Unleashing the Power of SCRIPT: Transforming CS Education in School Districts

As we gear up for Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek), taking place from December 9-15, the Friday Institute is proud to reflect on the strides made during November’s SCRIPT training session. CSEdWeek is a global initiative aimed at inspiring K-12 students to explore computer science, celebrating the impact of computing and highlighting the need for CS education in our schools. In this spirit, our recent SCRIPT workshop brought together district leaders, administrators and educators who are committed to expanding access to CS education and empowering the next generation of learners.

But what exactly is SCRIPT, and why is it a game-changer in the K-12 landscape? Let’s dive in!

What is SCRIPT?

SCRIPT, or the Strategic CSforALL Resource & Implementation Planning Tool, is a comprehensive framework designed to empower school districts to create customized, sustainable CS education plans. Developed by CSforALL, SCRIPT helps districts set strategic goals, assess their strengths and challenges, and build long-term implementation strategies tailored to their unique needs.

With over 750+ districts across 45 states engaging in SCRIPT, this initiative is driving a national movement toward equitable CS education, supported by a robust network of 335+ trained facilitators.

Districts in Attendance

We were thrilled to have Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools, Public Schools of Robeson County and Pender County Schools join us for this impactful SCRIPT training. These districts are proactively taking steps to integrate computer science education into their curriculum, leveraging the SCRIPT framework to develop tailored pathways for their students.

A special thank you to our facilitators, Joe Meléndez (Program Lead, SCRIPT) and Marcelo Dedini (CSforALL Program Coordinator), for their leadership, expertise and commitment to supporting districts in this crucial work. Additionally, we extend our gratitude to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and Code.org for their unwavering support in making this training possible.

The Importance of SCRIPT in Light of North Carolina’s New Computer Science Legislation

The urgency of implementing comprehensive CS education plans has never been greater, especially with the recent passage of G.S.115C-12(9d). On September 29, 2023, the North Carolina Legislature signed into law new requirements mandating the inclusion of computer science instruction in the standard course of study for middle and high school students. Here’s a highlight of these new requirements:

• High School Graduation Requirement: Starting with the 2024-2025 school year, students entering the ninth grade must complete one credit of computer science to graduate. This requirement will not increase the total number of credits needed for graduation but will reduce the elective credit requirement by one.
• Middle School CS Electives: By the 2025-2026 school year, all public school units must offer an elective introductory computer science course for middle school students that provides a survey of the field.
• Timeline for Implementation:
  • High schools must offer a computer science course that fulfills the graduation requirement by the 2026-2027 school year, with options to start as early as 2024-2025.
  • The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) will publish a list of approved CS courses for high school by November 1, 2023, and for middle school by January 1, 2025.
  • Courses are expected to be conducted in person whenever possible, with remote options available to ensure flexibility and accessibility.

This legislative mandate emphasizes the need for districts to develop robust CS education pathways, and SCRIPT is the perfect tool to help them meet these new state requirements.

How SCRIPT Supports CS Implementation

The SCRIPT framework provides districts with structured workshops to help them develop a strategic vision for CS education. Here’s how SCRIPT workshops typically unfold:

• Guiding Rubrics & Self-Assessment Tools: District teams begin by assessing their current capacity for CS education, identifying gaps and setting a baseline for growth.
• Goal-Setting Activities: Participants set actionable short-term (3-month), mid-term (6-month) and long-term (9-month and beyond) goals to create a sustainable CS education plan.
• CS Vision Development: Through collaborative exercises, district teams craft a vision that aligns with their educational priorities and the new state requirements for CS education.
• Access to CSforALL Resources: Participants gain access to a wealth of resources, including curriculum directories, data collection tools and support from the national CSforALL network, which includes 800+ members across the country.

Why Engage with SCRIPT?

Districts ready to move the conversation from planning to action will find SCRIPT to be a powerful catalyst for change. By joining SCRIPT, districts not only align with new state mandates but also position themselves as leaders in providing equitable access to computer science education. Here’s why districts are choosing to embark on this journey:

• Customized Support: SCRIPT workshops are tailored to meet the specific needs of each district, ensuring that CS implementation plans are not only comprehensive but also sustainable.
• Long-Term Commitment: With follow-up check-ins at 3, 6 and 12 months, along with ongoing support from CSforALL facilitators, districts can stay on track to achieve their CS goals.
• Collective Impact: By joining the SCRIPT community, districts collaborate with a national network of educators, policymakers and organizations dedicated to advancing CS education, including monthly community calls, annual summits and partnership opportunities.

Join the Movement

If your district is ready to take the next step in computer science education, SCRIPT offers the roadmap to success. If you’re interested in learning about this transformative journey and would like to learn more about future SCRIPT workshops, please complete this form. Together, let’s build a future where all students have access to high-quality computer science education, equipping them with the skills needed for tomorrow’s workforce.