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Computer Science education empowers individuals with the ability to understand and use technology as tools for engaging with the world around them.  As productive members of society we need to have a basic understanding of hardware and software and how the use of technology affects society so we are able to make informed decisions.  CS education provides individuals opportunities to develop and grow the fundamental knowledge and understanding of how algorithms and systems work so it can be applied to life.  Society needs members who are able to effectively collaborate and communicate and be creative in their problem solving abilities. Computer Science education allows us to move forward together using technology as a tool that grows humanity.

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CS is everywhere. The days of teaching the scientific method as a black and white, step by step, problem solving formula are long gone. CS, and the multitude of solution oriented and innovative process' that are discovered daily is truly the future of mankind. CS type jobs will become more necessary each year, and those who can think as innovators and explorers will be very successful. As each wave of new thought enters the world, there will need to be CS solutions and applications to meet the current needs. With the advancement in all technologies advancing at such a rapid pace, this need for CS and its practical development will always follow suit- ensuring solution oriented thinkers and innovators will always have an ever-more important role in advancement with the CS process

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CS is a vital piece of our everyday lives. It impacts the everyday values that us citizens value in our 21st century world. As our world advances, our accessibility to the changes need to be front of our education system. To do this, our students need to engage in creative computing to build a framework of problem solving skills for a successful tomorrow.

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CS matters because it is our future. Everyday computers and science become a more integral part of our lives. As educators we are responsible for equipping the next generation with tools to succeed, to create a better place, and to progress forward. Integrating CS and making our students versatile in all CS knowledge holds the same value and importance as teaching them to read, write, and complete math problems. CS is part of our daily lives and we need to prepare students to be able to operate different facades of CS.

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I teach a lot of students who have continuously struggled with understanding mathematical processes. Remembering and following steps based on the situation they are given is difficult and sometimes frustrating. They often forget that numbers can be very tangible and that all mathematical processes follow a certain logic. I hope by incorporating CS into our math classes my students will:
1) understand why following a process is important (not just to arrive at a math solution but also in order to program and control a computer)
2) I hope they are encouraged by seeing that they can lean on the help of a computer to solve problems and that using such tools expands what their minds are able to achieve.
3) I hope CS gives students a reason to put their best effort into their math work. In their minds, basic computation has been made obsolete by calculators, smart phones, and Alexa. I hope to show them that the logic and critical thinking that is also a part of math is essential in careers involving CS.
For this reason, I really resonated with CSforAll's 3 CS Visions: Competencies/Literacies, Economic/Workforce Development, and Personal Agency/Joy/Fulfillment

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Why Computer Science? Todd DeSimone.  Computer Science can be applied in nearly every business. Chances are our students will need the skills they learn from Computer Science education. As technology and society move towards the future, this need will increase in ways that we do not and cannot know now. Computer Science education builds the framework on which our students improve technology and society as that future is revealed.

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Why Computer Science? Todd DeSimone.  Computer Science can be applied in nearly every business. Chances are our students will need the skills they learn from Computer Science education. As technology and society move towards the future, this need will increase in ways that we do not and cannot know now. Computer Science education builds the framework on which our students improve technology and society as that future is revealed.

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Why CS? Nadine Hoepfl    St. John's Community summer school in Phoenixville encourages our students to awake to today's Modern World.  Connecting with compassion is encouraged by computer technology, impacting our society.  As a Family Consumer Science, & ESL teacher, modern processes teach skill sets such as communication, creativity capabilities for the K-12 curriculum.  Focusing on our day to day, moment to moment needs can be confidently supplied with computer science, preparing our students for  future advancement success with confidence!          

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Why CS? Nadine Hoepfl    St. John's Community summer school in Phoenixville encourages our students to awake to today's Modern World.  Connecting with compassion is encouraged by computer technology, impacting our society.  As a Family Consumer Science, & ESL teacher, modern processes teach skill sets such as communication, creativity capabilities for the K-12 curriculum.  Focusing on our day to day, moment to moment needs can be confidently supplied with computer science, preparing our students for  future advancement success with confidence!          

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In today's world there are unlimited opportunities for our students to explore and pursue career paths of their choosing. However, most of them do not understand that almost every job available today involves computer science. While computers, and technology in general, interact with our daily lives from the moment we wake up until we set our alarms for the next morning, most schools are not teaching computer science. With the fastest job growth, higher than average earnings, and many careers requiring less than a 4 year degree, the real discussion is why are we not focusing on CS?

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As stated before computer science is here to stay and is not going away. It has such an impact on individuals lives that one might not realize. Computer science can help students grow and be exposed to many different opportunities. Computer science also helps teach students different skills such as problem solving, communication, and creativity. Teaching students computer science at a young age will help better the future and give students more opportunities to be involved in their community.

