Google Report, released August 20, 2015 – Searching for Computer Science Access and Barriers in U.S. K-12 Education
- “Many students, parents and K-12 teachers and administrators in the U.S. highly value computer science education. Parents see computer science education as a good use of school resources and often think it is just as important as other courses. Two-thirds of parents think computer science should be required learning in schools. Parents in lower-income households are even more likely to have this view. Many students expect to learn computer science and to use it in their future career in some way.
- Despite this high level of interest, many school and district administrators do not perceive a high level of demand for computer science education among students and parents in their communities. Most principals and superintendents surveyed say it is important to offer computer science education. However, given the tendency to prioritize subjects that are included in required testing, computer science is not a top priority in many schools and districts, particularly those with fewer students and those in rural areas. Less than half of principals and superintendents surveyed say their school board thinks offering computer science education is important.
- Principals and superintendents from schools and districts that do not offer computer science learning opportunities are most likely to say the main reason their schools do not offer computer science is the limited time they have to devote to classes that are not tied to testing requirements and the low availability and budget for computer science teachers. Few principals and superintendents mention a lack of computer equipment and software as the main reason their schools do not offer computer science, although one-third still say it is one of the reasons.
- Most students have access to computer technology at home and at school, but Hispanic students have less access to computers with Internet access at home, and use computers less at school , than White or Black students do.
- Many students do not have access to computer science learning opportunities at school, with lower-income students and Black students having the least access. Even when schools offer computer science education, there is evidence that it may be lacking the core elements. Nearly half of principals who say their schools offer computer science courses also state that computer programming/coding is not part of the coursework. Of all principals surveyed, three in four report that they do not offer computer science with programming/coding. Only 21% of principals surveyed from schools that offer computer science classes say Advanced Placement (AP) computer science courses are available at their schools.
- Participation in computer science learning opportunities is on the rise, and many principals expect to expand these opportunities over the next few years. Improved awareness about the importance of programming/coding as an essential element of computer science is needed so educators can integrate the full breadth of computer science into the classroom. With an expected increase in computer science learning opportunities in the near future, it is important that teachers and school administrators have access to the resources necessary to offer quality computer science education to a broader group of students. The Searching for Computer Science: Access and Barriers in U.S. K-12 Education report is an important step in understanding the opportunities and challenges schools face in providing quality computer science education…”
