All
Georgia students need access to computer science courses – even if they’re not
going to enter a computer science-specific career.
Computer
science provides foundational learning benefiting every child, giving them a
set of essential knowledge for a wide variety of future careers and interests.
We’re working to make sure every student has a chance to learn those skills
during their K-12 education – to prepare for the emerging demands of the 21st
century, not just to major in computer science or secure a job as a software
engineer.
In
Georgia, students have access to nine computer science courses that can be used
to satisfy graduation requirements in the areas of math, science, and foreign
language – expanding opportunities for students, and expanding the avenues for
graduation.
Georgia
also participated in the development of the K-12 Computer Science
Framework,
an overarching set of ideas developed by industry, national organizations, and
state contributors about what aspects of computer science should be taught to
every student throughout K-12 education.
Computer
science is more than just coding. It’s involved in many facets of our society –
from social media to self-driving cars. It’s used by paralegals, fashion
designers, mechanics, and professional athletic trainers. Just as our students
must be fluent in English and basic math concepts to function in society, they
also need a foundation and basic understanding of computational thinking and
computer science concepts.
On
these pages, you’ll learn more about our work to promote computer science
throughout Georgia’s K-12 education system.
Legislation:
· 18 approved and funded computing courses in Georgia; 9 count towards
graduation credit for the 4th Math credit or the 4th Science credit; same 9 count as a
science for admission to the University System of Georgia
· A sequence of computer science courses may fill the Foreign
Language credit for admission into the University System of Georgia
· Georgia instrumental in developing comprehensive K12 CS framework
in conjunction with leading industry and private organizations (ACM, CSTA,
Code.org, CIC, and NMSI)
· State standards for elementary, middle and high schools currently
under development
Georgia Computer Science Statistics:
·
20,104 open computing jobs vs 1,496 Computer Science grads
·
71% of all new jobs in STEM are in computing
·
Computer Science majors earn 40% more than average college grads
·
Average salary for computing occupation in Georgia: $85,678
·
16% of schools teach Advanced Placement Computer Science
· 1,658 students took the Advanced Placement Computer Science test in 2015; 19% were female