Educator Services

K-12 CS Ed Implementation

Educator Support

Consulting

Photo Taken By Steve Svetlik at Ridgewood High School. Minecraft Programming Camp, Summer 2022

Teaching computer science in schools prepares students for the digital age, enhances their problem-solving and critical thinking abilities, expands their career prospects, fosters creativity and innovation, and equips them with the skills necessary to thrive in a technology-driven world. This is why our commitment is to make a substantial, measurable impact on K-12 Computer Science Education access and participation across all 852 Illinois school districts.

To find out how your school school district can partner with CS4IL, click to download the prospectus.

School District Partnership

Coding is today’s language of creativity. All our children deserve a chance to become creators instead of consumers of computer science.

– Maria Klawe

Educator Services

K-12 Computer Science Education Implementation

CS4IL believes every child in Illinois should learn computer science because learning computer science at school provides kids with cognitive development, computational thinking skills, creativity and innovation opportunities, improved problem-solving abilities, enhanced digital literacy, better career prospects, collaboration and teamwork skills, and a sense of confidence and empowerment. These benefits equip kids with essential skills for the future and enable them to thrive in the digital age.

Programs

Professional Development and Just-in-Time Consultation and Coaching Services to K-12 Teachers

  • Customizable to individual teacher needs
  • Can focus on instruction, content, curriculum, assessment, integration into other subjects, and best practices in pedagogy

Professional Development and Just-in-Time Consultation and Coaching Services for K-12 School/District Administrators

  • Customizable to district needs, goals, mission, and vision
  • Emphasis in building upon a school’s/district’s current computer science program, irrespective of current level of development (we have worked with districts just starting out, all the way through to districts offering a full four-year high school program and beyond in computer science)
  • Services rendered on as needed and/or as ongoing support to ensure goal attainment

Curriculum Setup

Build, design, and customize curricula for courses aligned to standards and with appropriate corresponding professional training

  • Courses can be either teacher-facing or student-facing
  • Course ideas cover a wide range of topics, including (but not limited to): preparation for the Illinois CS teaching endorsement exam, advanced topics for students who completed AP Computer Science, integrating computer science into mathematics (or ELA or anything)

Camps

With proper infrastructure available, can build, design, host, and facilitate local or regional events for students such as programming competitions or hack-a-thons or robotics competitions or e-sports tournaments.

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Benefits to Kids Who Learn Computer Science In School
  1. Computer science is the gateway and pathway to emerging technologies – In order to have a true grasp of what lies ahead in the way of technologies that have historically “happened” to us, we need to study both how the current technologies we use are made and what the trajectory has been in their evolution. (e.g. was social media created with the intended use case of being a major driver in political movements at such a large scale? Or, was it just to get people to be social? Once we have that squared away, we might have a better idea of how to influence the future of social media on our lives in service to what we want social media to be, rather than the other way around, as has been historically the case.)
  2. Computer science is a foundational skill directly related to critical thinking and problem solving.
  3. Computer science helps heighten awareness of the impact of emerging technologies on society, economy, and culture – Y2K is a perfect example. The impact Y2K had on society, economy, and culture was enormous – not just in economic cost, but in the way marketing agencies discovered that they could leverage peoples’ ignorance toward (and really fear of) learning how the technologies introduced to them in fact were made and function.
  4. Cognitive Development: Computer science education enhances cognitive skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, logical reasoning, and analytical skills. It trains students to approach complex problems systematically and break them down into smaller, manageable components. These skills promote cognitive development and can be applied across various academic disciplines.
  5. Computational Thinking: Computational thinking is a fundamental skill that computer science cultivates. It involves analyzing and solving problems by formulating them in a way that a computer can understand and then devising algorithms to solve them. Computational thinking enhances students’ ability to tackle challenges and think analytically, fostering a mindset that can be applied to a wide range of disciplines.
  6. Creativity and Innovation: Computer science encourages creativity and innovation by enabling students to design and develop their own software, applications, and digital solutions. It empowers them to turn their ideas into reality, fostering entrepreneurship and technological advancements.
  7. Future Job Prospects: The demand for individuals with computer science skills is growing rapidly across industries. By introducing computer science education at an early age, kids can gain a head start in developing the skills and knowledge required for future job opportunities. It opens up a wide range of career paths in technology-related fields, which are likely to continue expanding.
  8. Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Computer science promotes logical thinking and problem-solving skills. It teaches students how to break down complex problems into smaller, manageable tasks and develop systematic approaches to find solutions. These skills are applicable not only in computer science but also in various other fields and real-life situations.
  9. Collaboration and Teamwork: Many computer science projects involve teamwork and collaborative problem-solving. By engaging in computer science activities at school, kids learn how to work together effectively, communicate ideas, and leverage collective intelligence to achieve shared goals.
  10. Digital Literacy: In today’s digital age, it is crucial for students to understand how computers work and how to use them effectively. Computer science education equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate and thrive in a technology-driven society.
  11. Confidence and Empowerment: Learning computer science can boost kids’ confidence and self-esteem. As they acquire new skills and knowledge, solve problems, and create projects, they develop a sense of achievement and empowerment. This confidence can extend beyond the realm of computer science and positively impact their overall academic and personal growth.
  12. Addressing the Gender Gap: The field of computer science traditionally has a significant gender imbalance, with fewer women pursuing careers in the field. By introducing computer science education in schools, we can help bridge this gender gap, encourage more female students to explore the subject, and promote diversity and equality in the tech industry.

