Computer science a priority for 91% of parents, but only 8% of school administrators agree
91% of parents, teachers and students today believe computer science is one of the most important subjects for students, according to a study released on Thursday by Google and Gallup. Parents told researchers that they want computer science taught in schools; with 21% even saying saying that they think it is more important than traditional core subjects such as maths, science, or English. However the very same study found that only 8% of school administrators see computer science as a priority, and even those who do agree are often too busy to address those concerns.
Dive Brief:

According to a new Gallup and Google poll, 91% of parents think their children should learn more about computer science in the future and a similar number think the courses are a good use of school resources.

A majority think that computer science classes are at least as important as the rest of students’ required courses.

Students seem to share similar beliefs, with most believing that they are least somewhat likely to have a job that will require computer science knowledge.

Dive Insight:

The federal government and state and local education officials have gone to great lengths to increase schools' access to Internet. Many schools are trying to incorporate more technology in their instruction, and some are trying to directly boost access to computer science instruction.

But the Gallup poll suggests that district administrators may still underestimate demand for the courses. Just 7% of principals and 6% of superintendents said demand among parents was high for computer science education. Their estimates for students were higher: 14% and 15% respectively. But most ranked it as a pretty low priority.