Keeping it going!
The CSE Grant has given our district a huge jump start with teaching and integrating computer science in the Fort Madison Community School District, but we are not done! We continue to look to the future and plan for how to expand on the great things that are happening! Expansion has already begun with the other elementary school, and it is beginning to take root with our middle school, which is fourth through eighth grades.
Plans include:
Prioritization of computer science as a program integral to the success of all Fort Madison students.
Expanded buy-in of staff, administrators, business and community around the need for computer science education.
Ongoing financial support for Computer Science/STEAM from the district level.
Ongoing financial support in the area of Computer Science/STEAM from our Parent Teacher Group, and Parent Teacher Organization.
Ongoing professional development for our elementary teachers, including training new staff.
The grant has afforded us to have the materials that we need at this time, but we need to budget for replacements that will surely be needed in the future.
Taking advantage of grant opportunities (STEM Scale-Up, STEM Best, Incentive Fund) - We will continue take advantage of computer science related grants. The STEM Scale-Up Grants have provided us with a lot of training and materials/devices for our teachers!
Providing computer science professional development for our middle school staff
Elementary cohort teachers hosting site visits from our middle school staff and other schools.
Our PTG and PTO groups are great supporters of our STEAM and computer science ventures!
We will continue to apply for STEM Scale-Up grants! They have provided us with materials like the First LEGO League kits, along with professional development on how to use them.