Bringing Computer Science to Chicago Public Schools

As a recent Chicago Public Schools (CPS) graduate, I was thrilled to hear the news that as a result of a partnership between Code.org and CPS, a new K-12 Computer Science program is being brought to CPS elementary and high schools.

About the program:

The K-12 program will expand student access to computer science literacy over the next five years. The program will include:

• In the next three years, every high school will offer a foundational “Exploring Computer Science” course.
• In the next five years, at least half of all high schools will also offer an AP Computer Science course.
• Chicago will also be the first US urban district to offer a K-8 computer science pathway, reaching one in four elementary schools in the next five years.
• Within five years, CPS will allow computer science to count as a graduation requirement (e.g. possibly as a math, science, or foreign language credit). Only thirteen other states have elevated computer science to a core subject instead of an elective.

Code.org will be providing the curriculum and professional development for teachers who will teach the new classes, at no cost to taxpayers. This is especially notable because one argument against CS education is that it will cost too much versus traditional science/math education.

I’ve written about computer science education before (see here and here) and I am proud to say that my alma mater has been leading the charge to bring computer science to the rest of public schools in Chicago. A big reason I continue to study in the field and promote it is because of the inspiration that my teachers have given me. I hope to one day give back by becoming one part-time (or maybe even full-time) so that I can inspire younger versions of me to pursue their dreams.

Until then, I am working to keep other students interested in computer science and careers using it by coordinating my meetup group Weekend Hackers Chicago. So far, we’ve had one successful meeting and more should be coming soon. 20 people have signed up, and I hope to expand that number as more high schools and universities find out about what we’re doing. At our next meeting we will be working on a website to popularize the group.

You can read more about the initiative in the press release: Mayor Emanuel And CPS CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett Announce Comprehensive K-12 Computer Science Program For CPS Students

P.S. - As the first semester of college has now ended, I will be making an update post soon to detail what the first semester has been like, and what is coming in second semester.