Should Schools Mandate Computer-Coding Classes?

There are a lot of good reasons for treating computer science as a core subject in high schools. Computers are everywhere. Not understanding the basics of how they work is like not knowing how to change a tire. Knowledge of computers also makes a person attractive in the job market. Techies believe that it's pure common sense to incorporate the language of computers into schools, if only to allow students to keep up with their industry. They say it's the tech economy, after all, that is changing how the entire world behaves. That's a compelling argument, but it misses a few key questions.

• First, are students learning basic computer coding the way that young ladies at secretarial schools used to learn how to type? If so, teachers are missing a huge opportunity.
• Second, what do the students think they are getting from these courses? Do they expect to go to Silicon Valley and find a job?
• Third, will students be able to get the full benefit of a computer-science course if they aren't already up to speed on other core subjects like math and physics?
• Fourth, are students adept enough at math and physics to teach theoretical programming?