Stories
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Computer Science Summer Virtual Bridge Program During a Pandemic
At the start of the Spring 2020 semester, Plano ISD began planning for its first in-person Computer Science Summer Bridge Program. The goal was to engage with our Hispanic and African-American students, especially our girls. In early May, the district’s senior leadership allowed us to move forward with a changed virtual program. What does a virtual program look like during a pandemic? |
Showing Up For LGBTQ+ Students in CS
As computer science educators, we need to be well aware of the fact that certain groups of people are not yet experiencing representation in the computing industry. |
CSTA Equity Fellow Spotlight: Charity Freeman |
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Top 20 Reasons to Attend CSTA 2020
If you’re already registered, we cannot wait to see if you there! If not, we hope these reasons will convince to join us our first virtual conference! |
Fostering Creativity, Curiosity, and Generosity Through Robotics
Introducing robotics in early childhood can make technology and engineering education more engaging and hands-on. But can a robotics curriculum that’s designed to be developmentally appropriate for young children also help them become better citizens and human beings? |
Intersectionality of Systemic Racism, CS, and our Role
For this month's member spotlight, we speak with Charity Freeman, a 2019-2020 CSTA Equity Fellow and chief equity officer of her CS classroom. She is a champion for teacher and student rights and participated in the Chicago Teachers Union strike in the fall of 2019. We are so excited to share this space with her to discuss equity in CS, and her values as an educator. Charity teaches computer science at Lane Tech College Prep High School on the northwest side of Chicago, IL. |
Black Lives Matter to CSTA
Equity in computer science education is at the core of CSTA’s work and that will only be possible in a world where Black Lives Matter. The killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Tony McDade at the hands of police are the most recent in an unconscionably long list that began in 1619. We see the effects of systemic racism throughout our society, and we see it in our schools and classrooms, where our current systems and structures deny Black students the opportunity to access and persist in computer science. |
K-12 CS Teacher Takeaways from SIGCSE 2020 - Part 4: Curricula & Tools
SIGCSE provides an important forum for computer science education research, and it is unfortunate that this year’s conference was canceled. In this four-part series, I’m excited to share some learnings and practical takeaways relevant to K-12 CS teachers to help ensure practitioners benefit from this great work. This final segment focuses on K-12 curricula, tools, and platforms. Parts 1, 2, and 3 of the series introduced a variety of research takeaways, instructional strategies, and K-12 assessment. |
K-12 CS Teacher Takeaways from SIGCSE 2020 - Part 3: Assessment
SIGCSE provides an important forum for computer science education research, and it is unfortunate that this year’s conference was canceled. In this four-part series, I’m excited to share some learnings and practical takeaways relevant to K-12 CS teachers to help ensure practitioners benefit from this great work. This third part focuses on K-12 assessment. Parts 1 and 2 of the series introduced a variety of research takeaways and instructional strategies. Part 4 on K-12 curricula, tools, and platforms will be published tomorrow. |
K-12 CS Teacher Takeaways from SIGCSE 2020 - Part 2: Instructional Strategies
SIGCSE provides an important forum for computer science education research, and it is unfortunate that this year’s conference was canceled. In this four-part series, I’m excited to share some learnings and practical takeaways relevant to K-12 CS teachers to help ensure practitioners benefit from this great work. This second part focuses on K-12 instructional strategies. Part 1 of the series introduced a variety of research takeaways. Parts 3 and 4 on assessment and curricula will be published later this week. |
We Need Your Voice in a National Survey of K-12 CS Teachers
CSTA aspires to be the voice and community of K-12 computer science teachers. To do this effectively, we must better understand teachers, their school contexts, and their needs. That is why CSTA is partnering with the Kapor Center to conduct a comprehensive survey of K-12 computer science teachers in the United States. |
CSTA 2020 Sessions for the K-5 Teacher |
CSTA 2020 Sessions for the 6-8 Teacher |
CSTA 2020 Sessions for the 9-12 Teacher |
CSTA Equity Fellow Spotlight: Michelle G. Lee |
Looking To Next Year
For the past few years, it has been exciting to watch CS education explode across the K-12 landscape with headlines like “33 states adopted 57 computer science ed policies since 2018” and “Fifty Nifty: Every state has adopted K-12 CS policy!” popping up in my newsfeed. The future seemed bright as more and more states adopted CS standards for students, even in K-8, which is where my heart lies. Then, our world turned upside down … what does this mean for the hope of CSforAll in K-8 education? |
