Abstract
This study employs a potential outcomes modeling approach to estimate the causal effect of Code.org’s Professional Learning Program on Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science Principles test taking and qualifying score earned for a recent cohort of 167 schools compared to a matched group of comparison schools. Results indicate substantial and significant increases in both Computer Science AP test taking and qualifying score earning for all students. In addition, the significant effects were even greater for Computer Science AP test taking and qualifying score earned by female and minority students when impact ratios are analyzed separately. This study provides evidence of a teacher training program that is having a significant and important impact on preparing more students to succeed in computer science and improve the future of computer science education in this country.Keywords: computer science, professional development, teacher training
Highlights
Despite the growing need for qualified workers in STEM fields, there remains a significant under-representation of females in STEM fields (Beede, et al, 2011) and in Computer Science careers (Sax, et al, 2017)
This study provides evidence that the Code.org teacher preparation program increases the number of Advanced Placement (AP) tests taken and the number of AP qualifying scores earned by the students of the participating teachers
Research shows that students who take AP courses have a greater likelihood of attending college (Mattern, Marini, & Shaw, 2013)
Summary
Despite the growing need for qualified workers in STEM fields, there remains a significant under-representation of females in STEM fields (Beede, et al, 2011) and in Computer Science careers (Sax, et al, 2017). The program represents a coordination of three major Code.org efforts -- Regional Partners, Facilitator Development, and Professional Development Workshops -- all built upon the foundations and principles of Code.org curricula which has been designed to meet learning objectives through engagement with equitable classroom practices. The Professional Learning Program can be summarized as a year of ongoing Professional Development Workshops for teachers with agendas and activities designed for the Code.org CS Principles Curriculum and teaching philosophies. Workshops are run by Code.org Professional Development Facilitators who receive training in a separate, year-long program devoted to PD leadership development designed to support the Code.org CS Principles Curriculum. Code.org Regional Partners are developed through a multi-year partnership with the aim of building local, sustainable hubs of high quality PD for computer science teachers. Teachers have additional ongoing supports such as the Code.org Forum, an online professional learning community
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