We provide K-12 school districts with support to implement more equitable computing education programs and students with more opportunities to learn computer science.
K12 CS Pathways for Rural and Tribal Schools/Communities
K12 CS Pathways for Rural and Tribal Schools/Communities
This project scales existing projects with northern Minnesota school districts to continue their work in developing K12 CS pathways and will support an additional 7 districts over 4 years in creating or enhancing their K12 CS pathways. From 2023 to 2027, leaders from University of Minnesota and eight Minnesota school districts will work to build sustainable and equitable K-12 CS learning progressions (pathways) for students. The focus of this grant is to support schools that serve rural or tribal communities. This project is funded by NSF grant 1923369.
CS4DLH / CSforALL Accelerator
CS4DLH / CSforALL Accelerator
CS4DLH is an initiative to support equitable computer science education in Duluth, Minnesota. Duluth is one of six cities involved in the inaugural cohort of the Accelerator program from CSforALL, an initiative focused on accelerating high-need communities in their progress towards fundamental standards-aligned CS education for all learners, and increased access to interest-driven CS learning opportunities. CS4DLH has led professional development with teachers and collaborated with community partners since 2021.
District planning workshops
District planning workshops
This workshop is intended for groups of 3-5 attendees from districts hoping to increase computer science education opportunities for students. There is a growing emphasis on computer science (CS) education, which is an area of opportunity for many of our districts. During the workshop, you will evaluate your district's current CS related offerings (if any) and set goals for next steps. Northern Lights Collaborative staff will work with you to survey staff and create a custom report for your school or district that outlines what is being taught and what professional development interests and needs are. We will utilize research-backed frameworks for equitable and engaging CS education during the planning process.
Our team will help your district work towards a comprehensive K-12 computer science education pathway to equip your students with problem solving and creative thinking skills.
Workshop Objectives:
- Establish a foundational understanding of what CS education is and its significance for students and the district.
- Collaboratively create a shared vision for integrating CS education that is aligned with the Minnesota Computer Science State Strategic Plan.
- Identify how equity and inclusion considerations can inform the district CS education plan.
Dates and Location: This course will run on Tuesdays, from 4pm - 5pm CT. The first date will be Tuesday, April 8th. The final session date will be Tuesday, May 13th. All sessions will be held via Zoom and include time for districts to complete activities as a team.
Cost: $3,000 for a school or district team of 3-5 members. Note: one person from the district should register and pay the $3,000 fee and then the NLC team will provide you with a unique link to register the remaining team members for free.
Customized professional learning
Customized professional learning
The Northern Lights Collaborative has extensive experience in developing professional learning opportunities that help K-16 educators teach computer science and computational thinking using evidence-based pedagogies. Whether your team is interested in professional learning that focuses on standalone or integrated CS/CT content, on improving pedagogical practices in the classroom, online or in-person, or other options, consider collaborating with us to design opportunities that meet your needs. Please reach out to us so that we can learn more about your goals.
