Computer Science Professional Learning Action Network | CS-PLAN

The field of computer science (CS) is changing rapidly, even as artificial intelligence (AI) educators are asking questions about this powerful technology’s role in the classroom. CS-PLAN at Sacred Heart University aims to empower school districts to navigate the volatile landscape of K-12 CS education while meeting state and national standards. CS-PLAN’s comprehensive services are designed to help districts seamlessly align curriculum with K-12 computer science standards and enhance teacher expertise through professional learning programs.

Through SHU’s partnership with Code.org, CS-PLAN offers professional learning opportunities that encompass a range of supports from unplugged pre-K activities to AI fluency and AP exam prep. 

As districts navigate innovations in AI, educators are asking about the opportunities and risks of AI:

• Why is it still necessary to learn to program?
• What do students need to know about AI?
• How do we leverage AI to broaden access and participation in CS?
• When and how do we introduce AI into the classroom?

The goal is to prepare students to work with AI as a tool rather than a shortcut to understanding a concept. A foundational understanding of CS and AI, along with concepts and practices, are necessary for  today’s students. CS-PLAN is uniquely positioned to aid districts in achieving goals for technology proficiency and mastery.

Is your district ready for CS-PLAN?

Launched in 2022, CS-PLAN addresses requirements in the State Computer Science Plan developed by the Connecticut State Department of Education. The program focuses on six principles to help schools become CS ready and scale K-12 CS education. They include:

• Creating a K-12 CS plan for implementation through facilitation of SCRIPT (Strategic CSforALL Resource & Implementation Planning Tool) Workshops and Standards Alignment Workshops
• Developing computer science-proficient teachers and leaders
• Creating a school culture that values CS education as a basic literacy
• Implementing equitable computer science-rich academic learning, including stand-alone courses and CS integration into core curriculum
• Providing supportive resources
• Engaging the community to support these efforts

What We Offer

Customized curriculum mapping

An all-day workshop with your team will help you to analyze existing curriculum and map to Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) K-12 Computer Science Standards with gap analysis. You’ll work to are to identify areas where your curriculum may need enhancement to fully meet standards.

Code.org professional learning for educators

Sacred Heart University is Connecticut’s Code.org regional partner. In this role, SHU organizes and hosts workshops with Code.org-trained facilitators to assist teachers implementing Code.org’s programs.

Onsite professional learning with district customization for a K-12 CS pathway

Computer Science Fundamentals (K-5 with pre-reader options), Computer Science Discoveries (6-10), AI and Machine Learning (6+) and Elementary Master CS Teacher (K-6) can be offered onsite in your district. Learn how to integrate CS into core curriculum or teach artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in your classroom by training an AI model.

Summer professional learning

At the end of June, SHU offers weeklong workshops for teachers in all K-12 courses. CS Principles and CSA must be held in the summer due to rigorous content.

Goal-setting and implementation planning

Develop a computer science pathway for students through K-12 Computer Science Standards Alignment and SCRIPT Workshops

Testimonials

"Most training sessions were interactive where we played the role of students which greatly helped me understand the obstacles my students face when learning computer science. "

Vincent Mazzotta, Computer Science and Business Education Teacher, Weaver High School, Hartford Public Schools 

“I left with knowledge on how I could immediately implement computer science in my special education classroom. It was also a great way to collaborate not only with educators within my district but also other school districts in the state.”

Margaret Bradley, Special Education Teacher, Barnum School, Bridgeport 

“It's been a long time since I've taken a class or attended a training and then stayed up close to midnight practicing and exploring more about what I learned during the day. I cannot wait for school to resume and to share all that I learned with my colleagues and my students.” 
  
Cheryl Crevier, Grade 3 Teacher, Classical Studies Magnet Academy, Bridgeport

"Participating in the code.org workshop at Sacred Heart University was an inspiring experience. Learning how to integrate AI tools to enhance teaching AP CS Principles and AP CSA gave me innovative strategies to engage students and make coding more accessible and exciting."

Kaitlin Acabbo, High School CS Teacher, Woodland High School

What is CODE.org?

Code.org partners with select United States-based organizations, such as SHU, to help spread computer science in a local, sustainable fashion. This network of regional partners is working towards the goal that every student in every school should have the opportunity to learn computer science. As an established K-12 computer science hub for their region, regional partners offer professional learning opportunities for teachers and building a strong local community.

As a CODE.org regional partner, SHU:

• Serves as the region’s hub for K-12 computer science
• Builds partnerships with local districts and schools to increase student access to computer science courses
• Organizes and hosts quality, local workshops for teachers implementing Code.org’s high school and middle school programs, with Code.org-trained facilitators
• Provides tools and resources to local school administrators and counselors through specialized workshops
• Establishes, grows and sustains a local community of computer science educators

For more information, contact Susan Auchincloss, Project Director, at 203-371-7800 or auchinclosss@sacredheart.edu.

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