The Disengagement Gap: What does this mean for CS?
On June 9, 2026, the CSTA Voice published The Disengagement Gap: What does this mean for CS? authored by CSTA 2025-26 IMPACT Fellow and CSTA Washington VP of Membership Anthony Barba of East Valley High School (Yakima SD). The article highlights a critical “disengagement gap” where high schoolers rapidly lose interest in school despite positive parental perceptions. To counter this, computer science education should shift from rote memorization to “agentic engagement,” using open-ended “un-tutorials” and portfolios to transform passive students into self-directed creators.
The Disengagement Gap: What does this mean for CS?
There is a critical “disengagement gap” where high schoolers rapidly lose interest in school despite positive parental perceptions. To counter this, computer science education should shift from rote memorization to “agentic engagement,” using open-ended “un-tutorials” and portfolios to transform passive students into self-directed creators.
Readers interested in this article by Anthony Barba may also be interested in the following CSTAWA.org blog posts:
- Integrating Esports and STEM Leveraging Competitive Gaming for CS Student Leadership in Washington (June 8, 2026)
- Resources from “Engaging Disengaged Teens – Making CS Equitable and Inclusive” shared in Lunch and Learn: Sat, March 21, 12:00 – 2:00 PM (w/ clock hours) – CSTA Washington (Mar 21, 2026)
