The Importance of Teaching Computer

Science in High School

J. McGrath CohoonSenior Research Scientist

National Center for Women & Information TechnologyUniversity of Virginia

WHAT IS COMPUTER SCIENCE?

Computer science studies computers and problem-solving processes, including their

• Principles• Designs• Applications• Impact

WHY SHOULD STUDENTS STUDY COMPUTER SCIENCE?

Intellectually engaging and developmentalFlexible, creative, rewarding careersUnmet workforce need

CS teaches vital 21st century skills

Design, logical reasoning, and problem solvingCreating and adapting, not just using, technology

CS contributes to local economy

Many jobs can be done remotely

Great Career! Best Jobs in America 20111. Software Engineer2. Mathematician3. Actuary4. Statistician5. Computer Systems Analyst

According to CareerCast

Three of the top ten occupations are computingSystems Engineer

IT Project Manager

Network Security Consultant

Manage large complex projects

Plan, organize, and oversee the team on a computing project

Protect important computer systems from infiltrationSource: CNNMoney.com, Best Jobs in

America, 2011

Computing offers exciting work that affects our world and the people in it

Create technology for• Tracking endangered dolphins• Mobile forensics labs for instant

analysis at crime scenes• GPS systems that guide blind people• Scanning DNA for childhood diseases• Designing and displaying new fashions

Source: dotdiva.org

Computer Scientists work in every industry

10

Source: dotdiva.org

Excellent Job Opportunity Expected

Source: BLS Occupational Employment Projections to 2020

Graphic designers

Computer programmers

Network and computer systems administrators

Market research analysts and markenting specialists

Computer systems analysts

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700

45

58

50

68

97

127

117

144

120

191

from growth

from replacement

Occupations with the Most Predicted Job Openings (in thousands) typically requiring a Bachelors De-gree, but no experience or on-the-job training, 2010-2020

Computing occupations are well paid

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Child, family, and school social workers

Accountants and auditors

Network and computer systems administrators

Computer systems analysts

Software developers, applications

$0 $20,000 $40,000 $60,000 $80,000 $100,000

Median Annual Wages, 2010

Computing Offers More Jobs than other Science & Engineering Fields

Employment in Major Occupational Groups Projected for 2020, in thousands

Life, physical, and social science occupations

Architecture and engineering occupations

Computer and mathematical occupations

0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000

20202010

Source: BLS – Employment Projections to 2020

Workforce needs could go unmet

…unless we attract more students

Too few HS students study CS

Boys81%

Girls19%

AP CS 2011

22,176

Boys83%

Girls17%

AP CS 2008

20,532

Fewer than took AP micro

economics or Physics

C-Mech

Get state and local CS education and workforce data

Online soon at www.ncwit.org/work.campaigns.cse.html

HELP MEET THE NEED BY OFFERING CS IN HIGH SCHOOL

Colleges often expect familiarity

Students are more likely to succeed in computing if they have positive early experiences

Attract more diverse students

Draw from the underutilized majority

ur students69%

white & asian men31%

college student demographics, 2009

SOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION

NCWIT has free resources for more information

Talking Points CardsPrograms in a BoxPractice SheetsFacts & Figures

CSTA has free resources for more information

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Questions