#csk8 Archive
This chat includes a discussion of topics of interest to K-8 teachers who teach and/or integrate computer science.The Computer Science Teachers Association is a membership organization that supports and promotes the teaching of computer science and other computing disciplines. CSTA provides opportunities for K–12 teachers and students to better understand the computing disciplines and to more successfully prepare themselves to teach and learn.
Wednesday May 18, 2016
The CSTA K-8 Task Group welcomes you to chat. Tonight we are collectively answering questions submitted by you!
Our moderators tonight will be and
Before we get started, please take a moment to introduce yourself so we know who’s joining us tonight.
I am Sheena, a CS teacher in California for 5+ years, CSTA K-8 board member. Co-moderating this chat today
I'm Vicky, K-8 technology teacher in the Los Angeles area. I'm co-moderating with tonight.
Hi folks! I'm Todd, a CS teacher/coach in Illinois. Happy to be here with you all!
Hi I'm Betsy. Principal K-6.
hello Letty Kindergarten Tt
Hello Betsy. Nice to have a principal on this chat
Scott from San Diego. I teach tech electives, grades 6-8.
Glad you could make it, Betsy. Good to "see" you.
I totally agree! So glad you are here!
The chat is a structured chat which means questions will be numbered Q1 for Question 1, Q2 for Question 2, etc.
Answers should start with A1 for the answer to Q1, A2 to answer Q2, etc. matching the question being answered.
We asked the community to submit questions they want answered and we’re going to try to collectively answer as many as we can!
The first question is coming right up - Be watching for it.
Q1: Obama's initiative is getting much needed attention for K-12 CS. How do we fit CS in an already packed curriculum?
A1: We stop teaching cursive writing :)
A1: CS in K-8 can be part of a wheel (a required class) that gives ALL students a chance to see what CS is about
LOL! I think most schools have already done this.
A1 Our classes (k-6) go to the CLab each week; we will start with all classes coding in the lab
A1: Think of CS (especially coding) as another tool that students can use to show what they know.
A1: In K-5, CS can be integrated into any content area - english history, social studies, math and even art
A1: Start by integrating it where it can be integrated, such as in Math and Science. https://t.co/PbRnzV6ylE
Q1: Obama's initiative is getting much needed attention for K-12 CS. How do we fit CS in an already packed curriculum?
Do you think it easier to fit in as a required class or integrated into current core curriculum?
We want more principals like you who make possible. Thank you !
Hi, Kathy Benson STEM Integration / Resource Teacher
This is awesome! https://t.co/c6SoFnXB9K
A1 Our classes (k-6) go to the CLab each week; we will start with all classes coding in the lab
A1 collaboration w Ts familiar with , trying it out in a lesson, seeing that is actually everywhere
Who teaches in the lab? Classroom teachers or a specialist?
Agree. Integrated throughout content areas
There are definitely many math & science connections that can be made.
Integration should be easier, but needs more teachers to join in! Required needs admins to add a class in the schedule
We have a CS specialist working with the teachers
Hi Kathy! Glad to have your voice here!
Is there a coaching model going on? Is the purpose to develop teacher capacity? Curious...
I believe we are answering a question from Kathy right now. https://t.co/AYoZvYKMBI
Hi Kathy! Glad to have your voice here!
Yes that is what we do in our district. CS teachers that works across the district and a STEM teacher per school
Q2: What does research in or other subjects tell us about what and how to teach K-8 CS?
I wonder how many schools have budget for this?
Is anyone clear what qualifications a CS specialist should have? CS teachers in CA need shop teacher credential.
I would love research links for K-8. https://t.co/4pbNc4xfGy
Q2: What does research in or other subjects tell us about what and how to teach K-8 CS?
yes right now in CA, it's under CTE.
A2: Jury is still largely out on research. Luckily has allocated more $ to research!
A2: Not as much as you would like... Very few researchers in CS education. is one who writes good posts on his site.
You're right; we have our PTA supporting our CLab specialist salary; they pay 20%
I believe they are changing it to include coaching the golf team this coming year.
A2 develops problem solving- critical thinking, inference, communication, resilience, and communication to name a few
A2: is another researcher who could help us answer that question. But not sure if it helps us in K8
Seriously, teacher credentialing will be a major undertaking over the next decade. Process is just starting.
If I pass the CTE test, I can also teach millwork. OY!
He does. How much is devoted to K-8?
A2 Yes, it develops 4 Cs and growth mindset https://t.co/AavD2khQiL
A2 develops problem solving- critical thinking, inference, communication, resilience, and communication to name a few
Yo your questions up! Q2: What does research in or other subjects tell us about what and how to teach K-8 CS?
Just started a project on computational thinking in 2-5
Agree but as demand increases, this one teacher position will get added. Have seen it working
A2 my Ss are enough evidence that with or without research improves both academic/ lang. performance
So the goal is awareness? we will see broad variation on what districts set as the goals and vision for CS.
So your CTE group includes elementary?
