Assessing the Effectiveness of Computer Science RPPs: The Case of CAFÉCS

Lucia Dettori,Dale F. Reed,Andrew M. Rasmussen,Erin Henrick,Steven McGee,Don Yanek,Ronald I. Greenberg

doi:10.1109/respect46404.2019.8985736

Abstract

Research Practice Partnerships (RPPs) are a relatively recent development as a potential strategy to address the complex challenges in computer science education. Consequently, there is little guidance available for assessing the effectiveness of RPPs. This paper describes the formative evaluation approach used to assess the progress of the first year of the formalized RPP, Chicago Alliance for Equity in Computer Science (CAFE CS). This paper contributes to the RPP literature by providing a case study of how an RPP effectiveness framework can be adapted and used to inform partnership improvement efforts in computer science education.

Highlights

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) schools with the necessary supports to deliver equitable access to computer science (CS) and hold them accountable for the quality of the program
Research Practice Partnerships (RPPs) are a relatively recent development as a potential strategy to address the complex challenges in education, in the field of computer science education
This paper describes the formative evaluation approach used to gather baseline information to assess a newly formalized RPP along the five dimensions outlined in the RPP effectiveness framework developed by Henrick, Cobb, Penuel, Jackson, and Clark [2]

Summary

INTRODUCTION

CPS schools with the necessary supports to deliver equitable access to CS and hold them accountable for the quality of the program. CAFE CS aims to empower at least 20,000 students annually with the foundational practices of CS This assessment of CAFE CS took place during the first year that the team formalized into an RPP, it is important to note that the team had been collaborating for almost a decade. Because of this, this initial RPP assessment was designed to understand the history of CAFE CS and document how and in what ways the partnership was operating as an RPP.

ORIGINS OF CAFE CS

RPP FRAMEWORK

METHODS

Data sources

Interview protocol

FINDINGS

NEXT STEPS