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I am a veteran teacher of the humanities. I have always felt put off by the emphasis on STEM and STEAM courses, often asking, is there no regard for the humanities any longer? At the same time I am a realist and the reality is that the data supports CS as an integral part of any school curriculum. I am learning through the CSinPA Pathways program that there can be and must be room for it all. CS should be taught as its own separate curriculum AND integrated into other academic subjects. School districts need to make the leap and decide to embrace this science and commit to developing it in the K-12 curriculum.

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Computer Science is a growing field and technology is not going away. Computer Science teaches important, life-long, transferable skills such as problem solving, innovation, persistence, and more. These skills are essential for success in our future world. We never know what it may be like, but if we can give students the tools they need then they will be able to tackle whatever challenge they face.

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The world is changing around us very quickly, and in Pennsylvania the need for employees to have CS is rapidly growing. In education, we are given the task to prepare students with skills based on jobs that haven't been invented because the technology hasn't been developed yet. CS education gives students the opportunities to develop skills, knowledge base, and the preparation needed to better prepare students for a future that has so many unknowns. The need for soft skills have been increasing too, and many schools are integrating these skills into the classroom; some of these skills include problem solving, communication, and interpersonal skills. CS natural addresses these skills, while allowing students to experience learning through failure, which leads to advancements in problem solving and higher levels of thinking. I believe the key is starting students when they are young and making it fun. CS is like another form of language, we introduce students to learning a language at a young age, CS should be no different. As the child ages and masters different levels of the "said" language, he or she should also have the opportunity to master CS too. This will all lead to students being better prepared for an unknown future/careers, and hopefully give them the flexibility when selecting a career or being prepared for the demands of said the career.

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Computers are increasingly becoming ubiquitous parts of our lives, and our current K-8 students will never experience the world without them. Given that students will be surrounded by computers, we can best prepare them by helping them to understand the how and why of computers so that they can make informed choices. CS gives learners access to a wide array of high paying jobs, which can open doors to their future. Moreover, the habits of mind developed via CS will serve students well throughout their lives as they break down tasks and make logical, well-informed decisions.

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We live in a technology based world, much different from when I grew up.  Almost everything we use and deal with daily involves some type of technology and computer.  Students need to have the understanding of how things work and how to problem solve.  Computer science gives students these skills.  They have to look at the process to see how to fix something.  This process of problem solving is so important in all aspects of our lives.  Students will face problems all their lives where they will need to problem solve the best solution.

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CS importance in the middle school and high school math world - Holly Collins HIS Kids Christian School

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CS importance in the middle school and high school math world - Holly Collins HIS Kids Christian School

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CS matters because it helps answer the question during math “When am I ever going to use this in real life?” I would always answer with things such as “Well what if you don’t have a calculator?”  or “When you go to college, in order to get the degree you want, you will have to take other classes as well, and you will need this to help with those classes.” The students never really liked that answer, and to be honest, neither did I. I didn’t feel as though I was connecting with them as to why early and high school math was so important. Especially since not everyone will want to or have the ability to attend college. As I was reading through the materials I found myself finding more and more reasons to answer that question. For example: When a middle school or high schooler takes Algebra they always like to throw out the question “Why should I have to do this? When am I ever going to use this in real life?” Well I found, while reading the provided materials, a coding program that uses Algebra, addition ,and subtraction to code. Can you imagine that conversation? While investigating more I found out that the coding platform is called Bootstrapworld.org. The introductory video really got me excited to talk with students about CS and how it is involved in our entire world. With many students focused on video games now, as a play outlet at home, this program provides many reasons why you need math in the “real world”. Bootstrap is an amazing resource that not only uses Algebra, addition, and subtraction to code and make video games, but it also gets students involved in the CS world and thinking about math in a whole new way. Math is now not just a problem to solve but a tool they can use to create something amazing! This may also lead students toward a career they may not have even considered due to lack of interest in traditional math. That is why I think CS matters!

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Naysa Altmeyer

As a High School Spanish teacher in a small district, I have experienced first-hand the importance of CS. Our district is constantly expanding the electives they offer and more and more of them are Computer Science related. I found myself teaching an Evolution of Games CS course about 5 years ago and I have been teaching it ever since. Many of our teachers have been given a computer science course if they have an empty space in their schedule. This is definitely a growing field with many teaching opportunities and it is highly likely that educators will find themselves somehow involved in CS in their career (no matter what their certification is) as technology plays an integral role in our curriculum and graduation pathways.

