Trends in the State of Computer Science in U.S. K-12 Schools
Insights to better understanding the perceptions of and access to computer science learning opportunities for K-12 students in the U.S.
Although crucial to U.S. students' future success, access to a computer science (CS) education is still not universal. Education leaders must better understand the perceptions of CS and access to CS learning opportunities to maximize students' potential for growth in an ever-changing technological world.
The findings in this report present positive growth in the area of CS with more principals reporting in Year 2 than in Year 1 that their school offers a CS class with programming or coding. Additionally, the study shows that key concepts, including computational thinking (CT), are being incorporated into classes.
Read what 16,000 seventh- to 12th-grade students, parents of seventh- to 12th-grade students, and K-12 teachers, principals and superintendents have to say about the positive changes involving opportunities for learning CS, perceptions of CS, demand for CS, and challenges and opportunities for CS in K-12 schools.
More than
90%of parents feel that opportunities to learn CS are a good use of school resources.
of K-12 principals say their school offers at least one CS course including coding or programming.
of parents
71%of teachers
66%of principals
65%of superintendents
say that offering CS is more important than or just as important as required courses like math, science, history and English.
U.S. students need more support from parents in advocating for CS in the classroom. U.S. schools need more qualified teachers and funds to increase the likelihood of advancing CS education at the evolution rate needed to keep up with the world's ever-changing technological demands.
Trends in the State of Computer Science in U.S. K-12 Schools highlights the need for early exposure and opportunities for students to learn foundational skills and consider viable computing careers. The report re-examines the key areas identified in the first year of study, including perceptions about the value of CS education, as well as awareness of and access to CS offerings in schools. School systems, policymakers and parents can learn how to help students become more involved in CS before college.
Download this report to learn:
- the perceived value of computer science learning in schools
- levels of exposure to and access to computer science learning in K-12 schools
- which types of schools offer the best exposure to computer science education for their students
- opportunities for students to learn computer science outside of classrooms
- perceptions of the computer science field
- support efforts of parents, educators and administrators to increase computer science education
- challenges and opportunities for CS in K-12 schools
Since 2014, Google and Gallup have partnered to research CS education in U.S. K-12 schools.