In honor of Computer Science Education Week, the Constellations Center for Equity in Computing at Georgia Tech will be discussing equity in computing and much more. Our theme for the chat is breakingtheCode = [Equity in K-16 Education] and we’ll be joined by computer science experts, Nicol Howard, Regina Schaffer, Tammy G. Neil, and Rafranz Davis.
Hello #CSEdWeek! Add your voice to the "Encouraging Equity in CS" Twitter Chat at 7pm Eastern tonight. @NGCP@NCWIT & @ECEP_CS are looking forward to discussing your efforts to increase equity in computer science ed. We will be joining the @GT_CCEC chat for a few shared Qs too!
Good evening. My name is Tammy Neil. I teach Comp. Sci. at Suwannee Middle School in Suwannee County in rural North Florida. I am excited to be here tonight to discuss digital equity. #BreakingTheCodeGT#CSEdWeek
Hi everyone! I’m excited to chat with you all tonight! I am a fierce advocate for STEM & CS Equity & a Digital Learning Director for a public school in Texas #BreakingTheCodeGT#CSEdweek
Good evening everyone. I am Regina Schaffer from Jersey. I teach CS at Thorne Middle School in Middletown NJ. Looking forward to a great conversation! #BreakingTheCodeGT
A1: Equitable Computer Science K-12 education should provide all students with the same opportunity to experience success in learning computer science. #BreakingTheCodeGT#CSEdWeek
A1b: Too many times, we don’t take into account the lack of access many students encounter before they ever get to a more formal setting. #BreakingTheCodeGT#CSEdWeek
A1 Equitable Computer Science Ed should be accessible to every student & built upon frameworks that deepen not just their understanding for more extensive CS work but also challenges them to create now. Must be intentionally accessible, diverse & safe. #BreakingTheCodeGT
A1c: Today, many assume students know “the basics”, but if you are in a rural or lower socio-economic area, you may lack these basics just because of a lack of access. #BreakingTheCodeGT#CSEdWeek
A1: Equitable CS provides both access to quality curriculum and ample opportunity to engage in CS for ALL students. Not just the high achievers, gifted, or other ways we segregate student groups. #BreakingTheCodeGT#CSEdWeek
A1: Equitable computer science keeps asking the question "Is this working" for ALL students. We have to keep measuring outcomes and finding who is struggling and why and adjust! What worked for us when we learned may not work for all. #BreakingTheCodeGT#CSEdWeek#CSforALL
Equity in #CS is making “sure we help each student learn/enjoy CS deeply—balance 3 competencies: cognitive…, intrapersonal…, & interpersonal…” ~@shuchig#BreakingTheCodeGT#CSEdWeek#CS4all
A1: Equity in CS also as @reginaschaffer mentioned is how we equip Ts in all schools to engage in CS curriculum and build their capacity in teaching CS to students. #BreakingTheCodeGT
A1+ I mentioned accessible to all and intentionally diverse because too often these opportunities are only provided for gifted leaning affluent students and we must be better than that #BreakingTheCodeGT
For me, part of it is NO barriers to accessing quality computing courses leading to post secondary CS opportunities. How else will we change the landscape of CS and tech? #CSEdWeek#BreakingTheCodeGT
In reply to
@GT_CCEC, @reginaschaffer, @NicolRHoward, @TG_Neil, @RafranzDavis
In the #TeacherPrep classroom, I am preparing future educators to teach #ComputerScience beyond coding. With regards to district and state policies, my hope is that my research informs future decisions about sustainable programs. #BreakingTheCodeGT#CSEdWeek#CS4all
A2b: Our universities can also accept two years of in depth programming classes as satisfying the foreign language enrollment requirement. #BreakingTheCodeGT#CSEdWeek
Q2: In TX, @CS4TX, @weteachcs, @ECEP_CS, and @code.org advocating for weighted funding for ISDs who enroll students in HS CS courses. Looks like we will get that for at least 3 courses this year: AP CS Principles, CS 1, and Fundamentals of CS #CSEdWeek#BreakingtheCodeGT
In reply to
@GT_CCEC, @ECEP_CS, @ngcproject, @NCWIT, @NicolRHoward, @TG_Neil, @RafranzDavis, @reginaschaffer, @cs4tx, @weteachcs, @ECEP_CS, @code
Q2 comes from our Twitter Chat collaborators at @GT_CCEC
A2 (1/2): We know that training in-school and out-of-school time educators and professionals on the importance of equity AND the strategies for getting there is crucial. #CSEdWeek#BreakingTheCodeGT
A2 (2/2): At the NGCP, we help to scale exemplary curriculum that does just that. If you have leads on curriculum that is ready to scale, let us know, we’d love to hear about it! info@ngcproject.org #CSEdWeek#BreakingTheCodeGT
