Why teach computer science in school? Recent statistics show a decreasing trend in computer science across K-12 schools. Introductory computer science has decreased 17% since 2005. With so much attention paid to 21st century skills, why is computer programming largely ignored?
The answer is obvious. Computer science isn’t tested. Faced with strategic decisions concerning instruction time, it is hard to fault educators for focusing on Common Core curriculum. At the same time, most teachers aren’t familiar with computer programming, and aren’t comfortable teaching it. Although legitimate reasons exist for the decreasing trends in computer science, we still need to prepare our students with skill sets for the computing age.
In an effort to address the growing gap of computer science in schools, Code.org is organizing an Hour of Code during Computer Science Education Week (Dec 9-15). Their goal is to have over 10 million students across the United States participate in one hour of computer coding. To help schools, they provided materials, lesson plans (for all ages and abilities) and prizes. It would be great to see District 50 students participate in this event!
Check out the following links to get all necessary details and to register your school/class today!
Check out the following links to get all necessary details and to register your school/class today!
General Information about the Hour of Code event: http://csedweek.org/school
Register for the Hour of Code: http://csedweek.org/participate
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