This report comes from the Triangle Coalition Bulletin.
Mark Kaufman
BOYS DOMINATE VIRGINIA
COMPUTER SCIENCE CLASSES
A school report in Fairfax County, Virginia, one of the nation's largest
school districts and most affluent counties, disclosed that boys, mainly
white and Asian, outnumber girls in their regular computer science classes
by a 3 to 1 margin. In the Advanced Placement computer classes the ratio
is 4 to 1. The Black and Hispanic school population reflects this same
trend of underrepresentation in the computer classes.
The Fairfax County report, which uses 1997-98 figures, seems to support
other surveys. This national dilemma has educators and industry officials
searching for answers so more women and minorities can become involved in
the technology-driven job market.
Are you involved in a school district or state program that has actually
reversed this trend? The TCEB would like to hear from you and provide
information to our readers.