Starting Point
Coding's Fascination
School Administrator, May 2017


Every few days, I see references to coding and why these skills ought to be taught to students as early as elementary school. Often, the context for what I’m reading has something to do with the state of jobs in our economy and the transformation of the workplace.

One recent analysis in The New York Times about the escalating presence of robots in the manufacturing sector suggested the teaching of technical skills that involve creativity and collaboration could give an edge to humans over machines.

In this month’s issue on STEAM (that’s STEM plus the arts), Scott LaFee’s article “Coding: The New 21st-Century Literacy?” describes the foothold computer science is making in school systems, despite the shortage of qualified instructors. He documents the growing enrollment in AP computer science and describes experiences of schools in Maryland, Illinois and Florida to address parent and student demands for expanding the tech curriculum.

One excellent resource for doing so is addressed in a companion article written by the director of outreach for Code.org in Seattle. Code.org has curated a list of high-quality, third-party resources to help districts make appropriate decisions. Seems like a logical starting point.


Jay P. Goldman
Editor, School Administrator
Voice: 703-875-0745
E-mail: jgoldman@aasa.org
Twitter: @JPGoldman