Organization pushes for equality in computer science education at U of I summit

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Education and computer science professionals from around the state came together at the U of I. Their collaboration may lead to change in the state’s education system.

Expanding Computing Education Pathways had their second annual summit Friday from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Their mission is providing computer science classes for students in underserved communities.

Organizers say they’re looking to reach those with disabilities, multiple-language learners, and women. Researchers from other colleges partnered with teachers and policy makers to come up with a practical solution.

“It’s absolutely important when you think about things like industry and jobs, if you think about things like using computing to enact social change, right?”, said Computer Science Teacher Education Director Todd Lash. “We think back to the Arab Spring and how people use computing to spread the word about revolutions and things like that. Computing informs everything we do right, and you can either be a consumer of it or you can be somebody who creates it. The power is in the creation.”

Leaders said the summit took recommendations that were made over the course of last year and refined it into what they will put before an advisory board. It will then be open for public comment, and finally will be presented to the legislature in Springfield. This statewide action plan will be completed by the end of the year.

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