College of Education and Learning Design
CS Champions Grant
Computer Science Champions
The intent of the CS Champions Community of Practice is to facilitate educational leaders (CS Champions) in achieving substantial progress in their computer science programming (both new development and expanding existing Computer Science programs). Our CS Champions Community of Practice will guide participants through goals aligned with the Minnesota Department of Education Computer Science Education Strategic Plan.
CS Champions Community of Practice Goals
- Increase Access to High-Quality Computer Science Education for All Students
- Develop and Implement Comprehensive Professional Development for Teachers
- Enhance Equity in Computer Science Through Targeted Interventions
- Integrate Computer Science into the Broader STEM/Industrial Arts/Library Media Curriculum
- Expand Computer Science Opportunities through SSAE Funding
- Measure and Report Student Outcomes in Computer Science
Note: SMART Goal guidance is available for LEAs working with SCSU within the CoP offering.
Informational Webinars
Join us for an informational webinar covering the goals of this Community of Practice, a preview of topics, and question and answer segment:
Note: If you are unable to attend these Webinar sessions, reach out to a Program Leader in the contact section below.
Overview & Requirements
District/LEA Staffing Requirements:
Districts/LEAs participating in the CS Champions Community of Practice will be required to form teams of 3-4 CS Champions. CS Champions will attend each of the Community of Practice sessions and complete local project work between meeting dates.
Ideal CS Champion teams should include:
- 1 administrator or individual with budgetary authority
- 1 secondary education teacher
- 1 elementary education teacher
- 1 Library Media Specialist, CTE, or Computer Science teacher
Timeline:
- 9/5/24 and 9/9/24 Informational Webinars
- September-October – Complete Intent Form
- 9/13/2024 MDE K-12 Computer Science Education Advancement Grant Due
- 11/7/2024 - Formal Registration and Payment Due
- November 2024 First Community of Practice event held
Financial Commitment
$5500 “New/Non-Existing CS Programming” Community of Practice
$8000 “Expanding CS Programming” Community of Practice
Registration Information:
Local Education Agencies are encouraged to complete the interest form and attend an informational webinar to highlight the program and support leaders in engaging with this work.
CS Champions Community of Progress Interest Form
Formal registration and payment information will be made publicly available in October with a registration deadline on Thursday, November 7, 2024.
SCSU CS Champions Community of Practice Leadership
The Fine Print
CS Champions Community of Practice – New and Emerging Programs
| Month |
Topics |
| Acceptance |
CS Audit prework |
| November |
- CS Audit Comparison and CSTA Standards Overview (what is CS/Not CS)
- Diversity and Equity within CS
- Vision Statement
|
| December |
- Computer Science: Community Needs, professional ties, Career/College Readiness
|
| February |
- CS Programming Macro View
|
| April |
- CS Professional Develop Plans
|
| May |
- CS Family/Community Engagement,
- Demonstrating and Communicating need for CS
- Engaging community in CS programming
|
| June |
- Sharing Success
- Establishing CoP next steps
- Publishing Our Action
- What does Fall look like?
|
CS Champions Community of Practice – Revising and Expanding Programs
| Month |
Topics |
| Acceptance |
CS Audit prework |
| November |
- CS Audit Comparison, Share strategies/challenges/successes
- Diversity and Equity within CS
- “Plan Development” (ongoing grant-aligned project)
- CS Programming Macro View
|
| December |
- Identifying gaps in curricular/physical resources
- Plan Site Visits/Professional Networking
- University Exposure
- “Plan Development” Sustainability
|
| February |
- “Plan Development” Credentialling
- Diversity and Equity within CS
|
| April |
- CS Professional Develop Plans
|
| May |
- CS Family/Community Engagement,
- Demonstrating and Communicating need for CS
- Engaging community in CS programming
|
| June |
- Sharing Success
- Establishing CoP next steps
- Publishing Our Action
- What does Fall look like?
|