I'd like to see it included in our District Instrctnl Tech plan
I am assuming that CS will most likely be integrated at least at K-5.
it isn’t but when you start in Kinder it’s a must!
LOL I'm certified Secondary Computer Science so I'm really not credentialed for what I teach K-6 STEM!
Moving on ... Next question coming up
Q3: What resources/websites have you found that have been helpful in teaching K-8 CS?
I'm starting my Ph.D program in the fall :)
Hi Kathy! So nice to see you. Yes this includes K-8
And then we will have one more expert to tell us. Best for the program!
Ya, where? Are you gearing your research to CS and impact on Ss achievement? :)
What does that certification come from...? We do not have that here
with looking at CS and struggling learners but also very interested in your work!
I am working with to learn more about how middle school Ss learn computing in after school setting
Integration is but but concern is that since LA and Math are tested, even Science, Social Studies, & Health rn't fully covered.
Aman, thanks for joining us. We had a whole Q for you research folks. You need to get us the answers soon :)
Has shown me some great resources from England lately. Care to link any of those Vicky?
A secondary certification like Math, English, etc. No "test" for it though. Just content coursework & corresponding student teaching
A3 We use and to set up coding club after school we've used Gs
We are learning that how CS is framed influences girls interest and confidence
Yes I read some of the CMU research on Why Girls take CS for an article I wrote once. We need more of the same.
Okay, time to move on - not even 1/2 way through the questions. Q4 coming up!
Q4: Does anyone know of any good books re: teaching CS scope & sequence in elementary school?
A4: I'll jump in and say ... uh, no.
Love CS First for many reasons. However, the video based instruction doesn't get S's collaborating. Still use it some.
Q4A (My own modification of the original submitted q): Does anyone use any textbooks/ books in teaching CS ?
A4: I think is still too young and w/o research based to determine scope and sequence. Feeling our way...
Ur right, unless the facilitator intentionally pairs Ss
Good question. I don't use text books. I do have some books I have read. https://t.co/qWLGOabPpb
Q4A (My own modification of the original submitted q): Does anyone use any textbooks/ books in teaching CS ?
I think also you have to give tasks beyond the videos..create/synthesize something you learned etc.
I'm glad you suggest that; true, if Ss stop at the "finished" project they've missed opportunities to 'create'!
Love Sam's book but it's not really a scope & sequence. Great ideas though.
Q5: What is happening with credentialing teachers to teach CS at the elementary & secondary levels?
Check out this book on the iBooks Store: “Primary Coders” by Batista, Leticia
A4 I did give it a try with my book ,
Q5: They need to add CS course for preservice Ts. Just like they study Math Methods, etc.
Will check RT : Check out this book on the iBooks Store: “Primary Coders” by ,
A5 Cred Prog's need to add CS course for preservice Ts, just like they study Math Methods, etc.
Yep, it's a moving target. :)
in Texas many advocates are moving forward and we now have a 8-12 CS certification
Yes programs for preservice Ts is critical so we are ready. Meanwhile need to get PD for current teachers interested in CS
. so the challenge becomes describing a flexible responsive system of learning
has curriculum that focuses on elem, middle, and High school. A5
A5: Around 15+ states/ major cities instituted programs in one form or another this year. Credentialing a work in progress.
I'm already thinking how I can "unconference" my staff mtgs to train Ts on CS
Yes. I do think we should be clear yet flexible about CS goals for students.
Good ideas - that is how you get to everyone
Related question coming up!
Q6: related to the previous Q. How we will be prepare all the teachers we need for ?
Michigan wants CS to count as a foreign language. Bad idea for many reasons as highlighted by https://t.co/E8TrfoSXav
That reminds me for my CS methods course 18 years ago, I basically did an independent study under my Student Teaching Mentor :)
Who is pushing that in Michigan?
Next question Q7 coming up
Q7: If I want to work on in my district or state, where should I begin?
A6 I see how we can incorporate into Math trainings my Ts are already required to attend & all the PDD days I have at my site
A6 adequate funding and PD
TY friends! My time is up; baby is awake
Thank you! We really appreciate your admin view point, and hope to have you back here again soon
A7: A. Grow a base of interested T's. B. Take a group of kids to a school board meeting and show what they can do!
A7: Start at your school. Attend conferences in your area or state and tell your story. Get more teachers and administrators to listen
Last couple of questions coming up!
Q8: What resources are available to K-8 teachers that want to learn programming on their own?
Q9: What are some PD suggestions for the summer?
Answer one or both Q8 & Q9!
A9: Best PD for any CS educator this summer is the CSTA conference July 10-12 at San Diego.
Thank you for coming to tonight’s chat where we answered user submitted questions about K-8 CS.
Lots of great sessions lined up there! I'll be there!
('s a solid, free starting point. https://t.co/fbrBB2lSXW
Q8: What resources are available to K-8 teachers that want to learn programming on their own?
An archive of this chat will be posted in the K-8 Computer Science Teachers g+ Community at https://t.co/Pun3ZoWtgN
