Standardized tests may be holding back the next generation of computer programmer

Is computer science as important as English, history or math? Most parents, teachers and students in schools today would say yes, according to a study released by Google and Gallup. Parents told researchers that they want computer science taught in schools; 21 percent even said that they think computer science is more important than traditional core subjects such as math, science history or English. But while many are clamoring for computer science to be taught in schools, the study found that only 8 percent of school administrators see computer science as a priority. And even those who are hearing the message are often too strapped for time to address those concerns.

Google and other technology companies have long stressed the importance of computer science education in schools, particularly for girls and minority students, who are often not exposed to computer science or discouraged from pursuing it. But the company wanted to find out more information about what was happening on the ground in schools as a baseline for building future programs. Technology barriers are often pointed to as an obstacle for computer science education, but the study found that wasn't the case for most schools. In most cases, students have access to computers at school and at home; nearly all have mobile devices that could be used to teach programming. Instead, principals and superintendents pointed to a far more valuable resource: time. Administrators said they must focus classroom work on teaching students to pass standardized tests.