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Computer science matters because students need to be able to approach problems and tasks from a variety of perspectives. If we can help develop versatile students through the lenses of new(er) subjects like CS, we will continue to keep our students ready for the future.

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Computer science matters because our world depends on the next generation of computational thinkers and problem solvers. Jobs, design solutions, and efficiency all depend on the future and continual improvement of computer science. Teaching students at a young age how to use programs and code will better set students up for the types of jobs that are available.

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Robyn Shaw - B-SSD

We are in the digital age, and many aspects of our life involve computer science.  No other subject will open as many doors for students preparing to live and work in the 21st century than computer science.  Aspects of CS are found everywhere, from farming to healthcare, and beyond.  CS also teaches skills such as sequencing, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and communication.  Encouraging students to dig deeper into things that they love, such as developing video games and apps makes CS relevant to their everyday lives, and helps give them more of a concrete view of why and how CS is relevant to them now, and in the future.

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Why Computer Science? (Greater Latrobe School District)

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Why Computer Science? (Greater Latrobe School District)

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Globally, computer science is essential to be a productive, connected, thriving part of society. Though it is impossible to teach every tool and every program to every child, providing a strong and equitable knowledge base of computer science will foster confidence in all students. Building this confidence will empower them to problem solve, explore, and evaluate new technologies as they emerge. Those who find their passion through this exposure will be inspired to pursue careers in this growing and necessary field; making our country more prepared to influence the world.

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WHY Computer Science? (Alison Russo-BCS)

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WHY Computer Science? (Alison Russo-BCS)

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Computer Science techniques model the ever-growing STEM development very similarly. These students in early childhood through the high school level are coming through a new era of schooling than most of us ever experienced nor can fathom the pace. The core curriculum we have at hand currently can be tasking to teach the foundations of standard mathematics through algorithms even through a virtual workbook model that they have as a hard copy. They simply have a processing barrier in word-problems. These students are more naturally equipped to process mathematics efficiently with digital or real-world-math application tools through connections that are most compatible to them in order to support the foundational skill proficiency as well as critical-thinking in and out of the classroom setting. These enrichment tools matter significantly in curving the "declared undecided" for college admissions in addition to graduating with the; "Now what do I do after 3-4 years with this title?" Overall, the early the better on piecing together CS among STEM would collaborate data percentages more closely than a bridging a gap.

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For the past 25 years, I have been an educator in a public school district. The changes that I have experienced in all aspects of education are resounding. However, the area that stands out for me is how advanced technology has become and how the curriculum has been developed to make sure our students are receiving a sound and well-rounded CS education.

Today, we live in a digital world where computer science is an integral part of EVERY industry. There is no denying that without CS, our world would not run as efficiently as it does. Think about all the advancements in medicine and science in the last 25 years.  Who can we thank for this? Well, of course, CS and the brilliant people who plan, write, create programs making our world a much better place to live.

Our jobs as educators are to expose students to countless digital careers that they can pursue. We need to make sure that we are exposing them to curriculum, job shadowing opportunities, guest speakers, and camp programs. We need to spread the word that CS is the future of our country!

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Computer science is relevant today and is not going away.  CS helps to teach children a new way of thinking and lets them take their ideas and create something cool.  The young people are our future and I think that CS can help those young people make the world a better place.

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(Jennifer BCS)

Computing is part of    everything we do. It enables you to solve complex, challenging problems. Computer science helps you to make a positive difference in the world. Computer careers are here to stay, regardless of where you are located. Computing is an essential part of well-rounded academic preparation. Future opportunities in computer science are without boundaries.

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Why CS?  (Michelle - Mount Union Area School District)

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Why CS?  (Michelle - Mount Union Area School District)

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Technology surrounds us.  It is embedded in everything we do.  Without having a general understanding of how things work, we are stifling our students' capabilities and imaginations.  We use technology to communicate, collaborate, show creativity, and to think critically - all are marketable skills that are needed in today's job market.    With a problem-based curriculum, computer science can build those necessary skills needed in order to be successful in today's ever-evolving world.  Students should be challenged to design multimedia projects, develop their research skills, and work in collaboration with others.  With this skillset in our graduating seniors, we are helping them to find sustainable wages, become informed consumers and contributors to today's society, and discover new solutions to today's problems.  Without a foundation in computer science, we are limiting our students to an education created for centuries past ..ones that prepared students for the agricultural and industrial worlds.  Technology is the present and the future; we must be proactive in preparing kids for today and tomorrow, not yesterday!

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We live in a world in which you can yell across the room, "Alexa play 90's greatest hits" and a computing device starts playing Nirvana; and self driving vehicles could pass you on the freeway.

The Apollo 11 computer had a processor which ran at 0.043 MHz. Modern smart phones have over 100,000 times the processing power of the computer that landed man on the moon 50 years ago.

