With Calls to Expand Computer Science Education, More Teachers Are Needed

At Sacred Heart, initiatives and programs help to train aspiring educators

More than 40 years ago, personal computers were introduced into U.S. classrooms. Back then, students gathered in computer labs to learn computer and digital literacy skills. Today, students often do their schoolwork on personal laptops.

The way students use technology has changed, but the need for computer science education has not. Many argue an even greater need exists now, as the emphasis shifts from using technological devices to analyzing and creating computing systems. Demand for K-12 computer science teachers is expected to grow, considering an increasing number of states are creating K-12 curriculum plans or requiring students to take computer science to graduate.

Since 2009, the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) has marked Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek) each December. This event calls attention to the need for more K-12 pathways for computer science learning, addressing disparities in access to these resources and developing programs and initiatives that will bring more qualified teachers into classrooms.

Here are several ways that SHU’s computer science education programs are advancing computer science education, as well as preparing educators to teach it.

Creating opportunities for early exposure

Given how intrinsic computer skills have become to daily life and nearly all occupations, organizations such as Code.org (a nonprofit dedicated to making computer science a core part of K-12 education), have called for more pathways to learn computer science, including dedicated K-12 instruction. This approach is crucial, proponents say, in that it teaches students to become creators of technology—not just users. It also improves critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and fosters creativity and innovation.

Early exposure also leaves room and more time for more students to explore and consider a career in tech and develop skills needed for those careers. Many jobs today—not just in tech—require employees to be computer savvy, and that need is only likely to grow. SHU’s Project {FUTURE}, is preparing K-5 teachers to teach computational thinking skills and computer science content integrated into core curriculum. “Curriculum integration is an access pathway that is sustainable, scalable, accessible and meaningful,” said Darcy Ronan, director and principal investigator of Project {FUTURE} and STEAM+CS program director. “Curriculum integration is responsive to both the needs of educators and the natural overlaps between computer science and other content areas. This federally funded research and outreach collaboration by SHU and Marquette University and partner schools will generate, test and publish twenty model CS-integrations for elementary education as open-access resources.

Of course, expansion of computer science education requires qualified teachers. SHU was the first to respond to this gap in preparation and capacity with its unique endorsement program, offered through the Farrington College of Education & Human Development (FCEHD). Sacred Heart’s Computer Science Education Endorsement program enables certified classroom teachers to earn a computer science education endorsement from the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) in either elementary or secondary education in as few as four courses. No previous experience with computer science or computer programming is required or expected.

Establishing parity

Rather than seeing computer science as an elective or a one-time course on basic computer skills or coding, advocates say it is a discipline that should be a core subject. Code.org believes it is a “fundamental literacy” in the 21st century, so students are equipped with the skills they need for success in almost every career field.

SHU is Code.org’s exclusive Connecticut partner in sharing the mission to bring computer science learning experiences to every child in every school. Part of that effort is creating K-12 curriculum plans so there is computer science instruction in every grade. With support from the CSDE, Sacred Heart works with districts across Connecticut to implement pathways and prepare for a future where students learn computing at all grade levels.

This is happening through SHU’s Computer Science Professional Learning Action Network (CS-PLAN), which launched in 2022 to provide computer science professional development.

“In recent years, there has been a huge push to make computer science education a graduation requirement,” said Susan Auchincloss, project director for CS-PLAN, which works with school districts across the state to plan, program and implement K-12 computer science pathways and assess where there are gaps. “This push will only become more profound in the years to come, because it is so needed.”

And this is not just about parity with other subjects, but also about ensuring access to computer science learning for all students. A recent report released by Code.org showed that students with disabilities, who are economically disadvantaged or come from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups are less likely to have access to high-quality computer science courses. That goes for students from rural areas, too. And gaps remain between computer science participation among young women and girls as opposed to young men and boys.

Addressing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning

The rapid advancement of AI into everyday life, including the classroom, means students are best served if instruction in AI and machine learning begins earlier, rather than later—which traditionally has been the case. As part of the CS-PLAN project, educators learn how to teach AI and machine learning in their classrooms.

AI literacy is a foundational skill developed by studying different disciplines and academic subjects, from computer science and engineering to ethics and psychology. With those skills, a person can engage more productively and responsibly with AI and machine-learning in their professional and personal lives.

Auchincloss said AI is changing education—and so many other aspects of our lives—at such a quick pace that students need a better understanding about the mechanisms and principles behind it and how to use it. “If we don’t teach them about AI, we are putting them at a huge disadvantage,” she said.

Want to learn more about SHU’s computer science education endorsement opportunities?

Designed for certified classroom teachers, SHU’s Computer Science Education Endorsement sequence equips educators with the tools and skills to teach computer science, leading to an endorsement in computer science education from the Connecticut State Department of Education at either the elementary (PK-6) or secondary (4-12) level.

You can learn more by reaching out to Whitney Kolwicz, director of graduate admissions & recruitment, at 203-365-4716 or kolwiczw@sacredheart.edu or by scheduling a virtual meeting.

Interested in SHU’s district training and workshop programs?

Sacred Heart is working with school districts across Connecticut to improve computer science education through programs such as CS-PLAN and others.