CSTA is part of the Alliance for Interdisciplinary & Innovative Computing Education (AiiCE). Partners include Duke University, University of Oregon, Bard College, Kapor Center, DO-IT Center, Computing Sciences Accreditation Board, and Constellations Center for Equity in Computing. We collectively aim to increase the entry, retention, and course/degree completion rates of high-school and undergraduate students from groups that are historically underrepresented in computing through evidence-based, identity-inclusive interventions.
AiiCE Vision
AiiCE brings together national leaders in K-16 computer science education to create evidence-based strategies that strengthen educational practices, support effective policies, and empower students and educators.
Objectives
AiiCE enhances CS education by:
- Integrating social science into CS teaching and learning.
- Supporting educators in creating welcoming academic environments.
- Advancing evidence-based educational policies that strengthen CS programs.
Projects
Identity Inclusion Online PD
A virtual, self-paced “Identity Inclusion for K-12 CS Educators” course provides a baseline understanding of identity-inclusive topics, including one’s self, the impact one has on others, and ways to foster safe and inclusive CS learning environments.
Teacher Inquiry Groups
Asynchronous online PD is combined with facilitated monthly or bi-monthly community of practice sessions that engage CS educators in discussing identity-inclusive CS topics, practicing safe conversations, and building community in an intimate environment.
Professional Learning Series
Monthly webinars support K–12 educators with meaningful and relevant CS professional development. About one-half of sessions focus on topics of equity and identity inclusion.
CS Teacher Landscape
We conduct biennial national surveys of PreK-12 CS teachers, to examine the CS teaching landscape and teachers’ perceptions of how to move towards a vision of equitable CS.
Teacher Advocacy
A teacher-led Policy Committee develops advocacy toolkits and trains teachers to effectively advocate for policies that support equitable CS implementation.
PD Provider Summits
A community of practice (CoP) for K-12 CS PD providers meets quarterly to identify best practices, share resources, and integrate identity inclusive computing into their programs.
This work is supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 2118453. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.