Our world is dominated by computing technology. To participate and to contribute in our current society requires digital literacy.

Pennsylvania state educational requirements for computer science is severely lacking.  School level CS programs are implemented and administered by motivated and informed people alone.  There is no K-12 CS curriculum established in PA.  And, some schools are exclusively still teaching keyboarding while the number of computing devices to humans on Earth is beyond 1:1.
Computer Science is not going anywhere and will be a core requirement soon enough; a cohesive CS curriculum is essential to a successful future for everyone.

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We live in a digital age, and we can't deny that technology has made the world a different place than it was 20 years ago. The improvements in technology didn't happen overnight. Imagine where we will be in another 20 years through studying computer science. The possibilities are endless, and I am excited to see what the next generation brings to the table in regards to computer science.

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Why does Computer Science Matter?  (Lesley - AIU3 Diocese of Pittsburgh)

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Why does Computer Science Matter?  (Lesley - AIU3 Diocese of Pittsburgh)

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If we want our children to be prepared for the future, computer science matters.  It matters for economic and future job outlook reasons.  It's a rapidly growing field that pays well and offers economic stability for employees, especially where, as we have seen in a pandemic world, the ability to pivot to working from home is so important.

Providing CS education in the schools will help our children understand the science behind their computers. It will engage their curiousity and teach them valuable skills that apply througout not only their education, but their whole life, like problem solving, hypothesizing, testing ideas, and making adjustments.

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Why does Computer Science Matter? Megan (SPS)

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Why does Computer Science Matter? Megan (SPS)

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As educators our job is to prepare students for the future, whether that be moving on to the first grade, to high school or moving into the work force. Providing students with a well rounded education that includes computer science is extremely important. We live in a digital world, and that is all because of computer science. Our students must be able to read, write, solve problems, and critically think to be successful. But they have to be able to do all of those things, the old fashioned way (using paper/pencil) as well as through a digital platform. It has been demonstrated that students who have a strong foundation in computer science show an overall greater success in their educational endeavors, as well as when entering the workforce.

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As we prepare our students for the future, we are preparing them for whatever job they may acquire - some jobs that may not have been invented yet. Computer Science will prepare them to create a variety of solutions to problems, enabling them to fine tune solutions as the factors in problems change. Computers are not going away, and we owe it to our student to become profecient in computer technology. They must be able to use the wide variety of technologies, understand the structures, and be able to use and improve the process or programs within each system.

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Mary Mueller CVSD
Have you ever wondered about how that cell phone came to be such a necessary part of your life?  Or the FitBit?  Or your tablet? Or for that matter, almost every aspect of our lives?  It all starts with teaching the fundamentals of Computer Science, which, by the way, isn't all about building websites or being able to troubleshoot problems for your co-workers or family members.  CSed is all about the science behind what makes that tech tick and it's subsequent impact on our lives. It affects nearly everyone, nearly everywhere, nearly every waking moment. If we don't learn HOW things work, we can't really create effective tech.  Just like the Wright brothers learned about the concepts of aerodynamics, our students need to learn the concepts of algorithms, the design of hardware and software, how to implement those designs, and ultimately, the impact it all has on our global society. So, now go ahead and answer that phone - and try not to think about how it came to be...I dare you... ;-)

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There are a lot of reasons why computer science matters in our curriculum. In my opinion the biggest and most crucial reason reason it that if we -as a society- want to prepare our students for the workforce we must provide CS/computer education during their school year. This education provides invaluable skills in not only technology and computing but also for critical thinking and problem solving skills. According to CODE.org, "Every 21st Century child should have a chance to learn about algorithms, how to create apps or how the internet works". They go on to state that "a computer science major can earn 40% more than the average college graduate" and computing jobs at ever level are the "#1 source of new wages in the US". Through solid CS education and curriculum we can bridge the digital divide and off every student a seat at the table. 

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There are a lot of reasons why computer science matters in our curriculum. In my opinion the biggest and most crucial reason reason it that if we -as a society- want to prepare our students for the workforce we must provide CS/computer education during their school year. This education provides invaluable skills in not only technology and computing but also for critical thinking and problem solving skills. According to CODE.org, "Every 21st Century child should have a chance to learn about algorithms, how to create apps or how the internet works". They go on to state that "a computer science major can earn 40% more than the average college graduate" and computing jobs at ever level are the "#1 source of new wages in the US". Through solid CS education and curriculum we can bridge the digital divide and off every student a seat at the table. 

