Background and Context: Differences in children's and adolescents' initial attitudes about computing and other STEM fields may form during middle school and shape decisions leading to career entry. Early emerging differences in career interest may propagate a lack of diversity in computer science and programming fields. Objective: Though middle…

Abolitionist dreamers have called for justice-oriented teachers to teach K-12 students with marginalized identities through methods of critical and culturally responsive/sustaining pedagogies (Freire, 1970/2018; Gay, 2018; Ladson-Billings, 1995/2021; Paris & Alim, 2014); acts of love, care, hope, and healing (Ginwright, 2016; Love, 2019); and…

Background and context: Historically underrepresented youth in computer science persistently experience barriers making it difficult to see themselves in the computer science field including computer science programs and curricula with consistent stereotypical references focused on competition, individualism, and male-associated topics…

Computer science impacts our lives every day in a multitude of ways. Despite its ubiquity and power to shape the world, the computer science education community continues to struggle with issues of equity. Problems of access, opportunity, influence and achievement are pervasive and while a handful of scholars have investigated specific approaches…

Background and Context: Computational thinking (CT) is considered as a valuable literacy for all students, and its inclusion in compulsory schooling could increase the numbers of underrepresented students who pursue computing-related careers. Computer Science Unplugged (CSU) had success in making computer science (CS) accessible to K-12 students…

This report explores Massachusetts' progress toward achieving equity in computer science (CS) education. The authors examine 12 years of Advanced Placement CS data, identifying both successes and ongoing challenges to equitable CS education in the Commonwealth. The authors also raise questions to help inform future decision-making and…

The underrepresentation of certain groups in computing has led to increasing efforts to develop computing curricula that is responsive and relevant to a more diverse group of learners. The current paper used a Quick Scoping Review methodology to identify research that has implemented and evaluated culturally responsive and relevant K-12 computing…

Despite a growing belief among parents, administrators, and students in computer science's benefits, and millions of dollars allocated to offering it in K-12 schools, gaps in access and participation among Black, Hispanic, and white students persist. Today, computer-science-for-all leaders acknowledge they've hit a plateau and that they need more…

The lack of diversity in the technology workforce in the United States has proven to be a stubborn problem, resisting even the most well-funded reform efforts. With the absence of computer science education in the mainstream K-12 curriculum, only a narrow band of students in public schools go on to careers in technology. The problem persists…

This report provides a comprehensive look at computer science (CS) education across Utah elementary, middle/jr. high, and high schools as of 2018. The Utah Expanding Computing Education Pathways (ECEP) team sent out a survey to all public schools in the state of Utah. The survey presented targeted questions depending on whether it was completed…

Teacher shortages have real impact on schools, students, and communities. A gap of one teacher in a school means diminished opportunities for students. And, like many challenges in public education, the pain of teacher shortages is not distributed equitably: The communities that suffer the most from teacher shortages are often low-income and…