Bloomington Public Schools and the Learning Technologies Media Lab within the Department of Curriculum and Instruction (C&I) are engaged in a new five-year (2019-2024) research-practice partnership focused on K-12 computer science education pathways in collaboration with Code Savvy, a non-profit organization that offers computer science programs for learners and educators across the state. The goal of the initiative is to provide all Bloomington Public School students with access to computer science education in order to:
- teach students the skills necessary for success in the 21st century: creativity, collaboration, communication, persistence, and confidence in dealing with complex, open-ended problems.
- promote engagement in STEM fields for young women, lower income students, and students of color by closing the technology participation gap.
- empower all students as creators and contributors to their communities, giving them agency and joy throughout the learning process.
- prepare future innovators to solve the technological, social and scientific problems of tomorrow.
During the partnership’s first year, the team is collaboratively:
- developing and implementing a K-5 computer science immersion curriculum at two elementary schools
- designing and leading professional development for teachers on computer science content and pedagogy
- engaging in design-based research and evaluation activities.
Future activities include planning for middle and high school programming/courses and implementing key parts of the computer science immersion program to eight additional elementary schools.
Follow along on Twitter: #CSinBPS @District271 @LTMediaLab
Learn more about research and outreach in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.
