Empowering Elementary School Students With Disabilities: Computer Programming Through Culturally Sustaining Curriculum

• In Event: Saturday Roundtable Session 3:05 pm
  In Roundtable Session: Advancing STEM Education Opportunities for Students With Disabilities (Table 28)

Abstract

This study explores the experiences of elementary school students with disabilities in learning computer programming through a culturally sustaining curriculum and effective instructional strategies for supporting them. The single case study was conducted in a special education classroom with Latinx students, utilizing an integrated CS curriculum with environmental literacy. We found that students with behavioral and performance difficulties demonstrated notable improvements in classroom engagement, coding skills, and expressing creativity. The CS projects promoted peer collaboration and innovative problem-solving skills. Effective instructional practices included engaging multiple senses, involving student experts, providing explicit instructions, and connecting to students’ lives. This study underscores how a culturally sustaining CS curriculum empowers students with disabilities, fostering inclusivity and leveraging their strengths.

Authors

• Clare Baek, University of Hawaii - Manoa

• Dana Saito-Stehberger, University of California - Irvine

• Adam Nam, University of California - Irvine

• Gerardo Lopez, University of California - Irvine

• Sharin R. Jacob, Digital Promise Global

• Mark Warschauer, University of California - Irvine