Developing Computer Science Talent in Elementary Grades from Scratch

Friday, November 10, 2023

2:30 PM – 3:30 PM East Coast USA Time

Location: Fiesta 9/10

WB

Wendy A. Behrens, MA Ed (she/her/hers)

Gifted and Talented Education Specialist (State Director)
Minnesota Department of Education, Minnesota
Liam Dawson

Elementary Principal
St. James Public Schools, Minnesota
Samantha Whittington (she/her/hers)

Curriculum Director/Gifted Coordinator
Sleepy Eye Public Schools, Minnesota

Looking for a way to identify and nurture talent in traditionally underrepresented populations? Join us as we share how schools with no previous computer science (CS) experience successfully implemented CS instruction to identify and develop the talents of gifted elementary students. Participants are introduced to free CS curriculum, professional learning, and a culturally-responsive CS talent identification tool.

Learning Objectives:

Implement effective CS instruction in their school/district with a focus on locating and serving traditionally underrepresented populations
Create a method of identification for developing CS talent in diverse populations
Access and use free CS and gifted resources for effectively integrating and extending CS education in their school/district