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Jessica Stover
Woodland Hills School District

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Elizabeth

Teaching Computer Science is important for all students.  The future depends on the youth of today being able to solve problems.  Computer science helps you to do that by learning different languages to program and developing software.  There are aspects of technology in used in all jobs and that will continue into the future at a more complex degree than we know now.  We must implement computer science in kindergarten and engage our students in fun and exciting learning activities that will encourage them to want to learn more.  Research shows that students involved in computer science will also improve in other subject areas.  Surveys state that parents want there children to have CS in school, they know the benefits that CS can bring to their child now, and in the child’s future

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As educators, it is our responsibility to make sure that our students are prepared for the future.  Computer Science will teach our students to be problem solvers, be able to collaborate with others, and show their creativity in a different way.  In today’s world technology is everything and children should not just be consumed in technology, but should also learn to produce material within technology.  We always want to see our students thrive, therefore let’s promote a more diverse technological workforce for them so they are prepared for what the future will look like.

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Lauren S (BFSA)
Preparing students for the next grade level, higher education, or a future career path will definitely contain a component of CS. Teaching students the skills of logical thinking, problem solving, and instructions involved with CS will provide them with a foundation to tackle new and varying difficulties of technology in whatever their next step is. In a world that’s constantly changing in regards to technology, CS is critical for building skills and confidence so students can embrace whatever comes their way and be socially responsible in the process.

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"Why does CS matter?" - Pitch by Heath L - NASD

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"Why does CS matter?" - Pitch by Heath L - NASD

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Preparing students for the next phase in life is priority for educators.  Whether a student is transferring to the next grade level or graduating to the next post-secondary endeavor, computer science will play a role in their future.  Not only is the field of computer science one of the largest growing career pathways but is woven into every occupation and industry.  As we prepare students for careers that don’t even exist yet, computer science is a tool students will need to be successful. Furthermore, computer science and computational thinking provides students the opportunity to apply math and science principles and see their relevance through minds-on/hands-on activities embracing a holistic approach to learning by combining content, processes, and skills. Finally, students should be exposed to a new version of technological literacy combined with computer science, the design process, and computational thinking; while, analyzing the impacts on society, culture, and the environment.

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Today, learning to use computers and technology isn't enough. What our students are learning to use today is obsolete tomorrow. They need to have a deeper understanding to be able to adapt to the changing world. Learning Computer Science teaches students to think in a different way too. It helps them to look at problems in different ways, and be very precise with instructions. All of this prepares them for a world that will look very different when they are entering the workforce than it does today.

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Computer science matters because we live in a digital world. Early exposure to CS helps students grasp the concepts of computational thinking through everyday life. CS concepts can make students become better problem solvers, encourage creativity, and become innovators. This can help make students develop an understanding of the necessary steps to complete a task in their school life or everyday life. Students need to become aware of CS through a variety of exposures from school and how it can affect them in the future with obtaining a job.

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Computer science matters because computers and technology have become such an integrated part of our society. Our students begin using computers and the internet at an early age and it is important for them to understand how they work so they use them safely and effectively. Developing the skills needed in computer science, like collaboration and troubleshooting, can help in many other areas of study. Computer science careers are abundant and do not always require a 4 year degree. This makes them ideal for the students who thrive with CS but may not do as well in other academic areas. Computer science is growing and we will continue to need people in this field for a long time.

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Computer Science is an essential skill for any student. As technology grows at an exponential rate, everyone will find themselves navigating through technology at some point, whether it is in a work environment or a personal environment. Coding will allow our students to become successful problem-solvers, as well as innovators. This is one of the most powerful skills we can teach our students. Students will be able to thrive with this knowledge, and they will be able to bring ideas life or improve on existing ideas. This skill set will allow ALL students to maximize their earning potential and work in a variety of industries.

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I teach Early Intervention, our youngest learners who already exposed to various means of technology and problem solving in their first few years of life. They are our future designers, developers and researchers. By continuing to grow their understanding of computer science, we are able support the development of our community, society and beyond. Computer science encompasses a variety of skills that prepare our students at a young age for a bright future that is in their hands.

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Computer science will serve as the gateway for our students to every profession and vocation they can imagine.  While some may embrace computer science as their end goal, far more will utilize it as a means to an end.  Developing skills in computer science will lead to a greater degree of independence in any field for our graduates.  The applications of this knowledge are limitless, and by making the acquisition of computer science skills an accessible priority for our students, we are putting the tools of creativity, problem solving, and innovation directly into the hands.

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Computer Science (CS) matters because its a field of study that is quickly infiltrating all other fields of study and labor. By preparing our students with CS knowledge from early on through middle and high school, and potentially into secondary programs, they are prepared for nearly any involvement of computer science or technology in the future.

