Check Out Our CSEL Schedule!

January 28, 2025 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Virtual workshop – Zoom

Join this session to learn how to address and overcome challenges in integrating cybersecurity concepts and practices into the instruction of English learners. We will discuss why cyber knowledge and digital citizenship are essential for English Learners and explore various career opportunities afforded by quality cyber education. Then, we will scaffold CYBER.ORG curricular lessons and instructional activities for English Learners to help them enhance language skill development, as well as connect and apply cyber knowledge to their home lives.

Presenter: Charity Freeman

Targeted Audience: K-12 Teachers (no CS experience needed)

February 6, 2025 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Virtual workshop – Zoom

Join this session to learn how to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) tools and concepts into multiple subject areas (e.g., math, science, and writing), while supporting English Learners in language skill development. We will evaluate and utilize curated AI tools and curricular resources to create and/or modify lessons, activities, and instructional materials that support differentiated instruction of English Learners. Then, we will discuss strategies for helping English Learners understand the impact of AI in their everyday lives.

In this session, participants will:

• Learn what AI is and understand AI concepts
• Learn why we need to use AI for ELs
• Understand how using AI could enhance learning

Presenter: Charity Freeman

Targeted Audience: K-12 Teachers (no CS experience needed)

February 13, 2025, 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Virtual workshop – Zoom

The purpose of this academy is to help administrators successfully meet the computer science mandates outlined in Illinois legislation by following research-informed practices for creating an implementation plan. These plans will guide them to create sustainable computer science programs that help students learn the computer science and computer literacy skills necessary to be successful in an increasingly technological world.

Participants will know/be able to..

• Examine key concept areas of computer science as a content area, using technical terminology when appropriate
• Investigate the differences between computer science and computer literacy
• Determine the relevancy a computer science education has to long-term student success
• Evaluate their resource availability and compare it to the version they have for their computer science program
• Create their computer science implementation plan

To achieve these outcomes participants must, before the session, review their current school plan and budget. On the day of the session participants must bring a laptop, their school strategic plans, current and next year’s budget, a list of technology available in the building, a list of the courses offered, a list of their teachers’ endorsements, and any other information on short-and long-term school and computer science goals.

Presenter: Charity Freeman

Targeted Audience: Administrators

March 4, 2025 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Virtual workshop – Zoom

Join this session to access and utilize standards-aligned resources to help you better understand and integrate computer science (CS) content into lessons across multiple subject areas. We will take a deep dive into the Illinois K-12 CS learning standards and how to assess when English Learners are meeting intended CS learning targets. Then, we will explore and adapt instructional activities that are designed to engage English Learners in CS learning.

In this session, participants will:

• Learn to unpack CS standards
• Identify resources to help you better understand learning targets

Presenter: Charity Freeman

Targeted Audience: K-12 Teachers (no CS experience needed)

March 6, 2025 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Virtual workshop – Zoom

Join this session to learn how to help English Learners facilitate their own learning through curiosity and discovery. We will discuss the importance of utilizing inquiry to support CS learning and language skill development. Then, we will practice questioning techniques that prompt students to problem-solve at their own pace and make computing topics more engaging and accessible for all students.

In this session, participants will:

• Implement proven methods of inquiry

Presenter: Charity Freeman

Targeted Audience: K-12 Teachers (no CS experience needed)

June 23-27, 2025

In-person workshop

Crowne Plaza Chicago O’hare Hotel & Conference Center

In this workshop, participants will:

• Learn about computer science for ELS
• Learn from Code.org facilitators about their curriculum
• Be able to teach a code.org lesson at the end

Presenter: Code.org Facilitators

June 25-26, 2025

In-person workshop

Crowne Plaza Chicago O’hare Hotel & Conference Center

In this workshop, participants will:

• Review examples of Computational Thinking in unplugged activities and gain access to resources to use in your classroom
• Be introduced to the Computational Thinking Integration Framework and materials that support the planning efforts toward schoolwide integration of CT
• Review teacher knowledge, pedagogical content knowledge, and strategies that promote diversity and equity in student learning and application of CS/CT concepts
• Set goals and a vision for CT implementation plan to be referenced and iterated upon throughout the school year
• Develop background knowledge of what CT looks like when integrated into Mathematics, ELA, and classroom routines, without the use of devices and within a Computer Science classroom.
• Learn how to modify an existing lesson plan to integrate Computational Thinking skills and learn how to extend a lesson to create a computational artifact using a computer using tools such as Scratch, ScratchJr, etc.

Presenter: Heather Sherwood and Kelly Powers