Each year Computer Science Education week is recognized during this week of December. Getting more students interested in computer science is both a state and national goal. According to a report from CODE Advocacy Coalition, “78% of U.S. high school students attend a school that offers foundational computer science, only 4.7% of students are enrolled in a course.”

Our new Computer Science teacher Mr. Landon McAfee hopes more students will study computer science. “I think students should take computer science because it goes deeper than just programming. Much like math, it teaches students how to problem solve, think critically, and analyze/manipulate data. These are skills that are useful in so many careers.”

CSEdWeek states, “The CSEdWeek theme this year highlights the impact that computer science is making everywhere & the relationship that computer science has to different subjects, industries, career paths, & our everyday lives.” Mr. McAfee agreed and shared, “There’s actually many jobs that can incorporate programming! Chemists and environmental scientists use programming to create simulations of events. Many graphic designers/UI designers utilize programming to create websites. Meteorologists with programming skills also can use languages like Python or C++ to conduct research and develop weather forecasting models. Many careers outside of the classic tech/developer roles can utilize computer science in a myriad of ways.”

One concerning issue that continues to impact computer science is equity. Getting students in minority demographics involved in computer science is an ongoing goal in the field of computer science education. For example, even though 49% of females have some exposure to coding in high school, only 31% of females actually take a course in high school. Course rosters in Alabama are predominantly white males.