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Computer Science (CS) matters because all learners are capable of learning the basics of computational thinking (CT) and programming. All learners deserve an equitable opportunity to explore CS as a possible career pathway. CT includes transferable skills of logical thinking and basic math: problem solving, decomposition, assigning tasks, looking for patterns, making predictions, abstracting the general principles of pattern and creating step by step algorithms. Experience with programming is in high demand in PA. There are more than 13,500 unfilled computer science and software development jobs in Pennsylvania with an average salary of $89,590. Being technology creators and not just technology users, can be life changing for families in PA.

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In previous generations, there were advancements and innovations that steered people groups. Whether it was John Deere with his steel plow for agriculture [yes, that is where it came from] or Bramah & Armstrong with hydraulics, humans have always been advancing to stake our claims as mini-creators. Computer Science could be this generation's steam engine, but with the fluidity to morph into a vast diversity of opportunities that the agricultural and industrial revolutions could not envision entirely. CS is powerful because it maintains the ability to tap into both hemispheres of the human mind allowing logistics and creativity dwell with one another in a symbiotic dance.

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Why computer science? Simply because it is now, and will continue into the future. Perhaps, more than any other subject it gives students tools for employment, while simultaneously teaching thinking skills, along with a multitude of others. Based on labor projections, it is a viable career path which will provide opportunities for growth in the future. Computer science offers much, perhaps more than anything it provides a pathway into the future.

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The future is technology.  It is constantly changing and building upon itself.  If we do not teach CS to our students, we are hurting them and their future. We want to include all our students in CS. They always talked about the edge kids that get read to every night has versus those that do not.  This is the same thing.  If we do not start the race, we are already behind.  There are more CS jobs with higher salaries in PA than other fields, with all level of degrees and knowledge.  There are hardly any field that does not require some level or degree of technology. From those that think of the idea, to those that create the idea, people to run that idea, and down to those that fix that idea.  CS is in every aspect of our lives.  So, the question shouldn’t be “Why does CS matter?”, but “Why wouldn’t CS matter?”.

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Computer Science is a growing field with endless possibilities and wonderful career opportunities.  It allows students to be curious about science while they learn to problem solve, think critically, be creative and be innovators.  Computer science promotes students to use teamwork, collaboration and communication.  Students are able to gain skills while creating things for our world and developing ownership.  These skills will help prepare our students for the future.  Computer science is an amazing opportunity to start a love of science.

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As teachers, we all want our students to be successful. We strive every day to help them be successful in our own classrooms and schools but we also hope that what we teach them can help them to be successful in every endeavor of their lives. Computer Science education opens students up to a huge variety of job opportunities all across the country with the potential to earn a salary much higher than average.  Because the career paths are essentially endless, computer science education provides our students with the opportunity to explore. They get to determine which path they want to pursue.

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Mary Filjones, Port Allegany School District 

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Mary Filjones, Port Allegany School District 

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Computer Science education matters because it is the future and is part of our everyday lives. Computer Science teaches students to use higher order thinking skills. It allows students to become problem solvers in a practical way. Computer Science education will help students to be prepared for the future when it comes to education and communication. Computer Science classes offered at the high school level will also help students to be more prepared for their post high school experiences. Both as a college student or if entering the work force.

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Samantha Bolles, Governor Mifflin Middle School

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Samantha Bolles, Governor Mifflin Middle School

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At the middle school level, students are developmental ripe for learning about future careers.  In my STEAM class, I see all students, so it's vitally important I included computer science. CS gives them other ways to creatively express themselves & opens doorways to a future that they had never considered.  I feel it's important to provide the middle school student a "Goldilocks" exposure to CS- just enough to inspire, but not too much to make them feel overwhelmed or turned off. CS must be made accessible to, and empower, all students. Students at this age are, more so than at any other age, ask, "Why do we need to learn this stuff anyway??" And to that, I say, "CS has more job openings than any other sector of our econonmy; these jobs pay enough money to easily support not just yourself, but a family.  Not interested in going to a 4-year college? Not a problem. Many of these jobs require 2 years or less training, especially if you take the right courses in high school.  Want to stay in PA or go somewhere else? That's fine; CS jobs are offered in every state, in every industry.  Want to have a voice and make a difference?  CS skills will empower you to do that!"

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Computer Science offers such a wide array of career offerings on multiple levels for our students to explore.  Levels vary in terms of required skills so this is why it casts such a large net.  Since it touches so many areas, the possibilities from this one subject area are endless.  What a wonderful opportunity our schools give students by encouraging exploration!  The skills learned can be used across the board in problem solving.  The key concepts of CS provide a foundation  built on inquiry.

