ERIC Number: ED617328
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2021-Sep
Pages: 20
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
How Arkansas Implemented Its Computer Science Education Program
Fowler, Brian; Vegas, Emiliana
Center for Universal Education at The Brookings Institution
Computer science (CS) education helps students acquire skills such as computational thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration, among others. As these skills take preeminence in the rapidly changing 21st century, CS education promises to significantly enhance student preparedness for the future of work and active citizenship. Based on prior analysis and expert consultation, the authors selected 11 country, state, and provincial CS-education case studies with lessons that can apply broadly to other education systems. These cases come from diverse global regions and circumstances and have implemented CS education programs for various periods and to different levels of success. As such, the authors have examined information to extract lessons that can lead to successful implementation. This study will focus on the development of CS education in Arkansas. With regular funding, bipartisan political support, and strong executive leadership, Arkansas has made considerable progress at improving CS education since the beginning of the Hutchinson gubernatorial administration in 2015. To help guide key policy decisions, Governor Hutchinson appointed task force groups that included representatives from teacher associations, businesses, and government agencies. These stakeholders gave policymakers influential advice on teacher recruitment and training, student engagement activities, and curriculum standards.
Descriptors: Computer Science Education, State Programs, Program Implementation, Elementary Secondary Education, Faculty Development, Teacher Recruitment, Preservice Teacher Education, Advisory Committees, Educational Policy, School Business Relationship, Curriculum Development, Inclusion
Center for Universal Education at The Brookings Institution. 1775 Massachusettes Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036. Tel: 202-797-6048; Fax: 202-797-2970; e-mail: cue@brookings.edu; Web site: http://www.brookings.edu/about/centers/universal-education
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education; Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Amazon.com, Inc.; Atlassian Foundation International; Google, Inc.; Microsoft Corporation
Authoring Institution: Brookings Institution, Center for Universal Education
Identifiers - Location: Arkansas
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A