Extending the Pipeline: Why K-12 Computer Science is Essential to Higher Education
Robb Cutler
My Background
Introduced to computers in 6th grade
C.S. Degree
Software Engineer / Architect
K-12 Education
AP CS and Advanced Topics
Defining Computer Science
Problem Solving
Algorithmic Thinking
Systems Analysis
Logic
Not just programming (though it
CS is Clearly Important
Technology-oriented world
Necessary for success in other
disciplines
Basic skills are assumed
Advanced skills are often required
Teaching CS in Kindergarten
Sorting
Searching
Recursion
Boolean Arithmetic
Queues
Teaching CS in Elementary
Sorting
Searching
Recursion
Boolean Arithmetic
Queues
Teaching CS in High School
Programming
AP Computer Science
Almost No One Does It…
– 86,000 AP Physics tests – 87,000 AP Chemistry tests – 132,000 AP Biology tests – 256,000 AP Calculus tests
Where’s the Disconnect?
Other disciplines move to formalize
learning along a steady, coherent, well-articulated curricular track
Everyone is required to take English,
Math, Science, History – K-12
CS is not accessible
Perception as geeky
Always sitting in front of a computer
Too much work
Not fun
No long-term reward
So, Why is This a Problem?
CS enrollments are down
– “The percentage of incoming
undergraduates indicating that they
would major in CS declined by over 60 percent between the Fall of 2000 and 2004, and is now 70 percent lower than
its peak in the early 1980s” (Higher Education
So, Why is This a Problem?
QuickTime™ and a
But There aren’t Any Jobs…
Not true
– “Information technology appears as though it will be a growth area at least for the coming decade, and the U.S. government projects that several IT occupations will be among the fastest growing occupations during this time.”
But There aren’t Any Jobs…
Offshoring?
– Only 2-3% of IT jobs lost annually through offshoring
– “U.S. IT sector's overall growth should outpace that loss of jobs, expanding opportunities for those trained in fields such as software architecture, product design, project management and IT
How Can K-12 Help?
Pipeline begins early (even
Kindergarten!)
Increase interest by
underrepresented populations
Better prepared students in CS
enhance your programs
Recognition of CS as an essential
Understanding K-12 Issues
Class sizes
Teaching periods per day
Vastly different learning levels
Students often not engaged
One person department
CS vs. Technology
Battle for funding
NCLB
Working Together - CSTA
Membership and advocacy
organization representing K-12 computer science
In development since 2000 with ACM
K-12 Education Task Force and first CS&IT Symposium
Model Curriculum for K-12 CS
Education in 2003
Working Together - CSTA
4000+ members
Professional development
– JETT / TECS / CS&IT Symposia
Development of resources
Support for national curriculum and
teacher standards
Working Together
Help us help you with pipeline issues
K-12 teachers need your support to help keep their knowledge and skills current Your research can inform our work
Improving K-12 CS education gives you better (and more) students
Challenges
Join CSTA: http://csta.acm.org
Become involved in K-12 CS in your local
area
– Understand their issues
– Offer guidance and support – Host a TECS workshop
Lobby your admissions office to
