The need for K-12 computer science instruction has become of great importance throughout the world as more and more career paths rely heavily on digital literacy. The Adapt, Implement and Research at Nebraska (AIR@NE) CSforAll project provides professional development and other supports to K-8 teachers for teaching computer science to their students. AIR@NE is a research-practitioner partnership built on the premise that the way to increase equitable participation and outcomes in computer science is to start with teaching ALL students computer science and computational thinking strategies starting in kindergarten. The AIR@NE partnership with the Lincoln Public Schools includes innovative computer science curriculum developed by the Lincoln Public Schools and now adapted for use by participants statewide. Data from cohort 1 (cohort 2 is underway) show strong improvements in teachers' knowledge and confidence related to teaching computer science, as well as significant improvements in student knowledge and attitudes. AIR@NE has developed and adapted instruments to measure teachers' and students' computer science knowledge and attitudes, along with observation and interview protocols. While it is too soon to see the longer-term outcomes of higher enrollment in high school and college computer science courses, positive shifts in students' attitudes are promising.

NSF Awards: 1837476

Presented in: 2021 (see original presentation & discussion)