A2 Providing access to materials & supporting multiple pathways for CS learning beginning in elementary. Supporting MS CSed classes with access to raspberry pi & tools for making, trying to build connections with HS CTE/CS #CSEdWeek#BreakingTheCodeGT
In reply to
@GT_CCEC, @ECEP_CS, @ngcproject, @NCWIT, @NicolRHoward, @TG_Neil, @reginaschaffer
A1: Many keep treating CS as a novelty (or elite) subject. This manifests in when and how it is taught. Equitable CS instruction MUST start sooner. We must focus on what/how can we teach young children about CS. #CSforAll#BreakingTheCodeGT
In reply to
@GT_CCEC, @reginaschaffer, @NicolRHoward, @TG_Neil, @RafranzDavis
A3 Statewide, there’s not a dedicated focus or funding to make sure that every school in the state provides every student with the access to learn computing and certainly not CS. Let me just say that we are doing CS inequity well & we must fix this #BreakingTheCodeGT#CSEdWeek
In reply to
@GT_CCEC, @NicolRHoward, @reginaschaffer, @TG_Neil
A3b: Florida needs to do a better job of recruiting CS teachers. We need people that have a passion for CS, not just teachers from the Business Dept. I love the Business dept. but believe Ss need educators that originally want to be CS edus. #BreakingTheCodeGT#CSEdWeek
A3c: Also, there needs to be a stronger connection between coding in the elementary and more advanced programming courses. It’s not all about making games. #BreakingTheCodeGT#CSEdWeek
How can a district get information about being apart of #script??? Done a little research— but need to share more with district administrators. #BreakingTheCodeGT
Agreed! And we also can't ignore the huge gap that exists between secondary and post secondary access especially with women and Ss of color. #StartSooner#BreakingTheCodeGT#CSEdWeek
In reply to
@CisforCarla, @GT_CCEC, @reginaschaffer, @NicolRHoward, @TG_Neil, @RafranzDavis
A1: I think we have to focus on traditionally marginalized groups African American and Latinx students and girls and women in general along with students with special needs and disabilities. #BreakingTheCodeGT#CSedWeek
A4: Students without the basics feel that they are already behind, so why bother, especially when those with the background knowledge have a language of their own that “outsiders” don’t understand, yet. This deepens the divide. #BreakingTheCodeGT#CSEdWeek
Or core content. In elementary, it is still seen as an “extra”. It’s an elective that not every kid gets offered beyond that #BreakingTheCodeGT#CSedweek
In reply to
@SVicGlass, @GT_CCEC, @NicolRHoward, @reginaschaffer, @TG_Neil
A3c: Also, there needs to be a stronger connection between coding in the elementary and more advanced programming courses. It’s not all about making games. #BreakingTheCodeGT#CSEdWeek
A4 The kids that typically take CS have had early exposure, parental support, tools to play with code at home and/or have found connections so that they see themselves learning this. Without this, they struggle to even attempt #BreakingTheCodeGT#CSEdWeek
In reply to
@GT_CCEC, @reginaschaffer, @NicolRHoward, @TG_Neil
A2 one thing I am doing is trying to get past vague and bland references to diversity and equity and state the problems and their causes. White supremacy, patriarchy, resegregation so that my students, inc those with privilege know they obligations #BreakingTheCodeGT#CSedWeek
Unfortunately we see the struggling kids more than the kids with early exposure and parental support. We’re on a mission to change this. #BreakingTheCodeGT#CSEDWeek
A4 The kids that typically take CS have had early exposure, parental support, tools to play with code at home and/or have found connections so that they see themselves learning this. Without this, they struggle to even attempt #BreakingTheCodeGT#CSEdWeek
In reply to
@GT_CCEC, @reginaschaffer, @NicolRHoward, @TG_Neil
Thus why we still largely see CS happening in before/after school clubs only...also inequitable even if it’s better than nothing #CSEdweek#BreakingTheCodeGT
In reply to
@SVicGlass, @GT_CCEC, @ECEP_CS, @ngcproject, @NCWIT, @NicolRHoward, @TG_Neil, @reginaschaffer
I’m fighting harder than I ever had in education for this simple factor about #ComputerScience never thought I would have to be that one advocate. It’s truly an important moment in edu. #BreakingTheCodeGT
In reply to
@alfredtwo, @RafranzDavis, @GT_CCEC, @NicolRHoward, @reginaschaffer, @TG_Neil
A5: Too often CS courses are reserved for those that are already achieving academically. Students not achieving are often given “remediation courses” instead of the “fun” classes, like CS. #BreakingTheCodeGT#CSEdWeek
