District Teams Up With Microsoft, TEALS, and Volunteer Technology Professionals to Offer Intro to Computer Science

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The Aldine Independent School District has an exciting opportunity to prepare students to enter a workforce where technological skills will provide a leg-up to landing life-long careers. Aldine ISD has teamed up with Microsoft Philanthropies’ partner, Technology Education and Literacy in Schools (TEALS), to offer courses in computer science (CS) to high school students.

Next year, AISD will offer Intro to Computer Science (CS) and Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science Principles. The district is also considering offering AP CS-A, which is equivalent to a first-semester course in computer science.

District Seeks Technology Professionals to Volunteer
The partnership with Microsoft TEALS develops computer science teachers. It also brings industry professionals into the classrooms to co-teach with teachers.

As a TEALS partner district, AISD needs volunteer technology professionals to team-teach the courses with teachers. MacArthur High School, Davis Ninth Grade School, Davis HS, Blanson Career and Technical Education HS, Eisenhower HS, Avalos P-TECH School, Nimitz Ninth Grade School, and others will hold their computer science course during the students’ first period. This period will allow volunteers to go to work after volunteering.

Dr. Jocelyn McDonald, program director of technology applications and STEM, McDonald is leading the district’s commitment to providing computer science education to all students.

“We are looking for professional technologists to share what they know about computer science and programming with our high schoolers. I’m excited to introduce kids to computer science. I’m excited to introduce kids to how often computer science is used in different organizations,” said McDonald.

According to McDonald, students need more than knowing how to use computers. They need to understand why and how computers do what they do. CS provides an excellent way for students to learn and hone their creative problem-solving skills because there are many ways to solve a programming problem.

McDonald, a first-generation college graduate, double majors in computer science and chemistry after being exposed to computer science in high school. She is passionate about closing equity gaps in STEM and providing opportunities for students to thrive in the 21st century. She also seeks to empower lower socioeconomic communities to embrace technology. One aspect includes breaking stereotypes and preconceived thinking.

“I want every student to believe that they have the capabilities to see a future in computer science or other STEM-related fields. Students will never be out of work if they understand how to code – the need in the workforce is that great.”

The district will focus our program on good teachers teaching good strategies and structuring students’ learning successfully. Building self-belief and self-confidence will also be two powerful tools in guiding students to succeed and pursue STEM careers.

Instead of teaching computer science conventionally (rote learning), AISD will use a strategy where students think (conceptual learning) through a coding problem with intervention from teachers. Students will be encouraged to ask questions and think creatively to increase their problem-solving skills and self-belief.

White males predominantly dominate the computer science field. McDonald knows that minorities and females are underrepresented. She wants to change that.

“Students need to feel empowered. The goal is to build a culture of affirmation and belonging. We will focus on teamwork and inclusion. By creating an inclusive community and a space for all, students will thrive,” said McDonald.

How to Volunteer

For community members interested in volunteering, contact McDonald via email at [email protected] or call the high school of interest. For more information about the Technology Education and Literacy in Schools nonprofit organization, visit their website at Microsoft.com/TEALS.

CS History in Aldine ISD

Currently, Aldine ISD offers multiple courses in middle school:

• Introduction to Computer Science
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and App Design
• Fundamentals of Computer Science, a high school credit course offered to eighth graders.

Career and technology education (CTE) courses typically have a Program of Study, which is a pathway that leads to an endorsement when a student graduates. The only campus with a Computer Science Program of Study is Blanson CTE HS, a Choice School — students must apply for admission to any Choice School in the district. The district provides access to computer science to students attending comprehensive high schools.

The work in computer science builds the district’s strategic plan, A New Way Forward. AISD continues to build a school culture of equity and inclusivity. Giving students access and cultivating interest in CS early and through high school also ensures students have the tools and skills for success in college, career, and life.

Demand in CS

There is strong computer science job demand for computer science experts in government and public sectors, corporations of all sizes, nonprofit organizations, and colleges and universities nationwide.

“Few careers offer as many opportunities as computer science to solve the global economy’s challenging issues. It’s vitally important that we continue to advocate for strong computer science education programs to ensure that the nation has the skilled workforce it desperately needs,” said John White, CEO of the ACM.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the computer science field is projected to grow 22 percent from 2020 to 2030. This is much faster than the average for all occupations. It will also add about 557,100 new jobs.