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Pictured: Hadi Partovi presenting at Illinois CS ED Summit 2022.

Benefits to Teaching Computer Science
  1. Professional Growth and Development: Teaching computer science allows educators to expand their expertise and professional skills. They have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge in a rapidly evolving field and stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in technology and programming languages. This continuous learning and professional growth can be intellectually stimulating and rewarding.
  2. High Demand and Career Opportunities: Computer science teachers are in high demand, both in K-12 schools and higher education institutions. The increasing emphasis on computer science education means that there are ample job opportunities for teachers in this field. This can provide greater job security and potential career advancement for computer science educators.
  3. Impacting Students’ Future Success: Computer science teachers play a vital role in preparing students for the future. By teaching computational thinking, problem-solving skills, and programming concepts, educators equip students with valuable skills that are in demand in various industries. Seeing students thrive and succeed in their academic and professional pursuits can be incredibly fulfilling for teachers.
  4. Fostering Creativity and Innovation: Teaching computer science allows educators to nurture students’ creativity and innovation. They can inspire students to think critically, explore new ideas, and develop innovative solutions to real-world problems. Witnessing students’ creative projects and seeing their ideas come to life can be a source of great satisfaction for teachers.
  5. Collaborative and Hands-On Teaching: Computer science education often involves collaborative and hands-on learning experiences. Teachers have the opportunity to engage students in group projects, coding challenges, and problem-solving activities. This interactive teaching approach promotes student engagement and fosters a dynamic classroom environment.
  6. Building Future Technology Leaders: By teaching computer science, educators have the chance to shape the future technology leaders of tomorrow. They can inspire students to pursue careers in computer science, software development, data analysis, and other technology-related fields. Playing a role in nurturing the next generation of innovators and technologists can be immensely fulfilling for teachers.
  7. Contributing To A Diverse and Inclusive Tech Industry: Computer science teachers can actively work towards promoting diversity and inclusion in the technology industry. By encouraging underrepresented students, particularly girls and minorities, to explore computer science, educators contribute to a more diverse and equitable tech workforce. This work can have a positive and lasting impact on students’ lives and on the industry as a whole.

Educator Support / Training

Teaching computer science offers educators opportunities for professional growth, the ability to impact students’ future success, the chance to foster creativity and innovation, collaborative and hands-on teaching experiences, the satisfaction of building future technology leaders, and the ability to contribute to a diverse and inclusive tech industry. These benefits make teaching computer science a rewarding and fulfilling career choice for educators.

We know incorporating a new subject like computer science into the curriculum is not a simple task for educators. We also know the need for high-quality, home-grown talent in the tech sector is greater than ever in Illinois.