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Computer Science allows students the ability to gain and refine the skills needed to be an innovator, computational thinker, and creative collaborator - to name a few. These are lifelong skills that will help our students far into the future. In Pennsylvania alone, the area of computer science is the fastest growing career. As technology continues to evolve and new products, both software and hardware, become available we will need these skills to complete our everyday tasks. Consider how many times a day you use technology, how many times you complete a set of instructions otherwise known as an algorithm, or how many times a day you use computational thinking to assist in a task. Now consider how you would complete your daily tasks or how your day would be different without computer science. Can you think of a career that does not use at least one aspect of computer science? Every career, in one way or another, uses computer science. Without Computer Science education, daily life would be very difficult.

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Rodney Zimmerman, Manheim Christian Day School

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Rodney Zimmerman, Manheim Christian Day School

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I believe computer science is important because it has become essential to nearly every career and household in the world! The knowledge of how the internet works and how computers do all that they can do is staggeringly important for students who are now living in a world where those things have always existed. Beyond the fact that computer science is useful for understanding our world, there are an incredible number of new computer science jobs being created every year. Companies are looking for people with a strong understanding of "computational thinking" and coding skills, and our schools are not supplying them fast enough!

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Kim Herskowitz, Our Lady of the Angels School

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Kim Herskowitz, Our Lady of the Angels School

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Computer Science helps students to be innovators, where they are no longer just consumers, but creators of their world. It allows them to step up and contribute, to take ownership by contributing to society in creative and significant ways. Computer Science skills are needed in all industries and provide students with the opportunity to make a positive impact on the world despite their backgrounds, fields of work, or levels of education. Working with Computer Science helps students to develop those core elements that are rated essential in our lives and places of employment: creativity, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking.

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Sara Eastman IU14, Governor Mifflin School District

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Sara Eastman IU14, Governor Mifflin School District

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Computer science is an important skill for today's students to learn. This rapidly growing field is more than coding and programming. Computer science involves important foundational computational thinking skills that are widely recognized as important for success in life. Because knowledge of computer science can now be found in almost any occupation, it is important that we teach all students these skills. If we don't they will have a disadvantage in the future.

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Computer science matters because it is everywhere.  It doesn't matter what field or profession you select, computer science plays a role in that field.  It is up to us as educators to prepare our students for their future.  So if we don’t include computer science, we are not doing our job.  No computer science means our kids graduate with a disadvantage, which in the computer age means our kids may not succeed.  Computer programming will be our kids superpowers, and those who can be a computer programmer will be the rock stars of tomorrow.

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Tom Sweet IU14, Daniel Boone Area School District

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Tom Sweet IU14, Daniel Boone Area School District

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Stefon Pizzuto, Computer Science Teacher, Reading School District

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Stefon Pizzuto, Computer Science Teacher, Reading School District

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Computer Science matters because it provides a huge number of jobs in any given community and helps boost the economy both locally and nationwide. Furthermore, it does not always require a four year degree to be successful in the field of Computer Science. Many Computer Science jobs are based on certifications instead of degrees and can be achieved in as little as nine months. Computer Science also is the means by which many problems are solved. The inclusion of technology provides new avenues to reach a desired goal, and also speeds up the process of finding resolutions in far less time. In addition, Computer Science, in one way or another, is applicable to nearly every other field of employment and study. We finds this to be evident more and more each day, as there are few careers anymore that do not rely on computers in some form or another. This is why it is imperative that we make Computer Science available to all students beginning at the elementary level and continuing through high school. Students must have access to the latest and most recent forms of technology, and need curriculums that focus on utilizing these tools to learn and grow.

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Judy Craig IU13 Nonpublic STEM Consultant.

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Judy Craig IU13 Nonpublic STEM Consultant.

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All Computer Scientist, no matter what level (Zuckerberger to beginning student) must use Computational Thinking. This process in itself will assist ANYONE in solving problems. I would explain the importance of Computational Thinking for navigating life's problems as the root for why we need Computer Science. Computational Thinking involves 4 parts: 1. Decomposition - dividing a problem into smaller more manageable problems, 2. Pattern Recognition- Identifying patterns or trends in your problem, 3. Abstraction - Identifying similarities / differences among your smaller problems to work toward solutions, 4. Algorithm Design - Step by Step instructions for how to solve problem.

