The world of education is constantly evolving, and the recent NCWIT Counselors for Computing (C4C) virtual workshop for our C4C Champions offered the opportunity to explore the intersections of computer science (CS), mathematics, and data science. C4C Champions are K12 leaders (counselors, teachers, administrators) who advocate for and facilitate professional development to integrate computing education and skills for all students’ success. This session gave counselors and career coaches insights and actionable strategies to broaden student participation in computing and tech.
A key focus of the workshop was the alignment between CS, math, and science. Emmanuel Schanzer from Bootstrap Education highlighted how thoughtfully designed CS curricula can explicitly reinforce mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills. He stressed that by clarifying these mappings explicitly through targeted teaching, teachers can reveal a more in-depth understanding and transfer of skill to students. This strongly appealed to our C4C Champions, demonstrating that in addition to being a discrete discipline, CS can also be a powerful learning tool to be leveraged in all subject areas.
The workshop also touched on the field of data science integration in education. While acknowledging the existing challenges in incorporating data science into high school curricula, including the need for demonstrable skill transfer and teacher and district support, the discussion sparked enthusiasm for its potential to enrich learning experiences and grow career skill requirements. The discussion offered valuable perspectives on advising strategies that are both effective and useful to school counselors and career coaches. Participants discussed how data science makes mathematical and computational thinking more tangible and accessible, enabling a more profound appreciation. Comprehending the subject matter and applicability of CS and data science courses is key in advising students to choose pathways that match their interests and long-term career goals. By learning about the career paths computing makes available, counselors become essential influencers in broadening participation in computing.
One of the central takeaways from the workshop was that there are highly variable contexts within schools and districts concerning CS curriculum and graduation requirements. This variability speaks to the importance of C4C workshop facilitators inquiring and discussing the specific context of their audience members’ computing courses and graduation requirements. By learning the distinct challenges and opportunities within each school, C4C workshops can provide more effective and focused strategies to broaden students’ experiences with computing.
Turning Insights into Action
The workshop concluded with a set of actionable steps for our C4C Champions and the wider educator community: investigate data science offerings, utilize free resources, explore the relevance of data science in education and careers, and advocate for skill-focused data science.
- Explore the data science courses available in your state or district, and critically evaluate their alignment with high school mathematics standards.
- Discover Bootstrap’s free computer science and data science curricula, specifically designed to facilitate skills transfer between subjects. Remember, these valuable resources are readily accessible!
- Consider incorporating data visualization and analysis activities—perhaps using resources such as the New York Times “Chart” daily What’s Going On In This Graph—into your counseling presentations to vividly illustrate the real-world relevance of data science.
- Champion the development and implementation of data science courses that prioritize transferring mathematical and computational thinking skills, moving beyond a sole focus on software and tools.
This virtual workshop reminded counselors and career coaches of their vital role in shaping students’ futures in an increasingly digital world. By promoting a deeper understanding of the relationship between CS, mathematics, and data science, and providing educators with actionable strategies, C4C continues to empower advocates committed to increasing participation in computing and ensuring that all students have equitable access to the skills and opportunities of the future.
Stay tuned for updates on future C4C events and resources as we continue this important work together!
