Diversity vs Disparity

What should I do to get more girls interested in computer science?
This is one of those questions that you hear almost everywhere and to which even the most experienced researchers only have partial answers.
Recently, there has been a thread on the AP List Serv concerning how to increase the diversity of our computer science classes (specifically gender diversity) and this thread has raised questions about how we talk about equity issues.
For example, does the language that we use to promote computer science to girls unnecessarily disparage boys? While stating that boys can be “pushy” or “geeky” may help the girls better understand and navigate classroom computing realities, what effect does this kind of language have on boys, especially boys for whom this is not standard behavior?
The reality is that anything we can do to improve computer science education for underrepresented populations, improves the learning experience for all students. A rising tide really does lift everyone.
When you are investigating recruiting materials for your classes for next year, be sure to look for resources that do not disparage any population that might be a part of your class.
Here are some links to CSTA materials on equity that can help you with your recruitment activities.
Classroom Careers Resources
CSTA Voice which contains many articles about increasing diversity and tools you can use.
CSTA’s Recommended Resources Page which contains a variety of resources, many of which encourage enrollment in CS for all.
Leigh Ann Sudol
CSTA Communications Chair

One thought on “Diversity vs Disparity

  1. I’m the one who raised this question on the ap-compsci list.
    For example, does the language that we use to promote computer science to girls unnecessarily disparage boys?
    While stating that boys can be “pushy” or “geeky” may help the girls better understand and navigate classroom computing realities, what effect does this kind of language have on boys, especially boys for whom this is not standard behavior?
    These negative comments about boys probably have a bad effect on them. Why would putting someone down not have a bad effect on them?
    The reality is that anything we can do to improve computer science education for underrepresented populations, improves the learning experience for all students. A rising tide really does lift everyone.
    Whether or not there’s some benefit to boys via the participation of the girls, that benefit does not cancel out or compensate for the harm those negative comments do to those boys.
    Efforts to encourage more participation in Computer Science should be non-toxic to EVERYONE.

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