MassCAN Lessons Learned Colorado Computes Task Force Meeting November 5, 2015 JIM STANTON, MASSCAN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

MassCAN Goals 1.Expand opportunities for all Massachusetts K-12 students to learn computer science. 2.Promote opportunities for all students, especially many more females and underrepresented minorities, to pursue careers in computer science 3.Inform and inspire educators, administrators, parents, and students about the extraordinary employment opportunities available in technology fields across all industries and non- profits---locally, nationally, globally 4.Mobilize, organize, and collaborate with partners across Massachusetts in industry, education, nonprofits, and the public sector to achieve the above goals

Seven Strategic Elements Public-Private Partnership Comprehensive & Systemic Focus Interrelated Policies Teacher Leadership and Professional Development Public Awareness District Engagement Funding

Public-Private Partnership Daunting Challenge—Need all hands on deck Research & Brainstorm to discover potential partners Understand & put into practice research on effective organizational collaboration—not easy Leadership role of business community ◦Create awareness of role of CS in wide range of occupations—essential 21 st Century Literacy ◦Comprehensive & scalable plan will require public and private funds ◦Deep engagement of employees (Gen Y) and companies will speed achieving goals

Comprehensive & Systemic Focus Backlash against mandating CS, led MassCAN to pivot and focus on adopting create demand- driven groundswell led by teachers, students & parents. Real goal only achieved by full K-12 adoption over time—CS is academic discipline with learning progression. Key areas for partnership members to address: ◦Policy ◦Teacher Leadership and Professional Development ◦Public Awareness ◦District Engagement ◦Funding

Computer Science State Policies Well thought out policies developed by range of partners, in consultation with state policy leaders, can provide clarity, guidance and legitimacy that mobilizes range of additional key actors to achieve mission & vision. There are instances where it seems a “rush to be first” mentality has led to less than well thought out policies with unintended consequences. Policy priorities: (MassCAN work groups partner with state education leaders) K-12 DLCS Standards Licensure/endorsement Graduation requirements Inclusion for all students Additional as needed

Teacher Leadership and Professional Development Teachers and school districts are looking for guidance regarding new CS curricula and related PD—there is a need to vet new curriculum and share basis for recommendations Develop a Train-the-Trainer program in collaboration with PD providers is essential for scaling in state Partner with three existing regional university PD hubs which had established relationships with districts. Being able to provide range of K-12 PD helps to create critical mass of activity and synergy in each region---avoid duplicative superstructure Create culture of deep respect for teacher leaders who take risks to innovate and bring new courses to their students and create leadership opportunities and visibility for teacher leaders. Build strong Professional Learning Community both online and regular F2F programs-through Meet-ups with good food and attention to logistics & resources is critical to sustain support

Public Awareness Aspire to have robust “go-to” website with rich array of resources guided by multi sector team Support two CSTA Chapters—provide meeting spaces & light dinners & beverages Arrange Saturday PD programs at corporate settings with employee speakers Step up promotion of Hour of Code M hour of code activities in two years Do lots of outreach activities: State conferences, superintendent roundtables, legislative events Increase Technovation Challenge participation over three years—Program is limited to teams of female middle and high school participants. At 2015 global competition finals in San Francisco there were six HS finalist team: Nigeria, Brazil, Moldovia and the US (three teams with two from MA—New Documentary Code Girl

District Engagement Program Each of three current regional university Hubs will select two representative School Districts through competitive process to participate in 4-5 year program of adopting full K-12 CS program with help of CS Community Advisory Boards. MassCAN is seeking funds for planning year and 3- 4 years for implementation Districts will serve as Pilots and share progress at state conferences an invite other districts to visit and learn form experience

Funding This is a huge challenge filled with ups and downs Funding to date: ◦State $345K ◦Corporate $400K ◦Foundation $50K ◦Code.org $80+K ◦NSF Grants $3.4M (EDC) This Summer MassCAN secured $1.5 M in state funding released on 1:1 basis as corporate funds are contributed We a starting a planning effort for 10 year public/private funding commitment