Chappaqua Central School District Increases Access To Computer Science In School

From Chappaqua School District: During his weekly address on January 30, 2016, President Obama called attention to the growing disconnect between the amount of open, well-paying technology jobs that require some computer science knowledge or coding skills and the fact that computer science remains largely missing from K-12 education. Since then, 2016 has been a year of action in support of computer science.

On December 5, to coincide with beginning of Computer Science Education Week, the Chappaqua Central School District was acknowledged in a White House Fact-Sheet Press Release for its efforts in increasing access to computer science in schools.

In September, the District partnered with the Lower Hudson Regional Information Center (LHRIC) to design and implement a computer science curriculum for all students in third grade. “Up until now, teacher training has not provided any foundation for teachers to incorporate computer science in the elementary curriculum,” explained Darleen Nicolosi, Chappaqua’s Director of Instructional Technology. “So, it’s up to districts to provide opportunities for teachers to learn how to implement computer science into their classrooms.”

During the planning phase (Sept.-Dec.), a technology coach from the LHRIC is working with teachers to determine what are the essential concepts students should know and be able to do at the end of a project, and how to help and support teachers to learn and grow. The professional development model for teachers includes the coach modeling the work and co-teaching in classrooms in preparation for phase II, which is implementing a 10-lesson unit of study from January to March for all students in the third grade.

“The project is an important early step in developing a focus on computer science education in Chappaqua,” commented Eric Byrne, Chappaqua’s Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. “Through this work and commitment, we will better prepare our students for today’s world and tomorrow’s challenges.”

Images Courtesy Of Chappaqua Community School District