Introduction

“Planting the Seeds for Computer Science” is a UTK Community-Engaged Research (CER) seed-funded program developed by TPTE professors Dr. Joshua Rosenberg (PI), Dr. Lynn Hodge, and Dr. Mehmet Aydeniz. The overall goal of the program is to facilitate professional development opportunities in order to support K-8 computer science education in East Tennessee. This program is a response to newly drafted K-8 computer science state standards.

The main target of this program are K-8 teachers, a term which includes homeroom teachers, STEM/STEAM lab teachers, librarians, media specialists, and anyone else involved in instruction. Additionally, it also aim to attract the support of school administrators (district level, principals, vice principals, instructional coaches, and anyone else involved in supporting teachers).

To date and to our knowledge, there have not been any concerted efforts related to promoting and training teachers in the adoption of the new computer science standards. As a result, a needs analysis survey was developed. The purpose of this survey was to establish the needs of teachers and administrators in order to facilitate the adoption of K-8 computer science standards and provide the proposed professional development opportunities.

For a full overview of the survey data, please click here

Key Findings

The key findings below are taken from the Teacher’s survey, as their insights are directly tied to designing an effective PD for them. However, analysis of the administrator’s survey revealed a number of similar needs to that of teachers, namely training and resources. To view more of their responses and comments, please see the detailed survey results here.

Interest

Most teachers are interested in teaching computer science

Why are they interested?

Barriers

Despite interest, teachers face a number of barriers to teaching computer science.

Resources

Technological resources are a key part of CSE, but they are not available to all.

For those who have technological resources:

  • 21% referred to the computers and technology they had
  • 16% referred to having internet resources
  • 14% referred to having a computer lab
  • 11% were one-to-one classrooms with technology for each student

Needs

Technological resources are not the only things teachers need to begin implementing CSE.

Other Comments

What else did teachers say?

The following represent poignant quotes relevant to the needs analysis:

On Professional Development:

“I would like to see a summer in-service where I could get a certificate in a CS language. I would like to network with other teachers where we could share ideas.” - Middle School Teacher, Roane County

“A summer training would be ideal for more teachers.” - Middle School Teacher, Union County

On Curriculum:

“My kids love to code but have a hard time as beginners. They would love a kid friendly, very basic program that will allow them to learn from the ground up. I would like a streamlined program that allows me to track their progress or easily see what they create.” - Elementary School Teacher, Morgan County

On Integration:

“I think more people need to know about the updates and ideas need to be developed that directly tie CS into the math and science curriculum so that general education teachers feel they have the opportunity to teach CS.” - Elementary School Teacher, Knox County

“Would love to learn strategies on how to implement easily into a reading, math, science or social studies lesson.” - Elementary School Teacher, Campbell County

“With the new CS standards in place, teachers need help to find time to integrate CS.” - Elementary School Teacher, Clinton County

On Time:

“STEM/STEAM education is definitely the future, but until our Tennessee School Systems provide us with the funding and resources and curriculum necessary, implementation and scores will continue to be lower.” - Elementary/Middle School Teacher, Morgan County

Implications for Professional Development

From the survey results, it is clear that any PD session must have the following elements:

  • Information to increase computer science knowledge
  • Information to increase computer science pedagogy
  • A focus on integrating computer science across all subjects
  • Increase knowledge of Tennessee state standards and provide examples of how standards might be met
  • Provide resources related to already-developed curricula and online resources for all levels (elementary and middle)
  • Provide professional development during in-service days
  • If possible, provide professional development that can lead to earning a certificate in CS