This is why CS4IL provides professional development training to K-12 educators and school/district administrators in both small-group and large-group settings, with topics ranging from grade-specific workshops on computing content and pedagogy, to preparation for state endorsement examinations, to best practices in using the Illinois K-12 Computer Science Standards, to integrating genuine and impactful computer science content into the core curricula, to best practices in working with regional industry partners to expand field-based learning opportunities outside the classroom.

Our team works directly with educators and administrators serving Illinois school districts of all sizes, across all regions of the state, at all stages of implementation of Computer Science, in providing ongoing guidance on issues from teacher recruitment and retention to funding programs to identifying curricula that fits for their needs.

Support & Training

  • We work in partnership directly with the Illinois State Board of Education toward helping build its capacity to serve districts and teachers through increased access to providers of high-quality professional development tailored to the needs of the local teachers and students served.
  • Education – Virtual, In person, and OnDemand
  • Custom education
  • Teacher Licensure

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Pictured: Hadi Partovi presenting at Illinois CS ED Summit 2022.

Benefits to Teaching Computer Science
  1. Professional Growth and Development: Teaching computer science allows educators to expand their expertise and professional skills. They have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge in a rapidly evolving field and stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in technology and programming languages. This continuous learning and professional growth can be intellectually stimulating and rewarding.
  2. High Demand and Career Opportunities: Computer science teachers are in high demand, both in K-12 schools and higher education institutions. The increasing emphasis on computer science education means that there are ample job opportunities for teachers in this field. This can provide greater job security and potential career advancement for computer science educators.
  3. Impacting Students’ Future Success: Computer science teachers play a vital role in preparing students for the future. By teaching computational thinking, problem-solving skills, and programming concepts, educators equip students with valuable skills that are in demand in various industries. Seeing students thrive and succeed in their academic and professional pursuits can be incredibly fulfilling for teachers.
  4. Fostering Creativity and Innovation: Teaching computer science allows educators to nurture students’ creativity and innovation. They can inspire students to think critically, explore new ideas, and develop innovative solutions to real-world problems. Witnessing students’ creative projects and seeing their ideas come to life can be a source of great satisfaction for teachers.
  5. Collaborative and Hands-On Teaching: Computer science education often involves collaborative and hands-on learning experiences. Teachers have the opportunity to engage students in group projects, coding challenges, and problem-solving activities. This interactive teaching approach promotes student engagement and fosters a dynamic classroom environment.
  6. Building Future Technology Leaders: By teaching computer science, educators have the chance to shape the future technology leaders of tomorrow. They can inspire students to pursue careers in computer science, software development, data analysis, and other technology-related fields. Playing a role in nurturing the next generation of innovators and technologists can be immensely fulfilling for teachers.
  7. Contributing To A Diverse and Inclusive Tech Industry: Computer science teachers can actively work towards promoting diversity and inclusion in the technology industry. By encouraging underrepresented students, particularly girls and minorities, to explore computer science, educators contribute to a more diverse and equitable tech workforce. This work can have a positive and lasting impact on students’ lives and on the industry as a whole.

Consulting

Incorporating computer science into schools can benefit school districts by enhancing the curriculum, improving student engagement, preparing students for future careers, attracting students and parents, fostering collaborations and partnerships, addressing equity and diversity gaps, and providing access to grant funding and support. These benefits contribute to the overall educational quality and reputation of the district.

Regional Collaboration

Collaborate with regional liaisons throughout Illinois to collectively identify the capacity of individual school districts toward ensuring all students have equitable access to and participate in world-class CS Education.

Partner

We partner with school districts and ROE’s to build capacity toward successful launch of CS Education programs.

State Collaboration

Collaborate at the state level (with ISBE and its regional offices), across partnering organizations (funders and working partners), with administrators and teachers, with industry professionals who can speak to the evolving landscape of the profession and the corresponding shift in needs), with regional CS4IL representatives, and with members of our volunteer corps.

