Extending the CS Pipeline: Enhancing Rigor and Relevance in Middle School CS

In partnership with the Rutgers University Department of Computer Science and external-evaluators at Deacon Hill Research Associates, this project aims to increase student participation in rigorous and relevant middle school computer science (CS). In turn, CESP seeks to subsequently increase CS-related interest, self-efficacy, and achievement; the project will reach over 25,500 students in grades 5-8 across more than 35 middle schools in the region. To this end, CESP will collaboratively define and refine a CS education technical assistance framework that includes purposeful professional learning and other educator supports. Additionally, the project will assess the added benefit of teacher participation in a researcher-practitioner partnership collaborative structure through a randomized-control trial.