Code.org is a national nonprofit that believes that every student should have the opportunity to learn computer science, just like biology, chemistry or algebra. The no-cost Code.org curriculum is the most popular in K-12 computer science, with courses for every grade band. It is used in more than 120 districts, including the 7 largest U.S. districts, and by over 700,000 teachers–including almost 1,000 teachers here in Alaska!
The Code.org professional learning workshops provide time and instruction so that teachers to become comfortable with computer science curricular materials, content, and pedagogy. The program supports teachers with varying teaching backgrounds to work in Alaska’s diverse classrooms. Teachers may participate in a series of workshops that can span the academic year.
Is Code.org free?
The curriculum, online student learning platform, and access to support from the teacher and Code.org community are available to all schools year-round, free of charge. Additionally most of the workshops are no-cost to you. (They are also highly-rated by teachers, and align with the Alaska State Computer Science Standards!)
“The Code.org training was FANTASTIC. Very practical, met a clear need, provided all the materials needed to get started on day one upon returning to the classroom, lots on ongoing support, intellectually engaging, equitable, super organized with minimal wasted time, a comfortable learning environment, and provided open doors and opportunities to our students. All PD should be like this.”
Our Vision
We believe in opportunity for every student in every school. Anybody can start with the ABCs and 123s of computer science, just like any other field. To go beyond the basics, you need hard work and perseverance. You’ll make mistakes, but that’s how one learns, especially in computer science. (Note: we do not say “anybody can teach.” It takes a LOT to be a great teacher).
Code.org’s message is every school should teach computer science. Computer science is broader than just coding, just like English is broader than grammar. We picked the shortest name for simplicity. Because our name is “Code.org,” we use “computer science” everywhere else to avoid the perception that we’re narrowly focused on coding. The Code.org curricula will stand the test of time because it is not about any one coding language or platform.
Even if you don’t want to become an electrician, you still learn about electricity in school. Computer science is the electricity of the 21st century. It’s relevant to every career. But of course, it helps that computer science leads to some of the best careers in the world. And by helping millions of girls or underrepresented minorities learn computer science, we’re not only preparing them for the 21st century, but we’re also addressing problems with the inequality of opportunity or diversity in tech. Did you know that Alaska has adopted K-12 computer science standards?
Computer science is now foundational knowledge for all 21st-century careers, making access to this field a critical equity issue. We embed a focus on diversity throughout our work – from the Hour of Code, our curriculum design, our work with schools and teachers, to our government affairs. Stereotypes drive girls and students of color away from computer science; we balance this by showcasing diverse role models using computer science to change the world.
Computer Science for Alaska is a grassroots revolution that’s fueled by the passion and support of teachers. We believe in empowering educators—they are our most important agents of change. Many educators feel their students would benefit from critical thinking, collaboration, leadership skills, and exposure to careers that come from studying computer science. Code.org provides teachers with tools and resources to create equitable opportunities for our Alaska students to be creative and innovative designers in computer science.
For all the details about Code.org’s current curriculum and Professional Learning Programs go to code.org/educate. The collaboration between Code.org, the Alaska Staff Development Network and the Alaska Council of School Administrators is working to expand access to computer science in schools throughout Alaska. Find out more about the partnership here.
Contact Alaska Code.org Program Manager Cheryl Bobo cbobo@alaskaacsa.org with program questions.
Thank you to our sponsors:
Alaska Region Code.org Program Manager Cheryl Bobo Featured in National Computer Science Event
Cheryl Bobo, ASDN’s Code.org Regional Partner program manager, was featured in a panel with Code.org CEO Hadi Partovi and former U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. The panel discussed why computer science is important for EVERY student. Cheryl shared how rural Alaskan educators have continued to expand computer science education across the state. View the discussion here!