Latest news with #APComputerScience
Axios
05-05-2025
- Business
- Axios
CEOs push AI and computer science as a grad requirement
More than 200 CEOs on Monday signed a letter urging state leaders to mandate artificial intelligence and computer science classes as a high school graduation requirement. Why it matters: The letter follows President Trump 's creation of an AI education task force to expand students' exposure to AI instruction, as aptitude with the technology increasingly becomes a workforce expectation. "I think of it as a K-12 experience for students, where they're learning scaffolded knowledge about computer science throughout," said Cameron Wilson, president of which led the effort. Driving the news: Students who attend high schools that offer a computer science course end up earning 8% higher salaries than those who don't, regardless of career path or whether they attend college, according to a study by the Brookings Institution. (The study examined the impact of giving students access to computer science classes, not of requiring them.) The effects are more significant for students who haven't historically been well represented in computer science fields, like women, students from lower socioeconomic status backgrounds and Black students. Some new computer science classes have seen higher enrollment among these underrepresented groups, according to research released last month. From 2009 to 2016 a Java-programming course was the only AP Computer Science class offered. The launch of a newer, more broadly focused AP Computer Science class quadrupled the female, Black and Hispanic student test takers. What they're saying: "This is not just an educational issue," the letter said. "It's about closing skills and income gaps that have persisted for generations. It's also about keeping America competitive." Zoom in: CEOs who signed the letter included leaders of high-profile companies like American Express, Airbnb, Dropbox, LinkedIn, Salesforce, Microsoft, Yahoo, Zoom and Uber. Several coding education and ed-tech company CEOs also signed on. State of play: Graduation requirements are set at the state level. 12 states require students to earn credit in computer science to graduate from high school, per Those are Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia. Legislation in West Virginia was signed last week. By the numbers: In 2024, 35 states had plans for computer science education. That's up from 18 states in 2020 and two in 2017, per In 22 states, computer science classes satisfy math, science or foreign language credits for college admissions requirements. About 6.4% of high school students take computer science classes annually, according to the Computer Science Teachers Association. offers computer science and AI curricula free to teachers. Between the lines: Teachers have warned that AI could hurt students' critical thinking skills — but ongoing AI instruction would teach students how to safely and productively use these tools, Wilson said. "Using the AI technology itself and learning to use it — that's helpful and useful. But then there's actually understanding how it works, and then actually using the AI to build and create and solve problems," he said. "Those things fit on a spectrum of knowledge, and I think all of those things sort of fit together for what I consider to be true AI literacy." What we're watching: Trump on April 23 signed an executive order to advance AI education and foster youth interest "from an early age to maintain America's global dominance in this technological revolution for future generations." He established a White House task force on AI education to build public-private partnerships that expand K-12 AI instruction. The bottom line: "In the age of AI, we must prepare our children for the future — to be AI creators, not just consumers," the CEOs' letter said.
Chicago Tribune
11-02-2025
- Science
- Chicago Tribune
Best AP Computer Science books
Which AP computer science book is best? Almost everything in the world, from our careers to our health to our entertainment, depends on computers and technology, so a career in computer science will definitely provide you with security and stability. The best AP computer science books take your understanding from basic to more complicated topics in a fun and engaging way. It's crucial to understand the features you should look for in AP computer science books, as well as the general pricing and the best options out there. A top book to start with is Computer Science Distilled: Learning the Art of Solving Computational Problems. What to know before you buy an AP computer science book Book level If you are brand new to the world of computer science, then you need to select an AP computer science book that is meant for beginners. You certainly wouldn't want to buy a book that assumes you are an expert if you know nothing about computer science. On the flip side, you probably don't want a book for beginners if you already know a great deal about computer science. Language Consider the language you need to learn. You would need to learn Italian if you were planning on taking a trip to Rome. And if you are planning on working with C++, then you need a computer science book that focuses on C++ rather than other programming languages. Test prep books You might need a beginner computer science book or two, but if you are planning on taking the AP Computer Science exam, then you definitely need an AP Computer Science test prep guide. This type of guide is meant to help you pass the AP Computer Science exam and usually features several different practice exams both online and in the book. What to look for in a quality AP computer science book Accessibility It's crucial to find a book that is accessible and simple to read and understand on the first try. If you find a book that is full of complicated language that is difficult to understand, you might give up on computer science before you really get into it. Binding Keep in mind that paperbacks are usually the most inexpensive option, but hardcover books tend to be more durable. You should consider both your budget and your usage needs when deciding whether to go with a paperback or hardcover edition. You can also purchase a digital version of the book if you prefer reading on a computer, phone or tablet. Additional content Most computer science books link to free online materials. It's important to seek out these books that provide free additional content, because the more resources you have, the more likely you are to understand the material. How much you can expect to spend on an AP computer science book Basic computer science books will vary in price from about $7-$12, while mid-range books that go into more detail range from $12-$25. More expensive computer science guides that give you an in-depth understanding of the principles range from $25-$40, and premium, college-level textbooks can go for as much as $100 or more. AP computer science book FAQ How do you know if computer science is right for you? A. Computers allow us to do so many amazing things, from sharing pictures to gaming. That being said, just because you enjoy what you are able to do with a computer doesn't necessarily mean you will like computer science. Think about whether you prefer creating or if you prefer simply using a computer. If you prefer creating, then computer science might be right for you. Which skills or interests do you need to excel in computer science? A. You need to enjoy and excel in mathematics if you want to excel in computer science. You also need to be able to communicate well with both computer code and words. The computer science industry will require you to create clear outlines and give instructions to both machines and people so that they will know how to use what you have developed. The most important skill you need is being able to think creatively and solve puzzles. Computer science is often about solving problems or puzzles in creative ways, so this skill and interest is crucial. What's the best AP computer science book to buy? Computer Science Distilled: Learning the Art of Solving Computational Problems What you need to know: This accessible computer science book can help any programmer learn more about the fundamentals. What you'll love: This fun and easily digestible computer science guide explains the concepts well and gives readers a broad overview in an entertaining way. There are also helpful illustrations and a few chapters about mathematics. What you should consider: This book is not a good resource for computer science beginners, and some customers don't like that the examples are given in pseudocode. Top AP computer science book for the money Computer Science Principles: The Foundational Concepts of Computer Science – For AP Computer Science Principles (5th Edition) What you need to know: This affordable computer science guide is an excellent option for anyone who wants to learn more about computer science, particularly AP Computer Science students. What you'll love: This budget-friendly computer science book is a wonderful reference for computer science exams and classes and helps students better understand more complicated ideas, like coding. What you should consider: This book only provides basic information about programming and is not recommended for more experienced coders. Worth checking out AP Computer Science Principles Premium, 2025: Prep Book with 6 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + Online Practice What you need to know: This AP Computer Science A test prep book is perfect for high school students who want to get a perfect score on their AP exam. What you'll love: The test prep book features access to three full-length tests online, three full-length practice tests in the book, one being a diagnostic test to assist students in identifying both their weaknesses and their strengths. What you should consider: Keep in mind that this test prep book is not for beginners in the world of computer science. Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
