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0

5

10

Average High School AP

Computer Science Class Size

6.2

9.5

53%more

HISTORY

ENGLISH

SCIENCE

MATH

FOREIGN LANGUAGES

ECONOMICS

ART + MUSIC

COMPUTER SCIENCE

2012 High SchoolAdvanced Placement Enrollment

0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2

millio

Make Computer Science inK-12 Count!Computer science is driving job growth and innovation throughout our economy and society. More thanhalf of projected jobs in STEM fields are in computing occupations; these occupations dominate helpwanted ads; and computer science is one of the hottest degrees for new college graduates. Despite this,computer science education is marginalized throughout our K-12 education system denying access tothis critical knowledge, particularly among underrepresented groups. In fact, only 13 states and theDistrict of Columbia allow rigorous and engaging computer science courses to satisfy a math or sciencerequirement for graduation from high school.

Most states do not have clear pathways for peopleto become computer science teachers. Those thathave the desire, knowledge and skills to teachyoung people computer science should have aclear, navigable and rewarding path to K-12classrooms.

What can states do to improve K-12 computer science education?

Current computer science courses often do notcount towards a students required coursework they are treated as electives. Given the academicdemands, college-bound students cannot afford totake computer science as an elective. This policywould not require schools to offer computerscience or students to study it; it simply allowsexisting computer science courses to satisfy a corerequirement that already exists.

Most states do not have discrete computer sciencestandards within their existing state standards.States should establish rigorous standards forcomputer science focused on the creation (not justthe use) of software and other computingtechnologies. The Computer Science TeachersAssociation has model K-12 CS standards.

Allow computer science classes tosatisfy existing graduation

requirements for math or science.

Establish computer sciencestandards.

Establish or strengthen computerscience teacher certificationprocesses.

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States Where

CS is an Elective

States Where CS

Satisfies a Core Credit

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STUDENTS JOBS

Computing Jobs

Other math& science jobs

Students taking k-12AP CS courses

Students taking othermath & science courses

98%

2%

60%

40%

Supporters of Making CS Count!

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts one inevery two STEM jobs in the country will be in

computing occupations, with more than 150,000job openings annually making it one of the fastestgrowing occupations in the United States. Andthese jobs pay 75 percent more than the nationalmedian annual salary. Finally the breadth ofindustries requiring computing professionals isdiverse two-thirds of computing jobs are insectors other than information technology,including manufacturing, defense, health care,finance, and government.

Why K-12 computer science?

Computer science develops studentscomputational and critical thinking skills and

shows them how to create, not simply use, newtechnologies. This fundamental knowledge isneeded to prepare students for the 21st century,regardless of their ultimate field of study oroccupation.

Computer science is afoundational science for theDigital Age.

The outlook for computerscience jobs is bright.

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See code.org or computinginthecore.org forpartners and more information on computerscience education.Contact: cameron@code.org ordella.cronin@computinginthecore.org

Computer science is a liberalart, its something thateveryone should be exposedto, everybody should have amastery of to some extent. Steve Jobs