Building an Equity-Focused Elementary CS Endorsement Program: Lessons Learned from the Piloting Year

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Wednesday 9:45am
  In Poster Session: AERA Division K Section 6 In-Service Educators - Poster Session 1

Abstract

This proposal presents lessons learned from the piloting year of an equity-focused Elementary Computer Science Endorsement Program, a funded initiative designed to expand access to CS education in elementary grades, particularly for underrepresented groups. As the first approved CS endorsement program in the state, the initiative is equity-centered and grounded in culturally responsive, sustaining pedagogy. Drawing on multiple data sources, this report examines the motivations of in-service elementary educators to pursue a CS endorsement and explores how they experience, engage with, and enact their learning throughout the program. Findings highlight both the successes and challenges of preparing elementary educators in CS and offer actionable implications for designing sustainable, equity-driven teacher education programs that broaden elementary students’ participation in CS.

Authors

• Ruohan Liu, Seattle University

• Charisse Cowan Pitre, Seattle University

• Imani Sims, Seattle University

• Preston Hervey, Seattle Country Day School