Computer Science for English Learners (CSforEL): Increasing Participation and Achievement in Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles for English Learners

Computer Science for English Learners (CSforEL)

Official Name: Computer Science for English Learners (CSforEL): Increasing Participation and Achievement in Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles for English Learners

Funder: U.S. Department of Education (Education Innovation and Research (EIR) program)

Funding Announcement Date: October 14, 2019

A four-year research and professional development initiative to increase AP Computer Science Principles access and success for students currently and formerly designated as English Learners (ELs) in high schools.

Geographic Scope

• San Diego County, California
• New Mexico
• Arizona

Focus Areas

• Developing system, school, and teacher capacity to improve AP CSP access and success for English learners
• Creating linguistically rich computer science learning environments
• Developing course placement practices that facilitate ELs' access to rigorous courses
• Engaging with counselors and administrators to support EL participation
• Acknowledging and engaging ELs' assets and strengths in CS learning

Project Partners

• Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) - Lead
• California Reading and Literature Project
• UC San Diego Center for Research on Educational Equity, Assessment and Teaching Excellence (CREATE)
• San Diego Education Research Alliance (SanDERA)
• UC San Diego Education Studies Department

Key Components

• Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) organized across the Southwestern United States
• Integration of various disciplines for EL and CS instructional practices
• Leverage of strong CS network through organized PLCs
• CSTA chapter involvement for community support

Target Audience

• High school CS teachers
• School administrators and counselors
• Pre-service and in-service teacher education programs
• Students designated as English Learners (current and former)

Contact

• General inquiries: accesscsforall@uw.edu
• Project Manager (pilot year): Erika Burt (erika.burt@csteachers.org)

Application Information - CSforEL Pilot Year Program (2020-21)

Application Closed: June 26, 2020

Target Participants: CS teacher-leaders interested in participating in pilot year program

Benefits for Selected Participants

• Participation in Professional Learning Community (PLC)
• Increased CS teaching techniques
• Consultation with expert trainers
• Stipend compensation for participation
• Opportunity to help identify and test strategies
• Opportunity to develop lessons and materials supporting ELs in CSP
• Input into future professional development design

Participation Requirements

• Test and evaluate CS principle interventions
• Participate in CSforEL Summer Teacher PD program (starting summer 2021)
• Provide expertise to develop professional development for future project years

Application Materials

• One-pager with program details available
• Formal application form required

Informational Session

• Tentatively scheduled for afternoon of June 12, 2020

Contact for Questions

• Erika Burt, CSforEL Project Manager
• Email: erika.burt@csteachers.org