The State of K–8 Computer Science in an Urban, Decentralized District According to Its Teachers

• In Event: 67.069 - Sheraton Roundtable 14 - Osgoode Ballroom
  In Roundtable Session: 67.069-1 - Division C Section 1e Roundtable 4

Abstract

As part of the national CS for All initiative, there is a growing presence of computer science (CS) in K-8 classrooms. However, due to the newness of the discipline for younger learners and the rapidly changing technological and curricular landscape, there is little uniformity with how, when, and by whom CS is arriving in K-8 classrooms. This paper reports findings from a survey given to K-8 teachers in a large, urban, decentralized school district relating the state of CS in their schools and their experiences teaching it. Results from the survey highlight the plurality of ways CS is making its way into the classroom and the challenges K-8 educators and schools face to achieve the larger goal of CS for all.

Authors

• Erica Wheeler, Chicago Public Schools

• David Weintrop, University of Maryland - College Park

• Andrew Rasmussen

• Merijke Coenraad, University of Maryland - College Park

• Melissa Cobian

• Jen Hellige, University of Chicago

• Diana Franklin, University of Chicago