{"id":2993,"date":"2010-12-06T16:30:00","date_gmt":"2010-12-06T16:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.msdn.microsoft.com\/msr_er\/2010\/12\/06\/computer-science-education-week-spotlights-the-needs-in-u-s-schools\/"},"modified":"2016-07-20T07:34:16","modified_gmt":"2016-07-20T14:34:16","slug":"computer-science-education-week-spotlights-the-needs-in-u-s-schools","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/blog\/computer-science-education-week-spotlights-the-needs-in-u-s-schools\/","title":{"rendered":"Computer Science Education Week Spotlights the Needs in U.S. Schools"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Computer<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

As computer-science researchers, we at Microsoft Research are committed to strong computer-science education programs. With more than 800 researchers worldwide, we know firsthand the value of a solid computer-science education, which is why Microsoft Research is a proud supporter of the second annual <\/span><\/span>Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek)<\/span><\/span> (opens in new tab)<\/span><\/a>, celebrated this year from December 5-11 in the United States.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

This week’s focus on computer-science education couldn’t be timelier. The recent report from the Association for Computing Machinery, <\/span><\/span>Running on Empty<\/span><\/span><\/i> (opens in new tab)<\/span><\/a>, reveals that the state of computer-science education in the United States is alarming. Only nine states count computer-science courses as a core academic subject in high-school graduation requirements. Meanwhile, there will be a projected 1.4 million new computing jobs by 2018, so we need more states to see the light and join in producing qualified students. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Making matters worse, funding cuts in local school districts have hit computer-science programs heavily. Statistics show that in many school districts, teachers who can teach computer science are being reassigned to mathematics or science classes. How can we as a nation afford to cut corners on this vital component of a 21st-century education? <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

CSEdWeek is a call to action. It’s a rallying point for teachers, parents, and schools at all levels—from K-12 through college—to focus attention on this problem and to build more robust computer-science education programs throughout the United States. Corporations, too, must make their voices heard in support of policies and programs that advance the state of computer-science education. I’m proud that Microsoft is a supporter of CSEdWeek and a strong advocate of computer-science education. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

At Microsoft Research, we have a number of tools designed for high-school students, showing them how scientific computing can be part of their daily lives—and fun, as well. Two of these are showcased on our associated <\/span><\/span>website<\/span><\/span> (opens in new tab)<\/span><\/a>:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n