Schools Aren’t Doing Enough to Get Students into Coding

Schools are failing at introducing students to coding. As an entry-level coder and current high school student, I take issue with the present day landscape of high school coding programs. Here are some solutions that can be implemented.

Some schools provide after-school programs such as ScriptEd, to further involve interested students in coding; but, there are some problems with this formula: the after-school schedule, limited seating, and lack of learning continuity for students to pick-up where they left off at school when arriving home.

When a program takes place after-school, (it does depend on the time that the school ends), some students may not have the time to dedicate themselves to the full extent of the program. Students may be held back by time management, jobs, or by homework from mandatory classes during the day.

In a large school, let’s say somewhere between 400-500 kids, there won’t always be enough enrollment spots for everyone, and that's unfortunate. Students shouldn’t have to fight or pray to get the accepted into the program.

For most classes/programs/lectures, depending on the frequency of the class schedule, the student may be liable to forget the lessons and prioritize other matters competing for their attention. One class held everyday will produce better results than a class that occurs once per week.

If most of these problems/concerns were noted by schools and were being fixed with the up-most priority for those students in school and communities where they may be the most limited, it would mean a lot for future coders and generations.