Abstract
The ESC-2, WeTeach CS project will develop a professional learning community with the goal of providing teachers a viable pathway to becoming certified to teach Computer Science, Grades 8-12 and/or enhance their knowledge of computer science education and the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Computer Science.
ESC-2 staff specializing in technology, mathematics, curriculum and instruction have partnered with Dr. David Hicks, Associate Professor of Computer Science, from Texas A&M University- Kingsville to develop high-quality, professional development opportunities to be delivered during a three-day, intensive Summer Institute. Further, an online learning community, facilitated by ESC-2 staff, Dr. Hicks, and grant partners will be established to provide mentoring, guidance, discussion and feedback to ESC-2 grant participants.
Teachers will develop individual professional development plans, which include a minimum of 60 hours of coursework. Teachers will have two pathways to choose from: 1) certification; to prepare for and successfully challenge the Computer Science 8-12 examination or (2) to enhance their content knowledge of computer science education with the intent of incorporation into their instructional practice.
The overarching goal of the ESC-2, WeTeach_CS project is to recruit teachers and provide them a viable pathway to become certified to teach Computer Science in Texas, specifically in Region 2, in support of the nation’s CS for All initiative. This effort will provide students, especially high risk and economically disadvantaged students, with greater opportunities for life-long success.
