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    • What are the questions that you are thinking about in relation to these topics?

    The implementation of Computer Science (CS) in the K12 educational program in the Montebello USD raises many questions for me. K12 implementation is the primary reason I applied to the current degree program. I desire to study the pedagogy of teaching CS K12, but, I also want to see CS implemented throughout the K12 educational program in my current school district. There are many questions I have with this regard. It seems the pedagogy is the easier part to wield. So, I’m not concerned about that. It’s actually the fun part. But, what I still would like to know is how to best leverage the knowledge I will acquire through this degree program in order to persuade the leadership in my district and the Los Angeles County of Education to implement CS K12 comprehensively and thoroughly? There are many political hurdles to jump over. I’m not sure If I should work with teachers and become a catalyst of some sorts to bring those educators together and learn and teach together, build a coalition, then take our Educator’s community to the district Administration in such numbers that we cannot be ignored? Or, approach the district administration with a presentation outlining the value of CS in the lives of students and our school community? The little I’ve learned thus far is exciting and I am adding to my tool box that which I want to share with my students. Between the two classes, pedagogy and programming, there are lessons formulating in my mind that I would like to craft or my program. So, I’m not worried about my program. What I am concerned about is the district’s program. That is where my questions lie.

    • Is there anything that you have learned that is making you apprehensive about teaching CS?

    As I have gone though the literature regarding Computer Science Education, I seem to be bumping up against the politics of Computer Science Education which I have not been aware of…I think(?) I’ve come across the idea that CS Ed. has been intentionally withheld from specific ethnic and socioeconomic groups(?) Is this true? Also, the idea that CS is being withheld from females? I can see that CS Ed. is not a core content area like math or english in our public schools, but I thought the reason for this was the funding issues with the state and federal government and not necessarily racial/sexist discrimination. My concern is, I don’t want to carry a political flag as a CS Educator, but I absolutely will, and do, advocate for CS Ed. in my sphere of influence – my community. I just didn’t think it was a politically charged topic to begin with. I don’t want to be associated with the politics of CS Ed.. I do think the skills that are taught and learned by way of CS are valuable for many content areas and for simply living a productive life. A few examples of these skills would be: problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, divergent thinking, persevering though problem solving, collaboration, computational thinking… I can go on and on. But, as far as I am concerned, politics has no place in Computer Science. And should not have a place in education period. Full Stop. But then again, it is true that “The Hand That Rocks the Cradle Is the Hand That Rules the World” – William Ross Wallace