Some students face additional barriers to participating - many of our tools are not accessible to students with disabilities (Cognitive or Physical). Check out the organizations pledging to improve! https://t.co/s4MXMEc9Pb#CSEdWeek#BreakingTheCodeGT
A5b: This means that students that are behind academically may miss out on an opportunity to make the connections necessary to build purpose and understanding. #BreakingTheCodeGT#CSEdWeek
Q5 from @GT_CCEC
A5 (1/3): CS careers can take a number of forms--some of which have yet to be invented! We must broaden what learning CS means to everyone. Yes coding, but also computational thinking, problem solving, and ingenuity. #CSEdWeek#BreakingTheCodeGT
What have you found that works in making CS personally meaningful to students, allowing them to jump from tech "consumer" to "creator"? #BreakingtheCodeGT
A5 (2/3): Certificates and apprenticeship programs are a fantastic way for students to get hands-on experience in a field that is rapidly changing. At the same time, our friends @GT_CCEC are not afraid of encouraging us to ask the hard questions… #CSEdWeek#BreakingTheCodeGT
A3 I feel lucky to be in NYC with a vibrant CS Ed community. Lot of are working to bringing up ethics along with equity and identity via the #EthicalCS project. But lots more work - curriculum community building to be done #BreakingTheCodeGT#CSedWeek
A5c: This also means there are huge groups of students that may never have even a remote opportunity to learn computational thinking that would give skills they need to fill in that "achievement gap". #BreakingTheCodeGT#CSEdWeek
A5 (3/3): Something they have highlighted is the opportunity and need to be reflective of our own implicit biases when considering the CS career opportunities we encourage, i.e. higher ed v. CTE, and that there be equity across race and gender. #CSEdWeek#BreakingTheCodeGT
A5: The same gaps that exist in trying to increase diversity in other areas of education like AP participation and having a diverse staff. It is part of the larger issues that exist in education #CSEdWeek#BreakingTheCodeGT
In reply to
@GT_CCEC, @ECEP_CS, @NCWIT, @ngcproject, @RafranzDavis, @NicolRHoward, @TG_Neil
Agreed! A challenge with CTE is still how students are identified for a CTE pathway v "advance studies". Why are some some students placed in CTE and not on a college trajectory? Ss often don't get to make that choice themselves. #BreakingTheCodeGT#CSEdWeek
In reply to
@SVicGlass, @RafranzDavis, @GT_CCEC, @NicolRHoward, @reginaschaffer, @TG_Neil
A5 Scheduling around an already stacked HS schedule is tough especially if kids are in athletics, fine arts, etc with 4x4 requirements too. I’ve met so many HS kids who were interested but didn’t take CS because they just couldn’t. It’s a struggle #BreakingTheCodeGT#CSEdWeek
In reply to
@GT_CCEC, @ECEP_CS, @NCWIT, @ngcproject, @NicolRHoward, @TG_Neil, @reginaschaffer
We also have to broaden our idea of who can talk about Tech and CS to students. I often ask rural communities if they have a bank branch - every teller can talk about the bank's app! #CSforALL#Rural#CSEdWeek#BreakingTheCodeGT
We have an opportunity and an obligation to engage ALL students in every aspect of #ComputerScience. As we do this better, we will begin to close the gaps (e.g., new forms of tracking). #BreakingTheCodeGT#CSEdWeek#CS4all
A5: We need to stop seeing math as a gatekeeper for CS learning and start seeing CS as the vehicle to motivate kids to learn math like w/ @Bootstrapworld. Stop using math as an excuse to exclude kids #CSEdWeek#BreakingTheCodeGT
In reply to
@GT_CCEC, @ECEP_CS, @NCWIT, @ngcproject, @RafranzDavis, @NicolRHoward, @TG_Neil, @reginaschaffer, @Bootstrapworld
It’s crazy to have to be an advocate for the work that you are hired to do. That applies to any of us. “1. Here’s a job 2. Convince me why we should do it” #CSEdWeek#BreakingTheCodeGT
In reply to
@SVicGlass, @alfredtwo, @GT_CCEC, @NicolRHoward, @reginaschaffer, @TG_Neil
A5: We need to stop seeing math as a gatekeeper for CS learning and start seeing CS as the vehicle to motivate kids to learn math like w/ @Bootstrapworld. Stop using math as an excuse to exclude kids #CSEdWeek#BreakingTheCodeGT
In reply to
@GT_CCEC, @ECEP_CS, @NCWIT, @ngcproject, @RafranzDavis, @NicolRHoward, @TG_Neil, @reginaschaffer, @Bootstrapworld
At some point, this needs to end. #BreakingTheCodeGT By that, I mean, all teachers should be comfortable with it. Just like writing, reading, and arithmetic.