Benefits to School Districts When They Incorporate Computer Science
  1. Enhanced Curriculum: Integrating computer science into the school curriculum enriches the educational offerings of the district. It provides students with a well-rounded education that includes critical 21st-century skills, such as computational thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy. This can contribute to a more comprehensive and relevant curriculum overall.
  2. Improved Student Engagement: Computer science education can engage and motivate students in new ways. The interactive and hands-on nature of computer science courses can captivate students’ interest and enthusiasm, leading to increased engagement and participation. This can positively impact overall student attendance, academic performance, and student retention rates within the district.
  3. Career Readiness: Incorporating computer science prepares students for future careers in the technology-driven workforce. By equipping them with relevant skills, such as coding, data analysis, and problem-solving, school districts can help students become better prepared for college and career opportunities in fields like software development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and more. This can improve college and career readiness indicators within the district.
  4. Increased Enrollment and Demand: As computer science becomes increasingly important and sought after, offering computer science education can attract more students to the district. Parents and students often prioritize schools that provide comprehensive and innovative educational programs, including computer science. This can lead to increased enrollment and positively impact the district’s reputation and desirability.
  5. Collaboration and Partnerships: Incorporating computer science education can foster collaboration and partnerships with local businesses, technology organizations, and higher education institutions. These partnerships can provide additional resources, mentorship opportunities, internships, and access to the expertise of industry professionals. Such collaborations can enrich the learning experiences for students and expand the district’s network within the community.
  6. Addressing Equity and Diversity Gaps: By offering computer science education, school districts can actively work towards addressing equity and diversity gaps in the technology field. Providing access to computer science courses for all students, regardless of their background or gender, promotes inclusivity and ensures that underrepresented groups have equal opportunities to pursue computer science. This can contribute to a more diverse and equitable tech workforce in the long run.
  7. Grant Funding and Support: Incorporating computer science education may make school districts eligible for grant funding and support from various organizations and government entities. Many funding opportunities exist to promote computer science education and support schools in implementing computer science programs. Accessing such resources can help alleviate financial burdens and provide additional support for district initiatives.

Make a Difference

Benefits to School Districts When They Incorporate Computer Science
  1. Enhanced Curriculum: Integrating computer science into the school curriculum enriches the educational offerings of the district. It provides students with a well-rounded education that includes critical 21st-century skills, such as computational thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy. This can contribute to a more comprehensive and relevant curriculum overall.
  2. Improved Student Engagement: Computer science education can engage and motivate students in new ways. The interactive and hands-on nature of computer science courses can captivate students’ interest and enthusiasm, leading to increased engagement and participation. This can positively impact overall student attendance, academic performance, and student retention rates within the district.
  3. Career Readiness: Incorporating computer science prepares students for future careers in the technology-driven workforce. By equipping them with relevant skills, such as coding, data analysis, and problem-solving, school districts can help students become better prepared for college and career opportunities in fields like software development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and more. This can improve college and career readiness indicators within the district.
  4. Increased Enrollment and Demand: As computer science becomes increasingly important and sought after, offering computer science education can attract more students to the district. Parents and students often prioritize schools that provide comprehensive and innovative educational programs, including computer science. This can lead to increased enrollment and positively impact the district’s reputation and desirability.
  5. Collaboration and Partnerships: Incorporating computer science education can foster collaboration and partnerships with local businesses, technology organizations, and higher education institutions. These partnerships can provide additional resources, mentorship opportunities, internships, and access to the expertise of industry professionals. Such collaborations can enrich the learning experiences for students and expand the district’s network within the community.
  6. Addressing Equity and Diversity Gaps: By offering computer science education, school districts can actively work towards addressing equity and diversity gaps in the technology field. Providing access to computer science courses for all students, regardless of their background or gender, promotes inclusivity and ensures that underrepresented groups have equal opportunities to pursue computer science. This can contribute to a more diverse and equitable tech workforce in the long run.
  7. Grant Funding and Support: Incorporating computer science education may make school districts eligible for grant funding and support from various organizations and government entities. Many funding opportunities exist to promote computer science education and support schools in implementing computer science programs. Accessing such resources can help alleviate financial burdens and provide additional support for district initiatives.