CS First Teacher PD

CS First is a program that introduces block-based coding to students in 4th-8th grade. The blended learning design allows for teachers to implement computer science in their classrooms across multiple content areas, even if they don’t have any computer science experience or knowledge.

My project is to build the teacher professional development for CS First so that any teacher, site, or district can learn how to implement the program in the classrooms. This TPD model will include hands-on activities, classroom resources, job aids, and a forum for building a teacher community as a means to build ongoing and sustained support.

This particular plan is the first step in educating teachers about CS First. In addition to the slidedeck which presents the background on computer science, block-based programming, and Scratch, it allows teachers to have the hands-on opportunity to experience coding themselves. The teacher handouts that accompany the presentation are meant to help the teachers when planning for implementation as well as help a TOSA/lead teacher/admin to provide ongoing support.

The slidedeck is available for download on the CS First website, and there is also a webinar based on this deck housed on the CS First website.