The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) is inspiring excitement about K12 computer science (CS) education across the state. GaDOE recognizes computer science as a foundational component for the economic development of the state and as foundational knowledge for humans living in a digital society. Working with multiple stakeholders across multiple sectors–government, higher ed, K12, philanthropy, and private business—we are all engaged and working to expand computer science offerings and exposure. The state recently added 3 new CS high school courses, bringing our total to 19. Multiple organizations provide professional development for teachers across the state at primary and secondary levels. Nine CS courses are eligible to replace students’ 4th math or 4th science for graduation credit. Two locations are offering the CS Endorsement for teachers. The Georgia Professional Standards Commission also offers an “add-on” CS certification whereby teachers can take the Georgia Assessment for the Certification of Educators (GACE) to add to a current elementary, middle, and high school teaching certificate. Student enrollments in CS courses are steadily increasing each year. However, like all other states, we experience a large gap in the representation of girls and minorities in CS in comparison to their percentage in the school population. GaDOE and its partners are actively working to overcome these disparities and increase overall student participation in CS courses. To tackle these issues collaboratively with all of our partners, GaDOE is creating an integrated, collective impact framework with grant support from the National Science Foundation (NSF). GaDOE is developing into a backbone for such an effort. GaDOE is dedicated to continued innovation in this exciting field.
