Virtual Leadership Summit Design and Impact: Advancing K-12 Computer Science Education

Presented at the 17th Annual International Conference of Education, Research, and Innovation by Rutgers Center for Effective School Practices researchers Cynthia L. Blitz and David Amiel, this paper provides an in-depth analysis of the center's virtual Computer Science District Leadership Summit. The analysis focuses on the summit's design, implementation, and efficacy. The central objective of the summit was to engage school and district leaders in the advancement of K-12 computer science education (CSE), with a specific emphasis on promoting inclusive CSE practices and developing strategies to navigate educational disruptions through targeted leadership engagement and collaborative learning best practices. 

To optimize virtual participation, the summit leveraged Zoom for interactive sessions and strategically organized breakout rooms tailored to district size and CSE development stage. It featured keynote presentations, exemplar district case studies, and structured networking opportunities. The summit's overarching goals were to: furnish leaders with current information on CSE policies; facilitate engagement and reflection on CSE efforts during a period of disruption; share actionable resources; and leverage learning standards. Structured networking sessions were designed to catalyze collaboration among leaders from diverse educational settings, fostering organic discussions to enhance shared learning and community building. 

Post-event assessments, derived from participant surveys and follow-up interviews, underscored the value of peer-to-peer learning and model practices shared by districts. Drawing from these insights, this conference paper explores implications for future CSE leadership summits and similar supports, accentuating participant agency, hybrid event models, collaborative learning, and practical implementation strategies as pivotal components for driving enduring educational change. By leveraging collaborative learning and associated platforms, such endeavors can effectively support educational leaders amidst shifting educational priorities, ensuring a more inclusive and resilient approach to CSE and its ongoing enhancement.