The vision of the Fort Madison Community School District is to foster an environment where technology is integrated as a natural part of the educational experience and where all learners are equipped with the skills to actively contribute, create, and compete in a digital world. We see an expanded elementary computer science program as a natural fit with this vision.

Our district has seen significant professional growth and positive momentum in the past few years. The district has adopted the Professional Learning Communities framework and all teachers work within collaborative teams to ensure quality instruction. Culturally, we are building on the belief that ALL students can learn at high levels and we have a collective responsibility to ensure that it happens for each student.

The goal of the FMCSD Computer Science is Elementary program is to create a PK - 12 pathway of computer science instruction that builds from the early years. The PK - 3 focus is for all students to experience computer science as a creative tool for self-expression while utilizing problem-solving processes (computational thinking). Our goal is to ensure that all students learn the fundamental skills of computer science and gain an understanding of the career possibilities for them in their futures.

STEAM is another important aspect of computer science and uses the same computational thinking skills. We will strive to increase opportunities for all of our students to do the important work of creating, problem solving, and exploring in our STEAM Labs and classrooms. Through these experiences we want to grow our students' perseverance, collaborative working skills, and mindsets so that they have the confidence and ability to tackle any problem that comes their way.

What is computer science in FMCSD?

Computer science is the study and usage of technology to solve real world problems. Our PK - 12 program incorporates both the concepts and practices of quality computer science instruction to develop ethical and responsible creators and users of technologies in an ever changing world.