In reply to
@SVicGlass, @askatechnogirl, @alfredtwo, @RafranzDavis, @GT_CCEC, @NicolRHoward, @reginaschaffer, @TG_Neil
In the district I live in there’s caps on the # of students that can participate. My daughter has #missed out the last 2 yrs. I was so upset— we researched opportunities like @blackgirlscode and that’s her group! #hateit where’s the #equity? #BreakingTheCodeGT
In reply to
@mrterborg, @RafranzDavis, @GT_CCEC, @ECEP_CS, @ngcproject, @NCWIT, @NicolRHoward, @TG_Neil, @reginaschaffer, @BlackGirlsCode
But all teachers aren't comfortable with all of those subjects either. I've heard many teachers say "I don't do math" which just drives me crazy. #BreakingTheCodeGT
In reply to
@mrterborg, @SVicGlass, @askatechnogirl, @alfredtwo, @RafranzDavis, @GT_CCEC, @NicolRHoward, @reginaschaffer
If it’s not built into the culture, plan & work with full commitment, it’s just another week. That doesn’t mean that you don’t follow through. It just means you know your barriers all too well #BreakingTheCodeGT#CSEdweek
In reply to
@SVicGlass, @GT_CCEC, @ECEP_CS, @ngcproject, @NCWIT, @NicolRHoward, @TG_Neil, @reginaschaffer
But you know that won't happen with the time constraints teachers have already. Quality and inclusive PD is scarce for this as well. #BreakingTheCodeGT
In reply to
@mrterborg, @SVicGlass, @askatechnogirl, @alfredtwo, @RafranzDavis, @GT_CCEC, @NicolRHoward, @reginaschaffer, @TG_Neil
This has always been the issue with HOC and other once a year events. We need to layer with many different wide spread opportunities & not just treat it like a celebrated holiday, but with the same seriousness that we do other academic areas.
In reply to
@SVicGlass, @RafranzDavis, @GT_CCEC, @ECEP_CS, @ngcproject, @NCWIT, @NicolRHoward, @TG_Neil
A4: in many ways nyc is one of the most unequal places in the country. It is arguably the most segregated education system. The digital divide sits on top of that and creates massive inequities. From lack of classes to blocked websites ... #BreakingTheCodeGT#CSedWeek
Yep. My goal was to start an early elementary coding / tech program. Switched schools and it ended. Trying to do it here but the library has its own needs. #BreakingTheCodeGT
In reply to
@SVicGlass, @RafranzDavis, @GT_CCEC, @NicolRHoward, @reginaschaffer, @TG_Neil
There are old studies that show that Math correlates with CS - but what they don't tell you is that ALL subjects correlate with CS - turns out if you are good at school, you are also good at CS. #OldWeedOut#NotTheSame#CSEdWeek#BreakingTheCodeGT
In reply to
@Lien_Diaz, @drfletcher88, @GT_CCEC, @ECEP_CS, @NCWIT, @ngcproject, @RafranzDavis, @NicolRHoward, @TG_Neil, @reginaschaffer, @Bootstrapworld
A6: It is one of the biggest issues. If we track as early as K....there are so many Ss that will miss out on CS and other opportunities in education. Equity in general is one of the biggest edu issues we face now. #BreakingTheCodeGT#csedweek
Yep. The integration struggle is real. We have articulated the benefits, and elem teachers are often excited and willing, BUT how much can they eke out of existing instructional time without pointed support from admin/districts/etc? #BreakingTheCodeGT
In reply to
@RafranzDavis, @SVicGlass, @GT_CCEC, @ECEP_CS, @ngcproject, @NCWIT, @NicolRHoward, @TG_Neil, @reginaschaffer
A6: We all need to be aware how much biases play into tracking. Black and Brown Ss are regularly tracked away from adv courses and gifted tracks. Schools with majority Black and Brown Ss don't offer large numbers of AP courses #BreakingTheCodeGT#csedweek
