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We are Computer Science for Every Learner

Computer Science for Every Learner, a project of the Illinois Resource Center, trains bilingual/ESL K-12 teachers to use technology to improve and enhance teaching and learning for multilingual and minority students in elementary, middle and high schools.

We do this by providing Code.org and related training, augmented by applying the techniques of up-to-date multicultural and minority education. Our training is segmented by grade so that elementary teachers will learn ways to introduce children to computational thinking, using software tools designed for young learners, with similar age- and skill-appropriate lesson planning for middle and high school students.

The goal is to train under-served teachers so that they can equip their students with skills suitable for eventual admission to advanced and college computer science courses and jobs in technological industries. ELs and minority students need to know that they can not only use computers and software, they can also learn how to use technology to shape their learning and respond to the needs of their communities.

Finally, we work with administrators to help them understand our program and to prepare them to support newly trained teachers and their students. We encourage interested teachers to explore our program to see if it has benefits for you.

APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN NOW!

Code.org Summer Institute

June 17 – 21, 2024

New deadline is April 1st for grades 6-12

CSEL K-5 application closed

  • Computer science training for K-12 EL teachers grouped in cohorts for elementary school teachers (K-5), middle school (6 to 8), and high school (9-12).

  • Instruction will be provided on weekends and during summer periods so that it does not interfere with classroom time.

  • Instructors will include Code.org facilitators and other partner facilitators. All instruction will be tailored to meet the needs of teachers who serve ELs and other under-resourced students.

  • The Code.org curriculum includes content from Computer Science Fundamentals (K-5), Computer Science Discoveries (6-8), and Computer Science Principles (9-12).

  • No tech expertise is necessary to participate. Educators with entry-level knowledge of computer science and technology are encouraged to apply.

  • 6-12 grade teachers will receive a $2,000 stipend to help defray personal costs associated with this program. APPLY HERE

  • K-5 teachers will receive a $550 stipend to help defray personal costs associated with this program. CLOSED

Upon completion, participating teachers will be awarded a Certificate of Completion from Code.org. Depending on the grade level, teachers will also receive up to 45 professional development hours. Additionally, National Louis University has agreed to provide graduate-level course credit for teacher participants in Code.org professional development for CS Discoveries and CS Principles. Participants can use their 1 SH of credit toward a lane change step in their district salary schedules and/or toward the M.Ed./Ed.S. Learning Sciences or M.Ed./Ed.S. Curriculum & Instruction Advanced Professional degree at NLU.

More Information

This program will be buttressed by corresponding administrators sessions, including an Administrators Academy on CS Equity and on implementation planning. The goal is to ensure that administrators provide the support necessary for teachers to succeed with the integration of CS into academics for linguistically and culturally diverse students.

IMPORTANT: Because CODE.org is not yet an approved Chicago Public School (CPS) vendor under the Illinois State Online Personal Protection Act (SOPPA Law), CPS teachers are not eligible to apply for the Code.org summer institute.

Capacity is limited and acceptance is on an on-going basis until cohorts reach capacity at 35 participants per cohort.

Applicants will be assessed on the following criteria:

  • The applicant possesses an ESL and/or bilingual endorsement, OR,

  • The applicant works in a district in a Title III

  • The applicant works in a Title I district

  • The applicant’s understanding of and attitude towards the potential for advanced CS integration into teaching and learning.

To be accepted, teachers must agree to complete all training, including:

Spring 2024: EL Focused Workshops & Curriculum Planning:

  • 1 spring date, Saturday, May 18, 2024, 9 am – 12 pm

June 17-21, 2024 Summer Institute with Code.org

  • K-5 grades receive a two-day summer training (June 17-18, 2024)

  • 6-12 grades receive a 5-day summer training (June 17-21, 2024)

  • All participants: Required to attend lesson planning and classroom activities, following the Code.org training on June 24 & 26, 2024, 4 virtual hours each day.

NEW deadline to apply is April 1, 2024 for 6-12 grades. 5-K CSEL application closed.