Vision of Computer Science Education in Iowa

All Iowa students will engage in the concepts and practices of computer science through an intentional progression of experiences in order to prepare them to become enterprising citizens that positively impact society.

Why our vision matters

• Computer science is taught in less than 25 percent of K-12 schools across the country, and even fewer middle or elementary schools offer academically rigorous computer science experiences. Women, girls, minorities, and persons with disabilities participate in computing in very low numbers, which is a loss of talent, creativity, and innovation for the discipline and the nation.
• Today's students are going to be entering jobs not yet created. The concepts and practices of computer science will be a component of succeeding in those jobs. Therefore, to best equip the students to survive, maintain, and advance the world left in their hands, they must have experience in computer science.
• Computer science will continue to redefine our society in every way imaginable, and ways that are unimaginable. We can only prepare students for this transition of societal norms by exposing them to the processes of Computer Science which will cause the change.
• Computer Science underlies most innovation today, from biotechnology to cinematography to national security. This ability to innovate with technology is important for students' future success and ability to make a difference in a global society.
• Computer science teaches students design, logical reasoning, and problem-solving - all valuable well beyond the computer science classroom. The ability to create and adapt to new technologies is a foundational 21st-century skill.
• Computer Science can make curriculum more relevant for students. Computer science can tap into students' interest in technology, helping them become technology innovators. Other teachers can build on these skills, allowing students to design technical solutions to problems in science, math, social studies, the arts, and literacy. This can make learning more relevant for youth, potentially improving their engagement and achievement in these areas.