A5 I think the word diversity has become meaningless I would rather focus on desegregating. And CS has to be part of a larger convo to how we got to this unequal situation. Before solutions we need to learn. Read @nhannahjones and others #BreakingTheCodeGT#CSedWeek
A6: Ss who receive additional academic assistance during the day are pulled from CS class, because it is not seen as academic, and thus they can miss instructional time in that class. #BreakingTheCodeGT#CSEdWeek
In reply to
@GT_CCEC, @TG_Neil, @NicolRHoward, @RafranzDavis
If CS Is only offered through specially “tracked” programs or as an option dependent on state test scores, that’s problematic & beyond inequitable. It also happens every single day #CSedWeek#BreakingTheCodeGT
In reply to
@GT_CCEC, @TG_Neil, @reginaschaffer, @NicolRHoward
A6: Who are we to decide what the students need for their future? Tracking closes doors before Ss can even begin to decide if an area is for them. #BreakingTheCodeGT
It impacts more than access - it impacts expectations! Expectations shape the way that we teach and how we ask students to think. Honors kids get creative projects while non-honors are asked to memorize. #NotEquitable#CSEdWeek#BreakingTheCodeGT#CSforALL
Advanced math in MS needs to be OPT OUT, not OPT IN and automatic for kids who demonstrate proficiency in ES. This ensures advanced math isn't just for kids whose parents are advocates and keeps doors open for more CS for ALL kids #BreakingTheCodeGT#CSEdWeek
In reply to
@GT_CCEC, @TG_Neil, @reginaschaffer, @NicolRHoward, @RafranzDavis
Yep, technology used to create or for testing practice. It always falls along racial, gender, SWD, and socio-economic lines. Our education system was built like this. #BreakingTheCodeGT
I love "Stuck in The Shallow End" its a primer for identifying inequity but also a rigorous approach to addressing the problems identified. #BreakingTheCodeGT#CSEdWeek
A6: People think that CS is only for advanced students. (it's not) so with tracking onlyadvanced students get to take it. People have to understand that CS is for everyone. #breakingthecodegt
Another huge reason to start CS early. Math & computational thinking do overlap. But the same skills of abstraction, generalization, analysis etc can be taught in much more engaging ways in CS than in math, and thru CT integration in other subjects! #CSEdWeek#BreakingTheCodeGT
In reply to
@drfletcher88, @GT_CCEC, @ECEP_CS, @NCWIT, @ngcproject, @RafranzDavis, @NicolRHoward, @TG_Neil, @reginaschaffer, @Bootstrapworld
I have one currently teaching #cs ...With STEM teachers at another and they too are rocking it but that’s purely because of campus admin supporting it. #BreakingTheCodeGT
In reply to
@askatechnogirl, @CisforCarla, @RafranzDavis, @GT_CCEC, @ECEP_CS, @ngcproject, @NCWIT, @NicolRHoward, @TG_Neil, @reginaschaffer
A7: I would offer joining @csteachersorg nationally & your local state chapter. They offer so many resources that will be relevant & accessible to your locally. #BreakingTheCodeGT#CSEdWeek
In reply to
@GT_CCEC, @RafranzDavis, @NicolRHoward, @TG_Neil, @csteachersorg
A6 seems like terrible ideas that make lives of teachers easier and create caste systems within schools. I went to a large public school where a small group of mostly white students took AP classes. Most other students didn’t even have the access #BreakingTheCodeGT#CSedWeek
#breakingthecodeGT#csedweek chatters, head over to #csk8 chat starting in one minute! Let's talk about our Favorite Things to do with teaching CS to 5-14 year olds.
