Bonus Content:
Why Take a CS Class?

Although not technically a "flair" piece, I figured I would add this artifact as an example of putting my learning into concrete action in my current position. I presented this argument to our school's Educational Excellence committee on February 15, 2023, as part of our attempt to grow the computer science program.

Currently, we have a one-semester introductory computer class that all freshmen are required to take and a first-year programming class. The freshman class is half basic computer skills and half a gentle introduction to computational thinking. There is also an emphasis on soft skills like organization and responsibility. The first-year programming class seeks to teach students more than just how to program in a particular language, but rather, at a deep level, how programming and more generally how the computer itself works.

We proposed adding an intermediate course which would be an entry point for students who like computers but do not feel ready to take a dedicated CS class. As we build the program, we also proposed adding a second-year programming class which would give the students who have completed the first-year class an option to continue with their CS studies.

Argument for Students Taking CS 

While computer science is a subject that can be studied in its own right, and the field has amazing job potential, the skills at the heart of computer science and those that make computer scientists successful are the same skills that enable students to be successful in any class and any career field.

Computational thinking skills such as debugging a process, iteratively prototyping a potential solution to a problem, breaking complex problems into smaller, more manageable ones, and recognizing patterns in data are skills found in nearly every conceivable profession.

Computer science is a great way to build on these skills since technology is inherently engaging and native to the students we teach. They willingly use it all the time. The only problem then is helping students see themselves in a CS classroom. Many students have the stereotype of the computer scientist as a nerd, a person who is obsessed with coding and not very good at dealing with other people. Since most students don’t fit that perceived stereotype, they don’t sign up for CS classes.

I have intentionally redesigned the computer lab with art and jazz music to make it an inviting space that students will want to be in. With the same logic, we are proposing the CS Discoveries class to provide a low-risk, high-engagement entry point into the computer science program. The curriculum uses web design, game design, and graphic design to teach core computational thinking skills and the basics of programming. We hope that students will see the applicability of computer science to whatever field they choose and possibly take other CS classes in the future.

The Computer 1 & 2 class is the mainline introduction to programming and computer science as a subject. The second year class we are proposing will give students who took the first year CS class options for continuing in the field of computer science. The students are able to choose their curriculum and the class will be mostly independent study with me as mentor and resource.