History and Computer Science in the American Education System and Middlesex

The summer before my Freshman year, I was given the choice of taking computer science or history for my first year, and as someone who had an interest and passion for programming and computer science, my choice was obvious. Again, before my Sophomore year, I was given the choices of taking history, computer science, or both, the latter of which I had to take due to the requirement of taking six semesters of social science throughout one’s Middlesex career. For students going into their Junior year and Senior year, the choice to take computer science often means taking an extra class, especially because all Juniors are required to take a U.S. history class. Yet, for many students, opting for an extra class represents a significant sacrifice, prompting the pressing question: which path should students take?

First, why are students forced to make this choice? Traditionally, students are steeped in history or social studies classes throughout their academic career. In stark contrast, computer science rarely finds a place in the pre-high school curriculum, and it is often relegated to an elective status in high schools as it is in Middlesex. This disparity, where the study of social studies is deemed universally essential, while computer science remains largely overlooked, is a flaw in the educational system at Middlesex and beyond. History is quite valuable in education from a young age, providing much needed context for human development and current affairs and it also offers the valuable lessons derived from the mistakes of the past. History classes also intricately contribute to the development of writing and critical thinking skills, that are taught in English classes and across the domain of humanities. However, computer science also develops essential skills needed in the rapidly growing STEM fields.

While examining STEM education, I spoke to Mr. Karos, who teaches Computer Science and Mathematics who emphasized the importance of our education system increasing “younger exposure [to computer science] like [it does with] art.” Mr. Karos also believes that early exposure to computer science could also help kids develop a passion for the subject from an early age.

The education system’s approach to computer science education is flawed and this vital class should start at a younger age and be given a higher value within society. As for our current Middlesex curriculum, it would be difficult to imagine how computer science could be easily added to the already packed student schedules.

One possible solution would be to add an introductory computer science class, much like the art electives, thereby at least giving all Middlesex students early exposure to the field, and then they can decide to continue with the subject or not. Ultimately, until changes are made, students must make the choice to take computer science themselves – obviously, not everyone is going to be a historian, and not everyone is going to be a programmer –but as students and learners, giving computer science a try is something to seriously consider.

Ben Feuer