Giving Compass' Take:

• The 74 discusses the importance of computer science in our education system to prepare students for an "increasingly technology-driven workplace."

• This piece points out the investments provided by tech companies in this area, but urges other organizations to jump into the fray, making sure our nation's schools have the resources they need.

• Here's why more STEM pros are ditching the office for the classroom.

Despite the importance of computational thinking, there is a significant gap in our schools. In the U.S., most high schools do not offer computer science. At the college level, according to Code.org, there will be 1.4 million computer science–related jobs in the U.S. by 2020, yet college graduates are expected to fill less than a third of those jobs.

Microsoft, Code.org, and other technology companies work together to promote funding at the federal and state levels to support computer science teacher training. We also work together to encourage students to study computer science by allowing such classes to count toward math and science graduation requirements. Many technology companies also help schools bring computer science into the classroom. Microsoft’s Technology, Education, and Literacy in Schools (TEALS) program, for example, helps high schools build and grow sustainable computer science programs through partnerships between teachers and technology industry volunteers. We’re proud to have robust participation from employees at many of the largest technology companies, including Google and Amazon, which also run their own computer science education programs.

We also need to continue investing in programs to help Americans find and train for better-paying jobs while connecting employers with the talent they need to thrive in the digital economy. A new partnership in which we’ve invested works with stakeholders to help those already in the workforce learn what skills are in demand, where to get training, and how to connect with employers.

Read the full article about the importance of computational thinking in education by Mary Snapp at The 74.