IC 20-20-45 established the Next Level Computer Science Grant Program and Computer Science Fund to award grants to schools and other eligible entities to implement high-quality teacher professional development programs in computer science. IDOE is charged with administering the program and fund as well as developing grant guidelines in collaboration with the Governor’s Office.
Since June 1, 2018, over 3,500 Indiana K-12 educators received computer science training through partnerships between IDOE and eligible entities pursuant to IC 20-20-45. Read on to learn more about Indiana’s current partnerships and professional development opportunities.
BloomBoard, Inc. is committed to designing and delivering professional learning pathways for educators to access and be successful in acquiring transferable credentialing and licensing opportunities to elevate instructional design. BloomBoard, Inc. currently supports 30 educators in completing coursework to earn micro-credentials that will help them expand computer science learning experiences for pre-K-12 students through authentic problem-solving by leveraging computer science content and practices. These educators have the opportunity to accumulate micro-credentials in computer science courses toward earning a master’s degree in Technology and Computer Science Education from a partnering higher education institution.
CodeHS has partnered with IDOE to consistently deliver high-quality and engaging professional learning experiences. Since 2022, nearly 700 Indiana teachers solidified best practices in computer science instruction through a wide variety of professional development options ranging from developing computational thinking skills to learning new programming languages to preparing for teacher licensure exams in computer science. CodeHS offers one-day workshops, bootcamps, and train-the-trainer workshops. Review more information here regarding current professional development opportunities.
Indiana University (IU) conducted an extensive needs assessment of regional educators and stakeholders to determine quality computer science professional development opportunities for pre-service teachers and created professional development options tailored to meet the specific needs of pre-service teacher education programs. IU offers a wide range of topics ranging from foundational computer science to artificial intelligence. The following pre-service education programs have participated in professional development funded through this opportunity:
- Marian University
- Vincennes University
- Grace College
- University of St. Francis
- Indiana University Southeast
- Indiana University Bloomington
Contact IU’s Susan Taylor Drumm for more information about this opportunity to support computer science learning in a pre-service educator program.
Nextech is a non-profit committed to ensuring that all Indiana students have access to tools they need to develop crucial computer science skills. Nextech partners with nationally-recognized professional development providers and organizations to provide workshops for Indiana educators with computer science experience ranging from beginners to advanced. Click here for more information about current offerings.
Through a partnership with Nextech, IDOE, CSTA, and Indiana CSTA, registration is now open for Indiana CSPDWeek 2025. All Indiana K-12 educators teaching computer science content during the 2024-2025 school year are invited to apply for a spot to participate in intensive professional development in the summer of 2025 from Monday, June 16, through Friday, June 20.
The Designing for Impact Project at Rose-Hulman offers workshops that integrate traditional standards with core computer science concepts and practices to create dynamic learning units based on inquiry and problem-solving. Visit their website to review workshop details and register for free professional development. Contact Nicki Manion with questions regarding these computer science learning opportunities.