Computer Science Teacher Certification 'Deeply Flawed,' Report Says

[FarCenter]

A detailed examination of state systems for certifying computer science teachers concludes that there are fundamental problems with the approaches taken around the nation, and argues that the situation is a major hurdle to ensuring high-quality educators in the subject and preparing students for a promising field.

The report from the Computer Science Teachers Association describes the certification landscape as "confused, disparate, and sometimes absurd."

"Computer science teacher certification across the nation is typified by confounding processes and illogical procedures—bugs in the system that keep it from functioning as intended," says the report, which was conducted with financial support from Google.

The report also makes the case that the situation is contributing to a missed opportunity to prepare students for a field that promises solid careers.

"The information technology and computing industry cannot find the talent it needs to fill lucrative positions across the country," it says. The study estimates that by 2020 there will be 4.6 million jobs in those fields. "These companies want more young people to discover computer science and study it, and the country's economic fortunes depend on it."

The report finds that only two states, Arizona and Wisconsin, require teachers to specifically be certified or licensed in computer science to teach any computer science course. In another seven states, it is required to teach AP computer science. In many states, computer science teachers must or can be certified/licensed in a department or area other than computer science, such as math, science, business, or career-technical education.

http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/curriculum/2013/08/computer_science_teacher_certi.html

[MineralMan]

1. Not too much call in the IT industry for people with HS diplomas.

The kids know more than the teachers already, in many cases. IT careers are college graduate stuff, unless you're just doing data entry or something like that.

[hootinholler]

3. Mostly you can't get your resume past HR screening without a degree

As an IT professional developer who does not have a degree, I do not recommend you try the path I took to get here.

That said, there isn't a whole lot about IT that a reasonably smart and motivated person can't teach themselves. The trick is figuring out what fundamentals you have to understand first.

[FarCenter]

5. Different platforms seemed to have different educational requirements.

Colleges focus on Unix/Linux, so people working on that platform tended to have CS degrees.

Mainframe folks tended to have started with HS or non-CS college degrees and have learned on the job. If they had an IT degree, it was usually after they started their IT career.

Windows platform people varied a lot. Some learned the Windows platform after getting a CS degree, while others had community college, certification program, military training, etc.

Compensation varies widely. I recall a PhD CS complaining that his less educated sister made more money programming fancy Excel spreadsheets for her employer.

[denverbill]

2. US needs trained IT workers to help migrate their jobs to India, Malaysia, and the Phillipines.

I can't speak for young people, but between outsourcing and H1B insourcing, I'd be hard pressed to recommend younger people go into the field.

[hootinholler]

4. "The information technology and computing industry cannot find the talent it needs"

What utter bullshit!

It figures a google funded report would contain verbiage to that effect, in an innocuous place as well. Nothing like subliminal reinforcement of a meme.

Every time you see this phrase, say at wages they are willing to pay.

[Rex]

6. The IT field is overflowing with people with MIS degrees that cannot find jobs.

FUCKING GOOGLE! UGH!