Schools
UCS is leading the way to expand computer science through state's only partnership with national coding experts
UCS effort noted by White House as part of federal initiative to expand computer science instruction
Utica Community Schools is the first Michigan district to team up with a national non-profit group that will enhance computer science instruction in Michigan’s second largest school district.
The district and Code.org have partnered to expand opportunities for UCS students in computer science through elementary media centers and district math and science courses.
The effort was recently noted in a White House fact sheet supporting a weekly address by President Obama about the need for expanded computer science instruction in K-12 schools.
The national non-profit Code.org will provide UCS computer science curriculum for all K-12 levels and professional development for teachers this summer to begin a five-year implementation process across its 36 schools.
“The integration of computer science and coding skills will promote the skills employers are seeking in today’s graduates: innovation, critical and creative thinking and problem solving,” said Superintendent Dr. Christine Johns. “These experiences will give our students a competitive edge for the top-paying jobs of the future.”
Code.org estimates that there will be one million open computer science jobs in the nation by 2022.
Nationally, there are nearly 600,000 computer jobs available and less than 40,000 computer science graduates, according to Code.org. In Michigan alone, Code.org reports that there are 16,261 jobs available and only 1,513 graduates.
“At a time when 75 percent of schools across the country still don’t offer computer science, we’re proud to partner with Utica Community Schools to expose students of all backgrounds to foundational 21st-century computing skills,” said CEO of Code.org Hadi Partovi. “What students begin learning now in elementary school will help open doors to the best opportunities available in any future career.”
In addition to the initial staff development for UCS teachers, Code.org will provide leadership training that will allow district staff members to lead workshop efforts to expand computer science instruction.
At the elementary level, the partnership will create an expansion of current media center lessons that introduce students to coding. Eighteen UCS media specialists participated in workshops this summer and have been introducing Code.org materials in K-6 lessons this school year.
At the secondary level, code.org will provide resources for new courses related to exploring computer science and a careers program based on engineering and advanced manufacturing. Coding will also be embedded in district math and science courses.
The foundation being created in elementary and junior high schools will provide greater access to computer science for all students.
The strong foundation will also support the district’s ongoing efforts to increase participation in Advanced Placement opportunities for high school students. The district now offers an AP Computer Science course and will be implementing an AP Computer Science Principles course in 2017 through the new partnership.
During his weekly radio address on January 30, President Obama announced a series of grants to support a Computer Science for All initiative.
The UCS partnership with Code.org was the only Michigan example cited for providing opportunities for students to gain computer science skills.
The White House fact sheet also referenced the work of the League of Innovative Schools, a group of more than 30 educational leaders from across the country supporting the effective use of technology through the congressionally authorized, bipartisan Digital Promise initiative.
UCS is a charter member of the League.