K-12 CS Teacher Takeaways from SIGCSE 2020 - Part 1
The SIGCSE Technical Symposium (the ACM Special Interest Group for Computer Science Education) provides a forum for computer science education research. While traditionally focused on postsecondary learning, it has a sizable and growing emphasis on K-12. It is unfortunate that the conference was canceled, but in this first post of a series, I’m excited to share some learnings and practical takeaways relevant to K-12 CS teachers to help ensure practitioners benefit from this great work. |
Participate in a Virtual Computer Science for English Learners Pilot Year Program
We’re looking for CS teacher-leaders to participate in a virtual CSforEL Pilot Program. |
CSTA Equity Fellowship Spotlight: Shana White |
Attribution Errors
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Lessons Learned During Panademic Teaching
This month, we speak with Julie Alano, an advisor of her school's Computer Science Honor Society and founder and president of the CSTA Hoosier Heartland Chapter. |
Accessibility and Remote Computer Science Education
As schools across the country cease providing in-person instruction, teachers are moving their classes and resources online. |
Being a Warm Demander in a Sea of CS Inequity
The pandemic has exposed the digital divide, not only in America but worldwide. With this, CS inequity has come up to the surface. |
Conversations for Change
This week is Teacher Appreciation Week in the United States. Thank you to all the teachers involved with CSTA for bringing computer science to students! |
CSTA Equity Fellowship Spotlight: Shanti Coaston |
Virtual Life
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CSTA Equity Fellowship Spotlight: Jacqueline Corricelli |
Emergency Remote Teaching: Challenges & Possible Solutions |
Social Emotional Connections and Self-care for Teachers in the Time of COVID-19
This month our Member Spotlight is with Shaina Glass, CS/STEM Coordinator in Aldine ISD in Houston, Texas and the President of the CSTA Greater Houston Chapter. |
Software, Hardware, and People
I am fortunate to be old friends with Alfred Thompson and have kept in touch via email, FB and his blog. I asked him a question that I’d like to ask all teachers — how could we have been better prepared? What do I wish I knew then that I know now? Here are his thoughts. |
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2020 CSTA Board of Directors Election Results
This year, CSTA+ members voted to elect six representatives to their Board of Directors. |
Building a CS Summer Enrichment Program
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How High School Computer Science Changed My Life
I quizzically looked at the book titled C++ for your Plus Plus. I thought to myself, “Why would a book encourage you to get a mediocre grade like a C+?” |
We’re Going Virtual!
After much consideration, we’ve decided to transition the 2020 CSTA Annual Conference to a virtual conference! |
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CSTA Equity Fellow Spotlight: Abigail Joseph |
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ACM and CSTA Announce the 2019–20 Cutler-Bell Prize Winners
The Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) announced four high school students were selected from among a pool of graduating high school seniors throughout the U.S. for the Cutler-Bell Prize. |
Pathways, Barriers and
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Defining Pathways in K–8 Computer Science and Beyond
What do we mean by “Pathways in Computer Science” and why would we want to define CS learning pathways in our schools/districts? How might pathways change in higher grade levels? |
CSTA Equity Fellow Spotlight: Rebecca Luebker |
Beyond the Flier: Four Actionable Ways to Grow your CS Program
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CSTA Welcomes Greg Bianchi to the Board
CSTA is pleased to announce the appointment of Greg Bianchi to the CSTA Board of Directors as a Partner Representative. |
CH-CH-CH-CHANGES! |
What Could it Be? |
Great News: CSTA, UC-San Diego’s CREATE, EDS, CRLP and SanDERA Awarded EIR Grant for “CS for English Learners”! |
Meet Jason Bohrer, CSTA's New Chapter Relations Manager |
Computer Science in the Library
Libraries are also still places to borrow books. It is important that students have access to books with people that look like them. |
Using Her Voice: Pat Phillips’ Legacy at CSTA
“Welcome to CSTA.” This is the title of the very first article, in the very first issue of The Voice, launched in April 2005. |
An Interview with CSTA+ Member David Lockett
David Lockett shares his experiences as an educator and involvement as a NASA Ambassador program participant. |
CSTA Equity Fellow Spotlight: Todd Lash |
CSTA Equity Fellow Spotlight: Cindy Wong |
Yes, K-2 Can!