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Computer Science is the future in every aspect of the world. Many people put down working at McDonalds as the low on the pole and being the owner of a huge business is the high, but each of these and everything in the middle has, does and will rely on Computer Science. People might put down having to graduate high school and/or going to college but Computer Science is not just one area, there are so many areas of it that can be learned, crafted and built and can be apart of these for the future. Whether they come from just simple ideas that might make a current device better or making a new path for devices. People always ask me why I teach. When I first started teaching I gave the generic answer most teachers give, but over time I found an area outside of my certification and I found a new answer to that question that really hits home. I am a teacher because I love working with my hands and I believe it is in my position to create a foundation for these students that will help them build their future. I want to show them the endless possibilities that they can accomplish and in my opinion Computer Science is one of the keys to help them do that. From PreK and starting out simple and basic all the way up to 8th grade and getting more detailed, it is a foundation that might spark and interest that will they can continue to build and grow with their generation and for generations to come.

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Kristine Endy IU14, Daniel Boone Area School District

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Kristine Endy IU14, Daniel Boone Area School District

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Computer Science is the number one source of new wages in the US. Pennsylvania has 14,000 unfilled jobs in CS which is close to four times the national average. However, less than 24 percent of students in PA participated in CS learning during the last school year. Of these students who did participate in CS, less than 23 percent were students of color and less than 4 percent were English language learners. Women are also consistently under represented in CS occupations. To improve national competitiveness, innovation, our economy, and labor empowerment, CS education has to be available to ALL students. CS education for all will allow economic mobility, a stable and self reliant economic base to our community, and improve career opportunities for all, including groups that have historically been marginalized. Equitable CS education will ensure all students have the foundational knowledge and skills to pursue a wide variety of pathways and will help fulfill the ongoing need in our technology based world.

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Computer Science is an ever-growing field that does not get nearly enough attention in our schools. Currently 47% of high schools teach computer science which does not help reach the masses of students and their parents who want their children to study computer science in schools. Those that are fortunate enough to receive computer science courses in school say it is one of their favorite courses, coming close behind the arts. Through research, its has been seen that students who take computer science classes are more likely to attend college and perform better at other subject matter. There are currently 400,000 job openings in the various computer science fields, which just goes to prove how much of a need there is for computer science. It starts in the schools, where teachers need to get students more engaged and offer more computer science courses to spark the love for computer science.

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Russ Micale- IU9 St.Marys Area School District

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Russ Micale- IU9 St.Marys Area School District

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Computer science matters because it is the surest thing we, as educators, can do to prepare students for an ever changing world.  I currently teach 3rd grade.  The jobs that these students will be seeking in the future are jobs that do not even exist today.   Many of these new jobs will will require an understanding of computer science.  There currently are 400,000 unfilled computing jobs in the U.S., and they are projected to grow at twice the rate of other jobs.  Not only does computer science develop the specific skills for computer science specific careers, It also fosters complex problem solving strategies, critical thinking, and creativity.  These are valuable assets that any employer would highly value  from their employees. The students who do not receive an education involving computer science are going to be at a severe disadvantage in future job market when compared with students who have learned about computer science.  It is our job to prepare students for the future, computer science is the best way to do that.

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Computer Science matters because our students matter. While CS may be defined as “the study of computers and algorithmic processes, including their principles, their hardware and software designs, their [implementation], and their impact on society”, it’s that impact on society that truly matters and benefits our students. Students who study CS tend to perform better in other subjects and also excel at problem solving. These students are able to think outside of the box, an increasingly important skill in an ever-changing world. Additionally, there is a 17% higher probability that students who take CS courses will attend college. Even students who do not choose to attend college benefit as opportunities revolving around CS are the # 1 source of new wages in the US. There is a huge anticipated increase in opportunities related to CS at every level, within all industries, at all education levels.  

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Computer science occupations are the number one source of new wages in America and the majority of Americans want schools to teach computer science.  In manufacturing, openings for software jobs outpace production jobs for the first time.  In an area where work is becoming scarce and the livelihoods that were once able to be relied upon are disappearing, computer science could be a great way to build our area back to what it once was.  Education can be accessed for all with many different educational levels available depending on the job wanted.  Through on-the-job training, certification, a two-year or a four-year degree, a person will be able to apply for and be employed in the computer science field.  Due to the multiple options available for certification, students of all academic levels would be able to work in the computer science field.  Computer science involves not only knowing about computer hardware, but also programming and coding software.

Learning computer science may be linked to improved learning in math.  It also helps students learn executive and problem-solving skills better than regular math and science courses.  Students who take any AP computer science program are more likely to graduate from a 4-year college even if they do not pass the exam.   Computer science degrees are projected to be one of the top-paying college degrees, coming in just under engineering and earns a significantly higher financial return on investment than an arts & humanities degree from even the best school.

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Instructions: Add a new note (click +) and:

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Instructions: Add a new note (click +) and:

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Write a 1-minute elevator speech addressing the question:  “Why does CS matter?”

PLEASE BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR DISTRICT NAME AT THE TOP

Check out other speeches on the Padlet while you're here!