The Case for Improving U.S. Computer Science Education, With Pat Yongpradit

Despite the growing use of computers and software in every facet
of our economy, not until recently has computer science education
begun to gain traction in American school systems. The current
focus on improving science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics (STEM) education in U.S. schools has disregarded
differences within STEM fields. Indeed, the most important STEM
field for a modern economy is not only one that is not
represented by its own initial in the acronym “STEM,” but also
the field that the fewest high school students study and the one
with the most room for improvement, by far: computer science. Rob
and Jackie discuss the state of computer science education in the
United States and abroad—and why policymakers need to provide
support—with Pat Yongpradit, chief academic officer for Code.org.


Mentioned:


2020 State of Computer Science Education: Illuminating
Disparities (Code.org Advocacy Coalition, Computer Science
Teachers Association, and Expanding Computing Education Pathways,
October 2020).

Adams Nager and Robert D. Atkinson, “The Case for Improving
U.S. Computer Science Education” (ITIF, May 2016). 

Robert D. Atkinson and Merrilea Mayo, “Refueling the U.S.
Innovation Economy: Fresh Approaches to STEM Education” (ITIF,
December 2010). 

Computer Science for All Act of 2019, H.R.1485, 116th
Congress. (2019) 

Robert D. Atkinson and Caleb Foote, “The 2020 State New
Economy Index” (ITIF, October 2020).