December 7, 2009— The Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and its
partners are launching Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek) to
uncover and remedy the inadequacy of the nation’s computer science
education system at the K-12 level. While 5 of the top 10 fastest
growing jobs are in computing-related fields, the percent of schools
with rigorous high school computing courses fell from 40 percent to 27
percent from 2005 to 2009. The last 60 years witnessed an
extraordinary burst of innovation and talent that have produced a
nation where most can scarcely remember life without computers. Yet
this innovation-based society is at risk if students are not learning
fundamental computing knowledge in our nation’s schools.
“CSEdWeek is a new national movement to raise awareness of the
significance of computer science in our daily lives and our economy,”
said John White, CEO of ACM. “We need to make a concrete connection in
people’s minds between that reality and the need to focus on computing
knowledge in K-12 classrooms. The conversation about computer science
education speaks directly to the issues of innovation, competitiveness,
and a healthy future.”
Watch John White’s introduction to CSEdWeek on the official YouTube
channel: http://www.youtube.com/CSEdWeek
Computer Science Education Week, December 6-12, 2009, recognizes that
computing:
Touches everyone’s daily lives and plays a critical role in society
Drives innovation and economic growth
Provides rewarding job opportunities
Prepares students with the knowledge and skills they need for the
21st
century
Why is Computer Science Education Important?
It exposes students to critical thinking
It is essential for success in the digital age
Too few students are exposed to opportunities presented by computer
science
Educators, parents, policymakers, professionals and students are
invited to become part of this important effort by utilizing the
valuable resources on this web site.
Computer Science Education Week is a joint effort led by ACM with the
cooperation and deep involvement of the Computer Science Teachers
Association, the Computing Research Association, the National Center
for Women & Information Technology, the Anita Borg Institute, the
National Science Foundation, Google, Inc., Intel, and Microsoft. The
U.S. House of Representatives passed the resolution creating CSEdWeek,
which was introduced by Congressmen Vernon Ehlers (R-MI) and Jared
Polis (D-CO).
Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek), December 6-12, recognizes
the critical role of computing in society and the need to expose more
students to the opportunities Computer Science presents.
The week was designated in honor of Grace Murray Hoppers’ Birthday on
December 9th. While living in Arlington, we students had the priviledge
of meeting Grace Hopper.
H. Res. 558
In the House of Representatives, U. S.,
Enacted on October 20, 2009.
Whereas computing technology has become an integral part of culture
and is transforming how people interact with each other and the world
around them;
Whereas computer science is transforming industry, creating new
fields
of commerce, driving innovation in all fields of science, and
bolstering productivity in established economic sectors;
Whereas the field of computer science underpins the information
technology sector of our economy, which is a significant contributor to
United States economic output;
Whereas the information technology sector is uniquely positioned to
help with economic recovery through the research and development of new
innovations;
Whereas National Computer Science Education Week can inform
students,
teachers, parents, and the general public about the crucial role that
computer science plays in transforming our society and how computer
science enables innovation in all science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics disciplines and creates economic opportunities;
Whereas providing students the chance to participate in
high-quality
computer science activities, including through science scholarships,
exposes them to the rich opportunities the field offers and provides
critical thinking skills that will serve them throughout their lives;
Whereas all students deserve a thorough preparation in science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics education, including access to
the qualified teachers, technology, and age-appropriate curriculum
needed to learn computer science at the elementary and secondary levels
of education;
Whereas these subjects provide the critical foundation to master
the
skills demanded by our 21st century workforce;
Whereas computer science education has challenges to address,
including distinguishing computer science from technology literacy and
providing adequate professional development for computer science
teachers;
Whereas the field of computer science has significant equity
barriers
to address, including attracting more participation by females and
underrepresented minorities to all levels and branches;
Whereas Grace Murray Hopper, one of the first females in the field
of
computer science, engineered new programming languages and pioneered
standards for computer systems which laid the foundation for many
advancements in computer science; and
Whereas the week of December 7, in honor of Grace Hopper’s
birthday,
is designated as “National Computer Science Education Week”: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives—
(1) supports the designation of National Computer Science Education
Week;
(2) encourages schools, teachers, researchers, universities, and
policymakers to identify mechanisms for teachers to receive cutting
edge professional development to provide sustainable learning
experiences in computer science at all educational levels and encourage
students to be exposed to computer science concepts;
(3) encourages opportunities, including through existing programs, for
females and underrepresented minorities in computer science; and
(4) supports research in computer science to address what would
motivate increased participation in this
resources
http://www.csedweek.org/CSEDWeek