Friday, April 1, 2022
Wisconsin schools continue to look for ways to integrate the new Wisconsin Computer Science State plan. The Wisconsin Computer Science State Plan provides a vision and roadmap to assist school districts in planning for K-12 programming options for all students. The statewide plan focuses on creating goals and priorities in a number of areas, including equity, partnerships, standards/implementation, community/career/communication, funding/support, and data. In the state plan, the DPI commits to creating opportunities to connect with area Cooperative Education Service Agencies (CESA) representatives, industries, and communities in order to create, build, and/or grow computer science programs and offerings in schools across Wisconsin. The DPI will also be requesting, in the next biennium budget, position authority and staff funding support to have a designated state computer science consultant, as well as funding for districts for training and implementation support. The state plan will identify options and support to remove barriers in licensing, regional access to partnerships, course access, and digital technology pathways options, as well as create a statewide professional learning network to elevate innovation educational programming, mentorship programs, and partnerships with industry.
The goals of the Wisconsin Computer Science State Plan include growing standalone computer science programs, creating opportunities in computer science at all levels PK-12, integrating computer science in other content areas, growing teacher preparation programs, and creating equitable access to programming that includes underrepresented groups such as girls and students of color. Members of all twelve CESAs have been trained in CS4ALL’s SCRIPT Program and are ready to support you in achieving these goals while building your computer science programming at no cost for the next two years. Please reach out to your regional contacts listed on the Plan Implementation webpage to begin the district journey.
The DPI Computer Science webpage will continue to expand with information about training, student learning opportunities, partnership highlights, and professional learning networks.
For additional information contact Janice Mertes, Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning and coordinator statewide Future Ready and digital learning program at janice.mertes@dpi.wi.gov or Chad Kliefoth, Digital Learning Consultant, at chad.kliefoth@dpi.wi.gov.