... and its a good thing. Seriously.<p>"Coding" is a skill that can be learned later, after (this is some of the things that my kids are learning):<p>1. math (algebra and better)
2. reading comprehension
3. writing both persuasively and clearly
4. science ( physical sciences )
5. leadership courses
6. foreign language
7. basic computer as a tool ( how to google, type, create presentations)<p>The fundamental problems with this demand for kids to learn how to code right now:<p>1. What are they <i>not</i> going to learn (it is a zero-sum game)
2. Technology is expensive to <i>maintain</i><p>Sure offer it in high school. But K-5, my kids and the other kids in their class are not that interested in computers (except to play on).<p>There are other skills that are way, way more important at that age.
Of course, if you read the article, the headline is misleading:<p>1) California wasn't being offered free money, it was being lobbied to let computer science substitute for existing math and/or science requirements, and<p>2) San Francisco and Oakland are both in discussion with Code.org but haven't adopted their program for the coming year, looking at doing it later -- we don't know the details in SF because the short-notice call for comments wasn't returned, but in Oakland's case its at least in part because <i>they already have grants for teaching code to kids</i> from other private entities involved in a different program with overlapping objectives to Code.org.
As a home schooler it is shocking to me how technology is systematically devalued by the official curriculum, and I don't mean just "computers and stuff" but things like how to sew a garmet or grow meat animals or how to wire up an electric outlet.