Why is it so important for parents to sign their kids up for STEM and Computer Science classes?

A STEM education improves kids' critical thinking, reasoning, problem solving, and creativity. And because computer science embodies all four of the STEM categories, it also builds the same skills. Of course, these skills aren't just important for budding engineers. Kids learn patience, perseverance, and that Minecraft wasn’t built in a day – or a month – but if they work hard and are patient, they can create great things! These are habits of mind that are valuable regardless of what professions they ultimately choose for themselves and prepare them for life in the rapidly evolving technology-fueled 21st century.

How is the work landscape changing and how should parents be preparing their children for these changes?

The work landscape is evolving rapidly... Now, computing jobs are the #1 source of new wages in the United States across almost every discipline, from business, to education, to social science, to, of course, engineering. All of these fields now require computer literacy. Students who major in computer science in college consistently earn among the highest starting salaries, so there is a good return on investment for computer science degrees. A generation ago, computer literacy was not a requirement, but in the 21st century it absolutely is. Our schools can only do so much with their limited time and resources, so by adding outside computer science education to their children’s K-12 education, parents can better prepare their kids for college and the workplace.

What are the DESE standards for computer science? And why should parents know about them?

The Massachusetts Department of Education adopted standards for computer science back in 2016, but not an associated MCAS exam. Many parents are unaware that computer science is actually widely accepted by educators as a core part of K-12 education, and some schools have been working hard to incorporate these standards into their curricula. While a number of schools have done a great job teaching kids about internet safety and internet research, it has been difficult for schools to address the programming and critical reasoning components of the CS (computer science) and CT (critical thinking) standards. Expert teachers are hard to come by because people with computer science and related degrees are generally attracted to higher-paying jobs in their field. At many schools, computer science classes aren’t available until high school, yet the real benefits of a computer science education accrue beginning in the younger years. At CS Recitations, we really focus on critical thinking and problem solving, carefully building skills beginning in the 3rd and 4th grade. We start with Scratch, and advance to HTML and web design, JavaScript, Python, Java, and Unity.

At what ages should kids begin their Computer Science education?

As early as possible, really! A number of research articles, including several done at MIT, show that studying computer science improves general cognitive development. There are other studies that show that the greatest gains are seen when children study computer science beginning in elementary and middle school. There is good evidence that standardized test scores, particularly in math, are higher in later years. And what’s great is that kids really love it. Children naturally become very engrossed in creative problems that they care about. Even after a two-hour class at our school, kids often have to be prodded to log off and meet their waiting parents!

Are there specific types of classes parents should be looking for within a Computer Science program?

It's important to opt for classes that require kids to solve problems and think critically. Are the students creating from basic principles, or are they jumping into the middle of a pre-written project? Tinkering with existing projects can be fun and flashy, and can pique interest, but it doesn't necessarily build complex problem solving skills.

When it comes to programming, kids tend to pick up bits and pieces at various workshops and develop what I call a "code-around" mindset — something we even see in the workplace with adults. In this mindset, because of gaps in their foundation, children and grownups change the scope of what they want to create to fit the knowledge they have, or they copy what somebody else has already coded. At CS Recitations, we want kids to create, and we give them the full foundation they need so that they never have to settle for what someone else made. We code through problems, not around them!

What should parents look for in Computer Science instructors?

No matter what the particular focus of the school or program, STEM instructors should have deep content knowledge and a passion for sharing that knowledge with children. Parents should learn about the backgrounds of the instructors — a reputable program will have teacher biographies readily available, either on their website or by request. Quality, in-person learning time with experts who feel fully invested in every child’s success is really a must. Also, look for small classes and good communication with the administration.

What else sets CS Recitations apart from other STEM and Computer Science schools in Boston?

There are two things that really set us apart. First, we are a small school with an amazing team of really talented computer scientists and instructors, who are passionate about teaching children, and have studied at top schools like MIT and Harvey Mudd. Second, we have an excellent, comprehensive curriculum for grades 3 through 12 that truly provides the benefits of a computer science education – problem solving, logic, creativity. Camps and workshops simply can’t do that. We even offer a teacher-led in-person study group – called a “recitation” – for MIT’s online edX Python class. I don’t think any other program takes children from their first steps all the way through MIT’s introductory computer science class!

Ready to enroll your kiddo up for top-notch STEM or CS classes? Learn more about CS Recitations here, and get $50 off fall class tuition when you enroll by May 31.