Background

I am a part of a large consortium of individuals, agencies and companies to formulate the backbone functions required to broaden and sustain the effective participation of individuals in computer science education. The work of this consortium, known as Collective Impact, provides great context for the work I do in K-8 education.  The collaborative work will provide the networking and functional insight into building a high-quality K-8 Computer Science course for all scholars at Centennial Academy.

About Me and My Organization

Centennial Academy is a K-8 public, conversion charter school that educates diverse scholars in the Atlanta area.  Centennial has been a participant in a NSF grant, Integrating Computer Science (iCS) in grades 3-5 for the last three years.  During that time, our scholars and educators have developed the understanding of ISTE standards and Computational Thinking (CT) vocabulary needed to authentically integrate into the learning cycle.  As the co-principal investigator for this grant, I have seen the benefit of building a strong foundation of computer science in the early grades. 

Guiding Principle

Computer Science is an essential skill for all 21st century learners.  As an educational institution, we must equip our scholars with the tools needed to explore future opportunities that a Computer Science education can provide.

Project Goals

Develop a comprehensive, tiered K-8 Computer Science Course, K-2, 3-5, 6-8

Embed the Computational Thinking and Computer Science standards throughout all content areas; Develop a STEM and/or Computer Science Career Pathway; Career Fairs, Academic Competitions, Shadow Day/Apprenticeships

Process

Centennial has been a participant in a NSF grant, Integrating Computer Science (iCS) in grades 3-5 for the last three years.  During that time, our scholars and educators have developed the understanding of ISTE standards and Computational Thinking (CT) vocabulary needed to authentically integrate into the learning cycle.