And then, there was summer! While many of you are working to provide extra opportunities for your students during the summer months, it may also be a time to put your spring reflections to action.
In this issue you’ll find some great learning opportunities that are starting quite soon. We hope you take time to look through what is available as we think there is something for anyone who is interested in computer science (CS). Whether you’re looking to learn how to code in Scratch or Java, learn what to look for in equitable CS implementation as an administrator, or how to engage students in CS as a school counselor, there are special opportunities this summer to sharpen up your skills and help make a difference. Be sure to follow the links for the Summer of CS event happening statewide.
Know someone who might enjoy what you’re reading? Please share this link so others can sign up for future issues of Bit Blast!.
SDCOE Computer Science Coordinator
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Code.org Releases Data Tool for AP Demographic Data
In case you were a bit busy this spring, here is a reminder that our friends at Code.org have released a data tool regarding AP CS exams taken and demographic information. The tool allows you to visualize demographics by test type and state versus overall student demographics. It is a very informative tool and could be used for a cool data comparison project. Find the tool here. Any math or social science teachers out there?
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CISC CS Subcommittee Releases ABLE
This has been mentioned in this space before and it's worth a second look! The California Curriculum and Instruction Steering Committee (CISC) CS subcommittee has released a new resource called Accessing Blended Learning Education (ABLE). This digital notebook is a culmination of ideas and resources tied to the CASEL (for social-emotional learning), ISTE (for digital education), and NSQ (for online learning) standards. It’s a great repository of best thinking around digital learning in the distance, blended, and in-person models. A great resource for all teachers! The tool was recently presented to the full CISC Committee and was extremely well received.
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Deep Learning Summer of CS is Coming!
CSforCA and the Sacramento County Office of Education are once again offering the Summer of CS program. It kicks off June 17 and has learning opportunities for teachers, counselors, and administrators in a virtual experience. The window to sign up is closing very soon, so hit this now! For more information visit here.
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Grading for Equity Book Club and CS Workshop |
Do you often wonder at the end of a term, "That grade can't be right??!!" Have you felt that your final grades didn't truly represent what your students can do? Maybe your course could use an update.
This book study will provide a forum to discuss questions such as these and help participants see other ways to approach grading in an equitable way. There is also dedicated time to collaboratively evaluate and shift your practices through weekly virtual synchronous meetings and asynchronous content. You truly don’t want to miss this!
The workshop runs from June 23 to August 11 with synchronous meetings on Wednesdays from 3 to 5 p.m. It's free to register at tinyurl.com/G4E-CS-Sum2021. |
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CS Discoveries Introduction for Middle School Teachers |
Here is a really great opportunity for middle school teachers to learn about the CS Discoveries curriculum. This free offering from UCSD CREATE (an official code.org partner) provides detailed professional learning this summer with four follow-up support sessions over the upcoming school year. Led by Minhtuyen Mai, research-practice partnerships designer at UC San Diego, and her team, this learning experience is the perfect starting point for someone new to our field. The start date is June 21, so sign up now. |
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CS Supplemental Authorization pathway for Secondary Teachers |
Are you a math or business teacher who is looking to get more comfortable with CS? Are you seeing the student demand for CS rising in your school and would like to address that? Many of you have asked about the Supplemental Authorization for Computer Science over the past few months. A great way to get started is offered through the Summer of CS with UCSD Teaching Professor Dr. Beth Simon. She’s put together a great series of online courses and will be delivering one this summer. Even more exciting is that scholarships are available for all California teachers! Register and sign up for Jump Start your Supplementary Authorization. |
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This section spotlights CS educators, administrators, and organizations making a difference for their students. If you have a CS hero in your system, tell us about them using this Google form for possible inclusion in a future edition of Bit Blast!.
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Integrated Distance Learning Units of Study
The SDCOE Curriculum and Instruction department spent last summer developing distance learning curriculum as supplemental units for grades K-12. The best part is that every grade level includes CS. Grades K-5 work on an integrated model and include lessons and activities from California Standards for core subjects and the arts, to English language development, science, history/social studies, computer science and physical education. Grades 6-12 are thematic units with each discipline covering its content but also addressing a unifying concept or question across fields. New units continue to be developed, so check back monthly. Another fun opportunity is the CS page from the Learning at Home Bingo series, which was a partnership between SDCOE and The San Diego Union-Tribune to get low-tech or tech-free learning activities to students at the beginning of the pandemic.
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This section contains information about CS community groups and their gatherings. If you’d like to share an upcoming event or happening with Bit Blast!, please fill out this Google form.
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TritonHacks: Hackathon for High School Students
Please note the date for TritonHacks has shifted to June 26 to 27. TritonHacks is a hackathon for high school students from underserved communities in San Diego, organized by a group of students at UCSD. They hope to create more opportunities for students from schools that lack access to resources in computer science and engineering.
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Yes, there is much we can do this summer to learn new things, sharpen our skills, and reframe our practices. All of this is super important to becoming the best teacher, administrator, or counselor we can be. At the same time, let’s remember to appreciate the slower pace of summer with time to relax and reconnect with our friends and family as we move forward from this pandemic year. Anticipate the upcoming school year by recharging your batteries; whatever form that may take. Enjoy! Drink life deeply from that cup, because a full cup at the start of the year means you have more to share with your students. Grow. . . Reflect. . . Relax. . . Share. . . Repeat. |
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If you have any questions or comments about the Bit Blast! newsletter, please contact Mark Lantsberger.
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Get up-to-the-minute information about what's happening at SDCOE and in our districts across the county. |
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