Generations of science fiction fans have immersed themselves in a world of space travel, intelligent machines, and tech-enhanced living… from the cartoon Jetsons to the Mandalorian and everything in between. However, what once existed in the imagination of writers and film makers has become everyday as scientists, coders, and tech entrepreneurs expand the capacity for technology in our lives.
As technology changes the way we live and work, it’s more important than ever that students in our schools have opportunities to grow as tech users and innovators.
During Computer Science (CS) Education Week (Dec. 7-11), Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) is rolling out plans for a multi-year initiative to ensure that every student at every school has equal access to an inclusive, welcoming, and high-quality CS experience throughout their educational career.
GCPS has long taught computer science classes but is launching its Computer Science 4 All (CS4ALL) initiative to expand access. CS4ALL in Gwinnett will empower Gwinnett students from kindergarten through high school to learn computer science concepts and be equipped with the computational thinking skills they need to be creators, not just consumers, in the digital economy, and to be active citizens in our technology-driven world. Computer science is now recognized as a new “basic skill” necessary for economic opportunity and social mobility. CS4ALL will ensure that every GCPS student has access to these skills.
“In our rapidly shifting global economy, learning computer science is critical for today’s students,” says Tim Hemans, executive director for Academies, Career, and Technical Education. “We believe that CS is a tool that every graduate can take into the work world to expand options, no matter the career path.”
Making sure that students graduate with strong CS skills starts at the earliest grades and builds across the grade levels. As part of the CS4ALL initiative, all Gwinnett County public schools will work toward providing computer science education opportunities to all students by the 2024-25 school year.
“By putting together a plan for access to high-quality CS experiences for K-12 in GCPS, it is our hope to develop students as learners, users, and creators of computer science knowledge where the experiences build off of one another throughout the educational career,” says Mr. Hemans.
Computer science instruction will be offered in a variety of settings—as a semester course, a multi-year sequence, or incorporated into other content-area courses.
CS Exposure in Elementary School: Students (K-5) will gain exposure to computer science through STEM or CS specials, engaging with ideas related to data analysis, algorithms and computing, robotics applications, and the design process. At the elementary level, computer science instruction will be integrated into core subjects as well as classes like art, music, and technology.
CS Exploration in Middle School: Students (6-8) will build on their elementary school exposure to build a foundation by exploring computer science concepts in one (or more) of three computer science classes that will be offered—Computer Programming, Secure Information Systems, or Interactive Design.
CS Experience in High School: Students (9-12) will apply their CS skills to real-world scenarios through CS courses such as Introduction to Digital Technology and Advanced Placement CS Principles. Students who want to extend their learning further can take a specialized IT pathway, including higher-level courses in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Game Design, Web Development, and Artificial Intelligence.
In addition, the district’s robust robotics program allows students at all levels to apply their knowledge and interest in computer science and collaborate with peers to solve real-world problems. Districtwide, teams compete in FIRST LEGO League Explore (grades 2-3) and Challenge (grades 4-8) divisions, VEX Robotics (grades 6-8), and FIRST Robotics Competition (Grades 9-12).
“The increase in CS opportunities will allow our students the chance to deepen their knowledge, feel represented in a variety of STEM/IT fields, and qualify for high-paying careers,” Mr. Hemans adds, noting that it’s not enough to ensure that all students have equal access to computer science classes. “We must be intentional to create computer science learning experiences that are welcoming and inclusive for all students to truly make an impact.”
Watch for more about the district’s Computer Science 4 All initiative as GCPS expands access to high-quality computer science instruction for our students at every school.
Computer Science for All is a national effort led by the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Education in partnership with other federal agencies and private partners—to ensure Computer Science education is available to all students across the U.S.
Why Computer Science for All?
Opportunities in Computer Science
Students who are exposed to computer science (CS) in the early grades are more likely to take advanced CS courses and pursue careers in STEM. (National Council of Women in Technology, 2020; Microsoft)
CS4ALL will provide rigorous computer science opportunities to students in all GCPS schools and at all grade levels, K-12. CS instruction will be offered as stand-alone courses, integrated across content areas, and embedded in coding activities and robotics for our youngest learners.
Future Careers in Computer Science
Half of the highest-paying jobs in America require a knowledge of coding. By 2028, the U.S. will have an estimated 4 million job openings in computer science. Many of those openings could go unfilled. Based on projected participation in CS bachelor’s degree programs, the pool of qualified applicants would fill just 18% of those jobs. (National Council of Women in Technology, 2020)
CS4ALL will address an important workforce development need. Computer science and data science are important to the tech sector as well as many other industries, including transportation, healthcare, education, and financial services.
Equity in Computer Science
In 2018, only 28% of high school students taking the AP Computer Science exam were female, while underrepresented minority students made up only 21% of all test-takers. (USA Today)
CS4ALL will expand access to computer science for traditionally unrepresented groups. Women, girls, students of color, and people with disabilities participate in computing in very low numbers, which is a loss of talent, creativity, and innovation for the discipline and the nation.
Innovation in Computer Science
Students who learn CS are prepared to be creators and innovators, not just users, of technologies. (CS1C at the University of California Irvine)
CS4ALL will help students navigate advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in social and professional settings. To prepare for their future, students will need to blend computer science skills with ethical considerations, creativity, intuition, curiosity, collaboration, and strong communication skills.
Beyond Computer Science
Computational thinking builds a broad range of higher-order skills—such as creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and communication—and students who learn computer science typically perform better in other disciplines like math, science, and reading (Digital Promise, Microsoft)
CS4ALL will empower students, helping them to develop skills and competencies in problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration that will help them excel in today's increasingly digital and computational world.