I often hear comments like those below when I talk about teaching programming in Kindergarten through 2nd grade. |
#000000 History Month, Computing, and Schools
With Black History Month upon us, I would love for more computer science educators to approach this month and every month with a focused mindset on the triumphs and achievements of Black Americans in the United States within computing and STEM fields. |
CSTA to Develop Equity-Focused PD Through a Grant From the Community Foundation of Utah
CSTA received the inaugural grant from the Community Foundation of Utah to plan, develop, and launch equity-focused professional development for Utah educators. |
This is the Way |
Book Talk: Building a Library for Computer Science Classes
How do you incorporate literacy into your classroom? Which books are in your CS K–8 library? |
Benefits of Establishing a CS Honor Society
At last summer’s CSTA Annual Conference, Executive Director Jake Baskin announced the launch of a nationwide Computer Science Honor Society, building off of the success of CodeVA’s work in Virginia. |
CSTA Ohio Working With State Board of Education on CS Expansion
On March 23, 2018, Ohio House Bill 170 went into effect requiring the development of learning standards and model curriculum for computer science. |
Reflections on Teaching Computing, Ethics and Social Responsibility
This fall, I taught an undergraduate class (at the University of Colorado Boulder) on Computing, Ethics and Social Responsibility. |
Edutainment for Computational Thinking
“Well, you see, coding is really all about…” I remember bringing up this conversation with a peer. |
Meet Linda Roh, Computer Science Honor Society Advisor
Linda Roh is a member of the CSTA as well as the Nebraska Huskers chapter, and is currently serving as a Computer Science Honor Society (CSHS) Advisor at Lincoln East High School, Lincoln, Nebraska. |
It's a New Year
Happy first CSTA blog post for 2020! Each year I try to reflect on the past year to help gain perspective for the next. |
Learn About the New Quorum Studio
The Quorum Programming Language is the first evidenced-oriented programming language that was “born accessible” more than ten years ago. |
Nomination Period Now Open for CSTA Board of Directors
CSTA is now accepting nominations to join its Board of Directors for the July 2020–2022 term. |
Meet CSTA Board Representative Michelle Lagos |
CSTA Releases Annual Report
CSTA has released its annual report, highlighting the organization's growth from July 2018 to July 2019. |
CSTA Announces New Standards for CS Teachers
The Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) announced its new Standards for CS Teachers at a celebration of Computer Science Education Week. |
The Importance of Industry Partnerships in CS Education |
#CSforGood Resources and Lesson Plans Now Available
CSTA has created a set of 10 posters that feature diverse people using computer science for good in diverse industries and ways. |
Meet the 2019 Winners of the Champions of Computer Science Awards!
