Parents & Students

GET INVOLVED

Parents & Students

There are many reasons why all K-12 students should learn computer science: equity and social justice; competencies and literacies; citizenship and civic engagement; technological, social and scientific innovation; economic and workforce development; school reform and improvement; and personal agency, joy, fulfillment (Vogel et al, 2017).

According to Gallup, 90% of parents want their children to learn computer science. Only 24% of high schools in Minnesota offer a foundational course.

Why should students learn CS?

  • Broadening the participation of students in computing supports diverse perspectives and results in more technological innovation.
  • There are stable, high-paying jobs in computer science fields.
  • Computer science is reshaping society, and so understanding computing is key to being an engaged citizen.
  • Computer sciences skills are valuable in nearly all professions, including science, engineering, arts, and humanities.
  • Broadening the participation of students in computing supports diverse perspectives and results in more technological innovation.
  • For those who have not been exposed to computer science learning, it may spark a new interest.
  • Computer science can be an expressive medium.

How can I support CS education in K-12 schools?

Promote

  • If you are a parent who has some CS background, consider volunteering with your local school or organizations such as Code Savvy, High Tech Kids or Girls Dream Code.
  • If you are a student looking to learn computer science outside of your school, many organizations like code.org, Girls Who Code, and Mouse, Inc. 
  • Ask your teacher(s) what they’re teaching about computer science.

Advocate

  • Contact your school principal and district superintendent about their strategic plans for teaching computer science. Encourage your school or district to add more opportunities for learning computer science.
  • Contact your local and state government leaders to encourage them to support policy changes that provide computer science to all K-12 schools in Minnesota as well as the needed funding. Find out who represents you and how to contact them here.

“Two-thirds of parents surveyed said computer science should be required learning in schools; in lower-income households, parents were even more likely to hold that view.”

Google/Gallup