What do we know about the expansion of K-12 computer science education? | Education - Brookings Institution

Emiliana Vegas, senior fellow and co-director of the Center for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution and Brian Fowler, Research Analyst - Center for Universal Education reports, A review of the evidence. 

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Over the past decade, there has been substantial progress in increasing access to schooling for children and youth, but few are mastering the foundational skills and competencies needed for their futures. Confronted with this challenge, education systems are now increasingly strengthening existing learning models while simultaneously reorienting students for a world where technology is omnipresent.  

Computer science (CS) is an important element in strengthening existing education models and preparing students for the future. Building on previous work, we define CS as the study of both computer hardware and software design including theoretical algorithms, artificial intelligence, and programming (Technopedia).[1] CS education can also include elements of computational thinking: a problem-solving approach that involves decomposition, use of algorithms, abstraction, and automation (Wing, 2006). CS is distinct from computer literacy in that it is more concerned with computer design than with computer use. For example, coding is a skill one would learn in a CS course, while creating a document or slideshow presentation using an existing program is a skill one would learn in a computer literacy course.

Multiple studies indicate that CS education can help students beyond computing...

Conclusion 
Education systems around the world are increasingly addressing the need to integrate CS into their standard curricula. Yet, many challenges have emerged. There are shortages of qualified teachers in many education systems who understand CS concepts and instructional methods. Despite the high demand for CS professionals, relatively few students show interest in CS compared to other STEM subjects. Development of core competencies, curricula, and assessments that are all tailored to the contexts of different educational systems remains a work in progress.

Governments and nonprofit organizations have been addressing these challenges in different ways. Teachers can engage in training and certification schemes while students can participate in short coding classes, after-school clubs, and summer camps. 
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Source: Brookings Institution