In celebration of the 2019 Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek), the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) and Code.org are pleased to announce the third annual Champions of Computer Science Awards. |
From 70 MPH to 55 MPH
There is a feeling when you are driving on the open road and just enjoying the flow of the traffic and you are just cruising and advancing at a constant pace, that is satisfying. |
Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of CSEdWeek
This December marks the 10th anniversary of Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek) and it’s remarkable how far it has come. |
Free Downloadable STEM Posters: Embed STEM in the School Culture
The first week of December is nationally recognized in schools as “Computer Science Education Week” or “CSEdWeek.” |
Celebrating 15 Years of CSTA |
Dr. Jan Cuny’s National Impact On Computer Science Education
In writing this blog post, I wanted to take the opportunity to share with you, our members, the impact that Dr. Jan Cuny has had on our children, our communities, our country and on computer science education. |
CSTA Wisconsin Dairyland Set to Hold Annual CS Summit |
Thinking About Reflection |
CSTA New England Chapters to Host Regional Conference
The 2019 CSTA New England Regional Conference will be held on Oct. 26, 2019, at the Boston University Photonics Center. |
Using Drones in the Classroom
Many students look at drones as cool toys to play with, not an emerging technology with several career possibilities. |
What is Easy? |
CSTA Announces $3 Million Grant From U.S. Department of Education
CSTA is proud to announce the organization was awarded a $3 million grant from the United States Department of Education. |
Preparing Computer Science Teachers
I’ve been fortunate enough to have some great conversations about what CS teachers need to know over the last year. |
Artificial Intelligence Attracts Students Who Enjoy Solving Complex Problems and Tolerate Risk
Students considering a career in artificial intelligence need to ask themselves: Am I a First Penguin? |
7 things for CS teachers to know: K-12 CS experiences of Google engineers
At Google, I lead the Outreach team for Computer Science and Digital Skills Education, which means I get to support CSTA and other great organizations working to broaden access to CS education. |
CSTeachingTips.org: Tips for Teaching Computer Science
I curate CSTeachingTips.org, which has over 1,300 tips for teaching computer science (CS) gathered from interviews with more than 150 CS teachers because I’m passionate about helping teachers expand their strategies to teach CS more effectively. |
Recent Good News on Participation and Opportunities for Young Women Studying Computer Science
Two pieces of important and good news have come out recently about the state of, and opportunities for, the participation of young women in computer science. |
CSTA Announces Recipients of First-ever Equity Fellowship
The Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) announced the ten participants of the organization’s inaugural Equity Fellowship, made possible in partnership with Microsoft Corp. and Pluralsight One. |
Remixing CSPD Week: The Summer of CS 2019
California is the world’s fifth-largest economy, and the information/technology sector being the largest contributor to its GDP growth in the last 10 years (Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2018; CompTIA, 2019). |
Announcing the 2019 State of Computer Science Education Report
Today, along with Code.org and the Expanding Computing Education Pathways (ECEP) Alliance, a National Science Foundation Broadening Participation in Computing funded Alliance, CSTA is excited to release the 2019 State of Computer Science Education report. |
The Second-Best Job
Don’t get me wrong, being retired is the best job ever (with teaching a close second!) but I must say I feel very lucky to be able to stay active in the computing education community. |
CSTA Welcomes Hai Hong to the Board
CSTA is pleased to announce the appointment of Hai Hong to the CSTA Board of Directors as a partner representative. |
Data Science in Schools
I’ve no doubt that good CS education involves finding some motivating contexts for getting the ideas across, and for pupils to get to grips with programming. |
Finding Her Voice in the World of Computing: Samina’s Journey
Growing up in a household where Java was the second language, I have always had an interest in learning to code. Before pursuing a career in IT, I knew I liked computers and technology. |
Teaching Computer Science Online
After 25 years of teaching computer science (CS), I’ve witnessed a few changes. My first computers at Baraboo High School only had floppy drives and no network or internet access. Students learned Pascal, followed by C++ and then Java. |
Building a Pre-K to 12 Computer Science Program
It is that time of the year when we re-open our doors to our students for another school year. |
Prayers, Meditations, and Reassurances
“Teaching is not a lost art, but the regard for it is a lost tradition.” - Jacques Barzun |
