High School Computer Science Participation: A 6-Year Enrollment Study

Despite growing recognition of computer science (CS) education’s importance coupled with the increasing number of U.S. high schools offering CS courses, overall participation rates among high school students remain modest, raising important questions about engagement and enrollment. In a research brief written by Cynthia L. Blitz and David J. Amiel of the Rutgers Center for Effective School Practices and Teresa G. Duncan of Deacon Hill Research Associates, the authors share an analysis that examines high school CS participation among seven schools in the Northeastern U.S. over six academic years. 

They outline findings organized by theme:

• Overall CS Participation

• Participation by Sex

• Participation by Race

• Foundational CS Participation

• Advanced CS Participation

Noting that the data suggest that some student groups have experienced incremental increases in participation but overall trends remain largely unchanged, they conclude by recommending that efforts to increase participation in high school CS courses must go beyond simply providing access. The authors suggest that high school CS education also needs to focus on fostering engagement, addressing barriers to enrollment, and ensuring that students recognize the value of computing skills in various career pathways.