Welcome to Computer Science for Kentucky

We believe every Kentucky student should have access to Computer Science in their schools.

About CSforKY

Computer Science for Kentucky (CSforKY), started out as KentuckyCoders, an initiative to get one million citizens of the Bluegrass coding. Inspired by all the programs worldwide working to bring computer science to students in K-12, KentuckyCoders has transformed into CSforKY, whose mission is to ensure that all Kentucky students have the opportunity to learn Computer Science in school.

Making Computer Science Fundamental in Kentucky

Computer science is one of the few policy issues that can address both foundational education needs and workforce development demands for a state’s future workforce. Numerous states have begun to pursue nine specific policy ideas developed by the Code.org Advocacy Coalition to expand access to K-12 computer science for all students.

means that Kentucky has adopted that policy.

1

Create a state plan for K-12 computer science

NOT YET

2

Define computer science and establish rigorous K-12 computer science standards

3

Allocate funding for rigorous computer science teacher professional learning and course support

NOT YET

4

Implement clear certification pathways for computer science teachers

5

Create programs at institutions of higher education to offer computer science to preservice teachers

NOT YET

6

Establish dedicated computer science positions in State and Local Education Agencies

NOT YET

7

Require that all secondary schools offer computer science with appropriate implementation timelines

NOT YET

8

Allow computer science to satisfy a core graduation requirement

9

Allow computer science to satisfy an admission requirement at institutions of higher education

These nine recommendations are intended to be used to build and sustain a comprehensive state policy framework to broaden the teaching and learning of computer science. The support a vision built on five principles: Equity and Diversity, Clarity, Capacity, Leadership, and Sustainability.

Policy Principles

All nine policies should promote access to and equity within rigorous and engaging computer science courses.

Prioritizing equity and diversity requires policymakers to focus attention on underserved populations and underresourced schools. Data clearly show female students and underrepresented groups (including rural students) are less likely to have access to highquality computer science content. If unaddressed, entire populations will be excluded from this fast-growing field.

A lack of clarity around what computer science is and how to achieve goals around expanding computer science have hampered implementation in states. Clarity of goals, including a state plan and an agreed-upon definition of computer science and learning expectations, are critical components of implementation.
Capacity for offering computer science in schools often constitutes having an adequate number of teachers prepared to teach computer science. Thus, building teachers’ capacity to teach computer science requires state funding, clear certification pathways, and preservice teacher preparation at institutions of higher education.
Implementing policy reforms requires centralized leadership at the state to oversee statewide initiatives.
The long-term sustainability of new computer science initiatives depends on making computer science a fundamental part of the K-12 education system. Key policies must be in place to promote and maintain momentum for computer science with districts and students, including requirements to offer computer science and allowing computer science to satisfy high school graduation and higher education admissions requirements.

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Join The Movement to Bring Computer Science to All Kentucky Students

Together we can

  • Support Local Change
  • Serve Students with Rigor and Equity
  • Build the CS Education Movement in Kentucky

We need your ideas and innovations to make these goals a reality. Let's get started...