Technology has Vastly Improved our World, and Artificial Intelligence Will Keep Making It Better
Is it just me, or has the media decided that AI will cause the end of civilization as we know it? |
CSTA Arizona: A summer of partnering, learning, and growing community
CSTA Arizona (CSTA AZ) held its first-ever AZ Computer Science Professional Development (CSPD) Week in June 2019. |
Dr. J. Philip East: 2019 CSTA Volunteer of the Year
It was 1999, and Dr. J. Philip East was talking with Chris Stephenson about computer science (CS) education for K–12 teachers. The annual SIGCSE conference, which is mostly attended by college and university CS educators, had just run. |
My Summer PD looks like a Promising New Adventure…
The CSTA conference has been my summer PD for many years now, and it is incredible all the things I’ve been able to learn and bring back to my classroom for the new school year. |
Honoring CSTA’s Board of Directors
CSTA is proud to have a teacher-led Board of Directors that is focused on creating a strong environment to support our members. |
CSTA: CS for ALL, Equity Access, and Bridging Gender and Diversity Gaps
My name is Art Lopez, and it is an honor and privilege to have been elected to serve on CSTA’s Board of Directors as one of the 9-12 representatives. |
Chapter Leadership Summit — 2019 CSTA Annual Conference
On July 7–8, chapter leaders from more than 60 CSTA Chapters came together for the Chapter Leadership Summit at the 2019 CSTA Annual Conference. |
School Counselors Prepare Students for 21st Century Computational Thinking Skills |
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Recognizing the Role of Teachers in Advancing Computer Science
For those of us working in the computer science (CS) field, the statistics are glaring. |
Are You Ready for #CSTA2019? |
Still Failing at Fairness
Equity — or the lack thereof — is a challenging thing to talk about. For people who recognize it's a problem, it isn't necessary to reiterate, because they're already aware of the problem. |
Classroom Tools: Using CMU’s CS Academy
I have taught technology at various levels, but this past year I was presented with the opportunity to teach computer science (CS) at the high school level in an innovative local district. |
Teaching Computational Thinking in Early Elementary
“Computer science is! Computer science is! Using the power of computers to solve our problems and express ourselves!” |
We Need Your Feedback on CS Standards
CSTA and ISTE have launched an initiative to revise CS standards. As CS teachers, your input is valuable to this process. Keep reading to learn how you can provide feedback. |
Teaching Cyber Security in High School
When I started teaching cyber security five years ago, I had nothing. I didn't have a curriculum and I didn't have much background on the topic. |
Group Work that Works: Agile for Authentic Learning
The traditional, and widely-accepted, model of group work in the classroom encourages teachers to group students in teams of three to five, and to assign a role to each student. |
2019 Board of Directors Election Results
We would like to take the opportunity to announce the newest members of the CSTA Board of Directors. |
CSTA Welcomes Bryan Twarek as Director of Education
CSTA is thrilled to announce Bryan “BT” Twarek will join the organization as Director of Education at the end of this school year. |
Welcome to CSTA’s New Website and Member Experience |
ACM and CSTA Announce 2018–19 Cutler-Bell Student Winners
The Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) announced four high school students were selected from among a pool of graduating high school seniors throughout the U.S. for the Cutler-Bell Prize. |
It Doesn't Matter Where Students Go to School. Except That It Does
With the school year well underway, I can’t help but reflect on where we are today in computer science (CS) education. Numerous initiatives to expand access to CS were initiated over the last decade. |
Classroom Resources for Java
A web search for “AP Computer Science A Java” returns over 17 million hits; it’s awesome to live in such an information-rich era, but this is overwhelming. |
CSTA and Code.org Announce the 2018 Champions for Computer Science
In celebration of the 2018 Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek), CSTA and Code.org are pleased to announce this year’s Champions for Computer Science. |
Governors for Computer Science
In less than a month, 36 states will hold gubernatorial elections. These races will have a significant effect on the future of computer science (CS) education policy. |
2018 Oracle Academy Scholarship Recipients
Today the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) and the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) in collaboration with Oracle Academy are proud to announce the thirty-three scholarship recipients for the upcoming CSTA Annual Conference, July 7-10 in Omaha, NE. |
Announcing the next Executive Director of CSTA!
The Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) has named Jake Baskin as its Executive Director, effective February 5, 2018. |
