New Computer Science Education Program helps teachers reach goals of rigid state criteria

The Graduate School of Education is offering a new computer science fluency and preparation program for K-12 teachers this fall that aims to help them meet New York’s Computer Science and Digital Fluency Standards, a series of rigid criteria for K-12 curricula developed by the Board of Regents in 2020. 

The Computer Science Teacher Preparation Program, one of the first in the state, was first offered to a pilot group in summer of 2023. Considered a resounding success, program director Chris Proctor gave the go-ahead to open registration for fall 2024. The timing is no coincidence: Beginning Sept. 1, all computer science teachers in New York State must be certified, ensuring all K-12 students receive the same standard of computer science education.

“Recognizing the upcoming need for high-quality computer science teachers committed to educational excellence and equity, UB’s Graduate School of Education decided to create a computer science teacher preparation program,” explains Proctor, assistant professor of learning and instruction. 

The program has varying tracks, depending on students’ needs. For working computer science (CS) teachers, the additional certification track is a flexible sequence of five remote courses designed to fit teachers’ schedules. “The goal of this track,” Proctor says, “is for teachers to learn CS and how to teach CS at the same time, drawing on their prior experience as teachers.”

The signature track — the initial/professional certificate track — is designed for preservice teachers looking to receive a CS certification along with their master’s degree in education.  

“It’s the best possible preparation for a career as a CS teacher and it’s a great deal. This is a two-year program — after a year of coursework, students have a yearlong apprenticeship in a CS classroom. You come out with initial and professional certification, along with a master’s,” Proctor says. 

Preservice teachers currently earning certification in another area can add a CS certification through the program, even if they have no prior background in CS. 

This course is just the beginning of creating a better future for the next generation, Proctor says. He hopes to see Western New York regain its historic role as a leader in innovation and social change, with CS and technological literacy at the forefront. He cites social movements, such as abolitionism and women’s rights, as examples of Western New York’s long-standing position as a leader of world-changing movements.

“I want our youth to see a bright future in Western New York — both for economic prosperity and the chance to work toward issues such as social justice and climate resilience,” he says. “CS is a key part of this vision. We need every child to have the opportunity to study CS, and through CS we need to transform our education systems so they work better for every child.”

Applications for fall 2024 are now open now, and Proctor is available to meet with current and future CS teachers interested in the program.