Business Transformation/Sr. BA (new project)
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