Setting precedent, Georgia district to offer computer science to all grades
Source: Will Robinson
Members of the Douglas County High School Robotics Club showcased the potential of STEM education during an assembly at the Douglas County Courthouse Tuesday.
Douglas County Schools will be the first district in Georgia to offer computer science classes to all grade levels, it announced Tuesday.
Douglas will phase in the Computer Science for All initiative over the next three years. It will partner with Google, Code.org, Georgia Tech’s center for Education Integrating Math, Science and Computing and the Georgia Department of Education.
“Providing access to Computer Science education and training is a critical step for ensuring that Douglas County’s students are positioned to compete for well-paying jobs post-graduation,” said Elaine Wood, Douglas County School System STEM Coordinator, “while simultaneously helping to keep our nation competitive in the global economy and bolster its cybersecurity.”
The program will integrate computer science into math and science classes and add computer science classes. It is the result of a $100,000 grant Google gave to Georgia Tech, which then approached Douglas about becoming a computer science school system.
Students will learn about computer science careers in technology, transportation, healthcare, education and financial services.
“Our program will allow students to become producers — not just consumers — in the digital economy, further advancing our school system’s vision of graduating students who are prepared to succeed in the 21st century,” Wood said.
Officials expect the curriculum to be ready by the 2019-2020 school year.
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