As I write this article, our country is facing drastic environmental obstacles (fires in the west, floods in the south), and a worldwide pandemic that is forcing many of our students into virtual or hybrid models of learning across all states.
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As I write this article, our country is facing drastic environmental obstacles (fires in the west, floods in the south), and a worldwide pandemic that is forcing many of our students into virtual or hybrid models of learning across all states. In speaking with many state colleagues, one common thread has surfaced in numerous Departments of Education: The focus of leadership is not on computer science education initiatives right now in the present climate. I would challenge this viewpoint to say that it is very much about our students learning computer science and the digital world around them now because of the current climate we are in. Computer science education is more relevant today than ever before.
Nevada has adopted K-12 Computer Science and Integrated Technology standards that focus on the five core areas and seven guiding principles that drive computer science education, as modeled by the national CSTA standards. These standards, adopted in 2019, support even the youngest student on:
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learning to navigate the keyboard and use a mouse
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how a computer works
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how computer programs are coded and utilized
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the impact of computers and the internet on society
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the importance of good digital citizenship
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how to send an email and the networking process behind it
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developing digital artifacts, and
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using their computer and devices for communication, collaboration, and creation
This is exactly what our students, educators, and families need to know right now as they navigate through the various forms of digital and distance learning.
The pandemic has drastically accelerated our society’s reliance on computer technology while also accelerating significant workforce trends like telework and job automation. Nevada added computer science in 2018 to our list of academic core subjects to better prepare our students for a future where every job is a computer technology-oriented job. The pandemic will cause that future to arrive much sooner than anticipated. There is less time to adjust to these changes, and leadership without these skills will become obsolete.
These are unprecedented times and our educators and families are experiencing complex levels of strain and stress. I applaud and honor the perseverance and dedication of our computer science educators, and educators in general, in providing students with the most optimal learning experience they possibly can under the current circumstances. Veteran teachers have become first-year teachers overnight, and teachers around the country have taken to social media to support each other with resources and words of encouragement. These times are not easy, but we will get through them if we work together and lead with passion, patience, perseverance, and a positive proactive approach.
I would encourage all state leaders with influence over policy and practice to advocate for K-12 computer science instruction and the necessary professional learning support of educators teaching CS at all grade levels in your states. ALL of the students in our country need these foundational digital skills as never before in history. CSTA is here to support each one of you, every step of the way!
Cindi Chang
State Department Representative
