How computer science classes are making their way into Oregon schools

Think Out Loud

The Oregon Department of Education released its first statewide plan for computer science education late last year. The chief goal is for all K-12 public schools to offer some level of computer science classes by the 2027-28 school year. The plan received some initial funding through the governor’s office, but has yet to receive long-term funding from the state Legislature.

Joanna Goode is the Sommerville Knight Professor in the University of Oregon College of Education. She helped create Exploring Computer Science, a curriculum and professional development program used in schools across the country. She joins us to talk about the work computer science teachers are already doing in Oregon and what it would take to make the state’s plan a reality.