The research objectives were to 1) study the current conditions, problems, and good practices regarding teaching and learning 2) develop a blended instructional model using problem-based learning with graphic organizers to enhance systems thinking skills in computational science for students in lower secondary school and 3) study the results of…

To address racial and gender inequality in K-12 computer science (CS) education, there needs to be a multi-pronged approach. In addition to curricula that are culturally responsive and sustaining inclusive, K-12 CS teachers need to be equipped to implement the curriculum, pedagogy, and instruction to mitigate the racial and gender gaps in…

The EIR-funded Work-Based Learning for Computer Science (WBL4CS) grant implemented a three-course, two-year Computer Science (CS) pathway in 20 Rhode Island High Schools. Evaluators from Education Development Center (EDC) employed a cluster randomized controlled trial to study the impact of integrating a Work-Based Learning course into the first…

Background and Context: Although computing is a highly sought-after skill set in our modern economy, certain individuals are under represented in computer science (CS) courses and careers. The integration of visual and performing arts in K-12 CS education has been gaining "STEAM" as a viable strategy for making computing more inclusive.…

RoblockLLy is an educational robotics simulator designed for primary and secondary school students, whose goal is to increase their interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. In the particular case of computer science, it allows developing computational thinking skills. It has been designed with ease of use in mind. This free…

Contemporary education calls for innovative strategies to move away from traditional teacher-centered methods to methods that engage students and enhance learning outcomes. This shift toward student-centered learning is crucial for achieving educational goals and making the next generation more adaptable to the modern era. This paper examines the…

Background and context: Despite the growing importance of computer science (CS) education, high-quality CS curricula for students in kindergarten to lower elementary grades are lacking. It is also unclear how students from underrepresented groups such as female students, students from low socioeconomic status, and students with disability respond…

Multilingual learners, also known as English learners (ELs), are underrepresented in K-12 computer science (CS) courses, where they often struggle. This paper demonstrates how a Computer Science for English Learners (CSforEL) professional development (PD) program supported Advanced Placement CS Principles (APCSP) teachers in attending to both…

This study investigated how Chicago Public Schools (CPS) computer science (CS) teachers and instructional coaches navigated remote professional development (PD) during the pandemic. Analyzing multiple sources of qualitative data, we explored how coaches adapted PD to address teachers' unique needs and how teachers experienced remote PD. We found…

In 2019, the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE), in partnership with the University of Rhode Island (URI), launched the Work-Based Learning for Computer Science (WBL4CS) project through an Education Innovation Research (EIR) grant. The initiative aimed to expand access to computer science (CS) education for high school students,…

METRICS was a 5-year grant program funded by the U.S. Department of Education designed to immerse elementary school students in computer science. METRICS components included 1) creation and implementation of rigorous computer science curriculum units and assessments to support STEM coursework connected across all subjects through problem-based…

Schools in underserved communities are less likely to be able to offer computer science (CS) classes and when available the teacher lacks a background in CS but is also new to the teaching profession (Banilower et al., 2018). CS teachers without the proper preparation in the content area struggle to support their students including ways of…