How do academic fields get segregated? Why does education have a deep history of inequity? "This is the issue we've been uncovering by looking at computer science." Under representation in CS is a contemporary window into how inequality is reproduced in this country.
The myth: Technology is the great equalizer.
- disparities in access along the race and class lines
- which students are learning to do what with technology
East River High School
- Technology rich but curriculum poort
- No AP CS, but an Internet publishing class
- Cut and paste curriculum
- CS vocational, not academic
- 1 programming class that lasted 2 years, by a math teacher (on his own); but the class did not last because it was not aligned with the priorities of the school; the computer class could only fit 20 students
- "If computer science is not at the academic core, it is going to be put out ..."
- There was interest, but not courses
- These rudimentary classes became a "dumping ground" for students with interest in computing
- Dr. Margolis described this as the most disturbing school
- Students often described as "lazy, not movitated, not capable, not up to it ..."
- Introduction to computers - 2 periods (taught by a history teacher)
- Internet Publishing - 2 periods
- 30% of the students interviewed at the school were self-described as "techies"
- Principal - "I just want students to be functional when they leave here."
- Located in the white, wealthy part of LA
- 1/3 of students from the neighborhood, 2/3 of students (African American) from other neighborhoods
- Full array of CS courses, but little to no participation of students of color or females
- Programming actually turned off the kids to computer science, by the way that it was taught.
- While this is an integrated school with a diverse population, it was really "two schools in one."
- Preparatory Privilege = the "gift of computing"
Lack of authentic access gets translated into victim blaming, while preparatory privilege gets translated into a gift of computing, yielding the ultimate self-fulfilling prophecy.
Despite all the issues, they found that the interest in computing is there, but the courses are not.
So they formed The Computer Science Equity Alliance
Mission: to help build capacity to expand access to college preparatory computer science learning opportunities and to broaden participation.
- In two years time, they had significant results.
And designed a Pre-AP course titled, Exploring Computer Science.
Their model for K-12/University Alliance to Help Build School Capacity: To Broaden Participation in Computing you need Technical Changes, Normative Changes and Political Changes.
- college prep currciulum
- engage diverse students
- new pedagogy
- create a pipeline of courses
- teacher leaders are key
- need CS certification
- must win support of district, state, washington DC
- need a Methods course at the college level
- Resources, resources, resources
Jane ended her talk with a picture of PRESIDENT Barack Obama in an office with his feet kicked up on the desk and described that we are in a NEW historical moment. "We have to think bigger than we ever thought before." Listening to her talk really confirmed by career aspirations and re-energized me for the work that God has set out for me to complete.
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Ensuring Exemplary Teaching in an Essential Discipline (CSTA)
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