AiiCE and NSF logos

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.

students working on laptops in class

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.
2023 CSTA Conference Keynote with AiiCE Student Advisors

Projects

Identity Inclusion for K-12 CS Educators course logo: apple outline with fingerprint and circuitry lines in background

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.

Inquiry Groups logo: puzzle pieces indicating teacher collaboration, identity, and computing

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.

CS teachers participating in professional development

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.

Black woman CS teacher alongside two of her elementary students, all smiling

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.

CS teachers discuss equity-focused policies

Teacher Advocacy

A teacher-led Policy Committee develops advocacy toolkits and trains teachers to effectively advocate for policies that support equitable CS implementation.

PD providers sharing ideas at the annual in-person PD Provider Summit

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.

NSF Logo

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.