Bismarck, N.D. | Code.org, the Computer Science Teachers Association, and the Expanding Computing Education Pathways Alliance have released the 2020 State of Computer Science Education: Illuminating Disparities. The report shows that despite increased diversity in computer science classrooms across the country over the last decade, disparities still exist as fewer than half of high schools in the U.S. teach computer science.
Additionally, Tabitha Teel, EduTech’s Manager of Professional Learning and Outreach, was selected to serve on the national standards writing committee that will develop K-12 content in cybersecurity education. This effort is driven by CYBER.ORG, the academic initiative of the Cyber Innovation Center. Teel will join 30 other educators representing 22 states across the country.
“Tabitha’s selection is an exciting milestone in North Dakota’s K-20W Initiative and comprehensive, statewide approach to computer science and cybersecurity education,” said EduTech Director Rosi Kloberdanz. “Tabitha has been integral to our state’s leadership and this role amplifies her ability to help schools nationwide adopt cyber education standards.”
North Dakota was the first state in the nation to develop integrated computer science and cybersecurity standards, a key milestone of the award-winning K-20W Initiative and highlight in the State of Computer Science report. Additional accomplishments from the report include:
- 44 percent of public high schools taught a foundational CS course in the 19-20 school year compared to only 23 percent in the 17-18 school year;
- In 2019, 19 percent of AP CS exam takers were female, more than double the prior year;
- A ND Computer Science Teachers Association chapter was formed with support from Microsoft TechSpark and EduTech.
“It’s an honor to recognize Tabitha and the entire statewide team of advocates who are empowering our students to learn skills that will prepare them for virtually any 21st century career,” said Gov. Burgum, who is also a member of the Governors Partnership for K12 Computer Science.
Numerous opportunities for educator professional development are available through EduTech. North Dakota has seen significant participation in a variety of CS and cyber activities:
- Strategic alliances with Palo Alto Networks, Girl Scouts of the USA, Code.org, National Center for Women & IT, UCodeGirl, Gateway to Science, Tech ND and others have helped advance statewide efforts.
- Over the past two years, more than 5,000 educators have participated in dozens of computer science, cybersecurity and STEAM education and awareness sessions.
- 310 high school females from 28 schools participated in the SANS Girls Go CyberStart challenge in spring 2019 – the highest per capita participation in the nation.
- Ten North Dakota students received national recognition by the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT).
- 11 schools and 14 teachers participated in Microsoft TEALS (Technology and Education Literacy), connecting teachers with tech-industry volunteers to create sustainable CS programs.
- NDIT, higher education and K-12 leaders were also invited recently to participate in the National Cyber Moonshot K-12 Education Pillar.
“North Dakota’s educators are resilient, innovative and committed to our students’ success,” said State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler. “They work tirelessly to instill a love of learning in students and the incredible opportunities afforded by computer science and cybersecurity are no exception. It’s not too early to mark your calendars for Ignite ND, June 7 – 10, 2021, where educators and industry will meet to engage in learning about the future of these exciting fields.”
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C O N T A C T :
Jecca Geffre | 701-955-0304