Lynn and Swampscott share in Healey riches

The Lynn and Swampscott public-school systems have received grants from the Commonwealth to create and promote computer-science education.

The Healey-Driscoll administration allocated $44,306 to Lynn Public Schools and $13,770 to Swampscott Public Schools.

“Digital literacy and computer-science skills are important for all students, and grants like this help increase access and participation,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “I look forward to seeing the opportunities that these districts will create for their students.”

The grants are designed to help districts expand digital literacy and computer-science programming, with a focus on ensuring that all students in certain grades are receiving computer-science education, according to a press release from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The allocation will support a funding implementation that began last year for either grades three through five or six through eight, depending on the district.

“Computer science and digital literacy are embedded in a wide range of jobs in the Massachusetts economy, and all students should learn about the many ways those areas are part of our everyday lives,” Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll said. “I’m glad to see teachers, schools, and districts using these grants to expand access.”

To implement the funding, each district will develop an implementation plan, choose high-quality instructional materials, and select teachers to attend summer professional-development workshops that will prepare them to teach computer science in the following school year.

“When students experience engaging, relevant lessons in digital literacy and computer science in elementary and middle school, they may be more likely to continue studying those areas in high school and beyond,” Secretary of Education Dr. Patrick Tutwiler, a former Lynn superintendent of schools, said. “Through efforts like our STEM Summit and this grant, we are inspiring students, particularly those who were historically excluded, to see themselves in these fields.”

Districts will also participate in workshops that will focus on strategies to increase participation rates for traditionally underserved students.

“We want all students to have learning experiences that are relevant, real-world, and interactive, and digital literacy and computer science offer a variety of possibilities,” acting Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Russell D. Johnston said. “I’m glad to see districts expanding their work in this area and including all students.”

Lynn Public Schools Deputy Superintendent Molly Cohen said computer science is “obviously a now and future career pathway,” and the district is especially appreciative of DESE for grants such as this.

“It allows our teachers to get the professional development that they need to be able to deliver this to the students,” Cohen said. “So happy teachers, happy students, bright futures. We’re really excited.”

North Shore Community College Dean of STEM and Business Steve Hubbard said the computer-science field is continually growing.

He said it is equally important to be digitally literate when heading into higher education and graduating into the job market.

“Computer science has been growing for a long time. It could be decades of growth that has already gone through and it’s not showing any sign that it’s going to slow down. We’ve got growth coming right now in automation and robotics that uses these skills heavily, and the core fields of software development, data management, they’re going to keep growing as well,” Hubbard said. “I think with our K-12 districts with higher education, that we’re going to have the right equipment and the right instructors to help students get into this field.”

Hubbard said digital literacy and computer science can translate into any field and it is very important for students to be exposed to them before college.

The other districts that received grants for computer-science education are Granby, Hadley, Provincetown, Somerville, South Shore Charter, Wakefield, and Worcester.

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