One key challenge educators face is the importance of encouraging
girls to excel in math, science and computer science studies. 
As technology continues to drive the world of business, those 
challenged or generally disinterested in science and math will 
be left behind. In fact, that's exactly what's happening. 

Although women make up approximately 50% of the general work 
force in the U.S., they only represent 9% of workers in the 
science and engineering community. With such a low percentage 
of female interest, the government is expecting increased worker 
shortages through the first decade of the 21st century for the 
information technology (IT) industry. 

The core worker in the IT industry are computer engineers, 
systems analysts, programmers and computer scientists, which 
includes database administrators, computer support personnel 
and all other computer scientists. These are all careers that 
relate directly back to high school math and science, in 
addition to computer science studies.

Growth projections by The Bureau of Labor Statistics' indicate 
that the current graduation rate of those in undergraduate 
computer, information sciences and technology programs aren't 
high enough to sustain the industry's growth. In addition, they 
acknowledged that the even greater decrease of women into the 
computer science pipeline will have a profound effect on the 
industry.

These researchers believe that the low representation of women 
in computer science at the undergraduate level is inherited from 
the secondary school level, where girls do not participate in 
computer science courses and related activities as much as boys. 
Although girls are often well represented in earlier computing 
courses, they shy away from advanced courses. One possible 
reason for this is because of the increased focus on the 
technical and math course requirements.

This leads us back to math and science studies in elementary 
and high school, and yet another growing concern within the 
scientific community. 

We currently believe that our nation's future economic prosperity 
and global competition depends on both scientific progress and 
our adaptability in the fields of science, technology and 
engineering. As our society shifts from a resource-intensive 
society to a knowledge-intensive economy, it is critical for 
all of us to develop the knowledge and skills needed to 
contribute to this new community. 

With this in mind, knowledge of math and science has now become 
essential for those pursuing a high-status and well-paid job in 
our new technologically advanced workforce. 

Again, the science community is concerned that industry growth 
in the early 21st century will far out pace that of graduates. 
Once again, research has suggested that the root of this problem 
can be traced back to elementary and high school classrooms.

In going back to the classroom, a study by the National 
Assessment of Education Progress discovered that girls score 
below the national mean on all science achievement items and 
express negatives attitudes towards science. The study 
acknowledged that societal, education and personal factors all 
contribute to this funding, but stressed that differences within 
the science classroom may be one of the biggest contributing 
factors.

So what factors are discouraging girls from excelling in math, 
science and computer science studies in high school? Research has
shown a number of different issues that need to be addressed. 
They believe that girls are not presented with adequate 
information about science-related career opportunities and 
their prerequisites, and that high school counselors often do 
not encourage further courses in math and science. In addition, 
texts, the media and many adults often project sex-stereotyped 
views of science and scientists.

A lack of development of spatial ability skills may also be an 
issue, which could be fostered in shop and mechanical drawing 
classes. Girls also have fewer experiences with science 
activities and equipment, which are often stereotyped as being 
masculine.

In order to encourage girls in the pursuit of math and science, 
teachers are encouraged to maintain well-equipped, organized and 
perceptually stimulating classrooms, use non-sexist language and 
examples, include information on women scientists and stress 
creatively and basic skills and provide career information.

In addition, math and science teachers should use laboratories, 
discussions and weekly quizzes as their primary modes of 
instruction or teaching strategies and supplement those 
activities with field trips and guest speakers. If possible, 
teachers should also encourage parental involvement.

Studies have also shown that teachers, both male and female, 
who were successful in motivating girls to continue to study 
science, practiced what is called "directed intervention". They 
asked girls to assist with demonstrations, which required these 
students to perform and not merely record, in the laboratories, 
and in science-related fieldtrips.

When it comes to computer science studies, a similar approach can
be taken. Although these studies do involved math, programming 
and technical issues, computer science educators need to be 
aware that working with computers involves much more than that. 
It also requires fully developed verbal and interpersonal skills 
- an area in which girls tend to excel at. 

In order to attract more girls to the study, teachers should 
concentrate on applications and not just on math or programming. 
That's because girls generally don't get as excited about 
computers for their gadget value, as boys do. Instead, girls 
become more interested and engaged when technology is discussed 
in terms of it's usefulness for problem solving. 

Computer science educators should also impart to girls the 
important need for women in the industry and outline more career 
options. For example, jobs are not just limited to programming; 
individuals are needed to help solve business problems with 
technology solutions. The industry itself is focused on solving 
problems, and developing solutions to help business continue to 
grow. 

By introducing science, math and computer science in a positive 
manner to girls in all levels of education, we may be able to 
turn the tide and see more and more women choose careers in 
these important fields.

If we truly believe children are our future, now is the time 
to ensure that they have a place in the future we have created.