With President Obama calling math and science education the key to good jobs in our future economy, Congress was told May 20 that a pilot program in Los Angeles schools has started to show promising results in computer science, reports the Los Angeles Times. Over the last five years, the program -- which was established in six schools and focused on persuading more students to enroll in computer technology classes -- doubled the number of African American students taking Advanced Placement computer science and tripled the numbers of Latinos and females. Although only a handful of schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District were involved, researchers said the results were so promising that the program would soon be expanded into 20 more schools. Joanna Goode, assistant professor of education at the University of Oregon and a co-leader of the program, said the key to changing student attitudes was demonstrating that what seemed like a distant subject was already at the center of their lives. "Computer science is the iPhone. It is social networking and downloading MP3s," she said. If schools approach the subject as a way to study how technology powers "the things they already do for fun, it is much more effective."
Click here for the full story
More News from eSchool News
6 ways to make math more accessible for multilingual learners
Many math tasks involve reading, writing, speaking, and listening. These language demands can be particularly challenging for students whose primary language is not English.
How CTE supports college and career readiness
As a career and technical education (CTE) instructor, I see firsthand how career-focused education provides students with the tools to transition smoothly from high school to college and careers.
Understanding why students cheat and use AI: Insights for meaningful assessments
In recent years, the rise of AI technologies and the increasing pressures placed on students have made academic dishonesty a growing concern. Students, especially in the middle and high school years, have more opportunities than ever to cheat using AI tools.
6 ways tech simplifies school communication and engagement
As technology trainers, we support teachers’ and administrators’ technology platform needs, training, and support in our district. We do in-class demos and share as much as we can with them, and we also send out a weekly newsletter.
With AI coaching, a math platform helps students tackle tough concepts
Math is a fundamental part of K-12 education, but students often face significant challenges in mastering increasingly challenging math concepts.
Opportunities in failing: Why K-12 education needs more productive struggle
Throughout my education, I have always been frustrated by busy work–the kind of homework that felt like an obligatory exercise rather than a meaningful learning experience.
How will schools replace devices bought during the pandemic?
During the pandemic, thousands of school systems used emergency relief aid to buy laptops, Chromebooks, and other digital devices for students to use in remote learning.
How multimedia and interactive tech transform engagement
Education today looks dramatically different from classrooms of just a decade ago. Interactive technologies and multimedia tools now replace traditional textbooks and lectures, creating more dynamic and engaging learning environments.
Using technology to support learning through movement
There is significant evidence of the connection between physical movement and learning. Some colleges and universities encourage using standing or treadmill desks while studying, as well as taking breaks to exercise.
Halting education research in the name of ‘government efficiency’ is incredibly inefficient
This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. Sign up for their newsletters at ckbe.at/newsletters. In recent weeks, we’ve seen federal and state governments issue stop-work orders, withdraw contracts, and terminate…