[kfitch42]

1) Software is eating the world, so a basic understanding of computers/programming/... is imperative to understanding the world they will inhabit. I think this is similar to the logic behind everyone taking English, history, etc. classes.

2) It promotes logical thinking and problem solving skills. This is much the same reasoning why everyone must take math/science classes. So, if we took some of the less "relatable" classes (e.g. geometry) in the mandated general curriculum, and replaced them with basic programming/data-science classes, that might be an improvement. Especially since it is probably easier to many students interested in creating a Minecraft mod that pulls in statistics related to the real world, than it is to get many students excited about acute vs obtuse angles.

P.S. I say this as someone who LOVED math classes in general and geometry specifically. I really did get excited about writing Q.E.D. at the end of a tough proof. But, I know I am seriously in the minority there.