Computer science initiative launched

Program designed to train, support teachers from high schools statewide

HOT SPRINGS -- Teachers from five of the state's public high schools will pioneer a peer-learning program to bring computer science to the state's students.

The Arkansas School of Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts in Hot Springs will lead the project by providing training, support and mentoring for teachers across the state, who will in turn provide computer science courses to students in their districts.

The initiative -- which was announced Friday during the school's annual Community of Learning luncheon at the Arlington Resort Hotel and Spa -- is one of the first steps to implementing Act 187, which Gov. Asa Hutchinson signed in February. It requires all public and charter high schools in the state to offer computer science courses beginning with the 2015-16 academic year.

Hutchinson, who was the keynote speaker at the event, campaigned on the promise to increase computer-science education opportunities in the state.

"I am thrilled that we have an organization like this with a history and knowledge base that is willing to help prepare our teachers," Hutchinson said after the event. "This program will be a big boost to our goal of bringing computer science opportunities to every district in the state."

Bob Gregory, dean of academic affairs for Arkansas School of Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts, announced Friday that the initiative would be offered through its "Coding Arkansas' Future" program at no cost to partner schools.

"Similar to the ASMSA ethos of investing centrally in resources to benefit students from across the state, we believe a focused investment in course development and teacher training will produce greater results for districts across Arkansas who are eager to lead the way but may lack the adequate expertise and resources to meet their students' needs," Gregory said.

The goal is to guide 10 districts through the first cycle of teaching the Essentials of Computer Programming and then create a self-propelled momentum of teachers guiding their colleagues through the process. The program is expected to increase the number of students studying coding by 200 annually if each new teacher introduces the subject to 20 students in his school.

The goal is to build a professional development network for these teachers through a collaboration with the Arkansas Computer Science Teachers Association.

"For ASMSA, supporting teachers who want nothing less than to engage, challenge and inspire students is the heart of everything we do," Gregory said. "Why limit that to just our campus?"

The program will be led by Daniel Moix, a 1998 graduate of the Hot Springs school who is a computer science professional.

Arkansas School of Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts will offer the teachers a one-week, residential professional development program in late July. Housing and meals will be provided at no cost to participating districts. So far, five schools have signed up: Hot Springs High School, Rivercrest High School, East End High School, Cossatot River High School and Jacksonville Lighthouse Charter.

The districts can also take advantage of the school's digital learning program, which will offer essentials of computer programming courses taught by Arkansas School of Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts faculty members.

Hutchinson praised the school for taking the lead on the computer science initiative. He added that he would like to see at least 20 percent of high school students have computer programming skills before they graduate, making them ready for technical jobs in the state.

"Can you imagine what kind of impact that would have on our economy?" Hutchinson asked.

Fewer than 500 high school students in Arkansas took a class in computer coding last year, and 25 percent of that number hailed from the Arkansas School of Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts. About 24 of the state's 255 districts and charter schools currently offer computer science classes.

"The rest of the state is catching up to a fact we have known for over 20 years -- engaging students as not only users but also creators of technology is an essential component in developing a talented and innovative workforce," said Corey Alderdice, director of the Arkansas School of Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts.

State Desk on 05/02/2015

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