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2024 is starting off as another great year for computer science education in NM. There are fantastic opportunities for teachers to participate in professional learning in CS, get involved in CSTA-NM and more. There are new programs that are supporting CS for indigenous students (SkoCode) and summer camps for students that combine forestry with drones and computational modeling or with Quantum Computing. The NMPED, in collaboration with the NM ECEP team, is working on updating the IT/CS programs of study and will need your input. See below for more information and to see the breadth and depth of how CS education in NM has been growing.

Professional Development for NM Teachers

Policy news and incredible opportunity– A lot of focus was on the bill that reworked HS graduation requirements. In this new law there is language about CS education and all NM high schools will need to offer a CS elective*. Currently about 50% of NM high schools offer a CS class (link to info) so that means that in the coming years, the other half will need to have trained teachers to offer a CS class. We can help!!!

We have funding through Code.org to bring up to 20 high school teachers to get trained in their Computer Science Principles curriculum during our summer CS PD Week.This free curriculum is one of the best ways to get started for any teacher new to CS. Eligible teachers will receive a $tipend. Costs of the hotel and mileage will be covered as well. Bring colleagues to participate in the CS Discoveries or CS A (Java) workshops!

Our policy team tried to expand the CS endorsement and get funding for pre-service CS programs, but none of the bills were heard during the legislature . We’ll try again next year!

*we are awaiting NMPED guidance on this

Click here to find out more about these workshops & apply

Computer Science Professional Development Week

June 3-6th we will start of 6th!! annual CS PD Week. This week (it’s really 4 days) we will have 6-8 different workshop strands. We are in the process of putting together the workshops, so for now, save the dates!

pre-register for the PD with this link

Get involved in a fun and truly authentic CyberSecurity program for students. Become a CyberPatriot club leader! CS Alliance has developed resources to support you as a club leader to get started with this fantastic program. You will learn about Linux, Windows, Cisco and other cyber-related tools that are then applied during a student a competition.

Link to sign up

CyberPatriot will be one of the teacher PD strands during CS PD Week. $tipend for PD and additional funds for the fall implementation with a club.

Quantum Computing PD and Camp for teachers & students

Sandia Labs partnered with CS Alliance to expand Quantum Computing for our HS students. There is a PD ‘camp’ for teachers and summer camps for HS students. Link for more info and to register. Stipends available!

Reimagining NM CS/IT Programs of Study

The newly formed NM ECEP team has begun the process of collecting community input on redesigning the Programs of Study for computer science and information technology courses.

Give your input here! (as soon as possible! information will start to be compiled next week)

We are looking for a range of community members including: educators, administrators, local tech industry friends, higher education representatives. For more information reach out to Melissa DeLaurentis of NMPED’s CCRB to get involved and give input. Melissa.DeLaurentis@ped.nm.gov

Be a part of the future of CS education in NM! Nominate yourself of someone else. Nominations will close on March 15 and elections will happen soon after. Normal term of service is two years.

Who can be an officer of CSTA-NM?

Must be a +member of CSTA national and a member of CSTA-NM chapter (linked here)(benefits of memberships)
Has a background and interest in Computer Science and Education
We value diversity and encourage nominations that bring a variety of perspectives to CS education.

Nomination form: https://bit.ly/CSTANM2024nominations

Here is a description of the officer positions as part of the bylaws: CSTA-NM Chapter Bylaws.

What does an Officer of CSTA-NM do?

Participates in monthly conference call meetings
Volunteers for tasks & projects relating to CS education in NM
Provides constructive feedback and creative ideas
Promotes CS education locally as well as statewide
Acts as a positive contributor and problem solver to issues relating to CS education in NM
Posts to our FB group, updates our website

Focus on CS for Indigenous Students

4 Corners Computer Science Convening

Registration and call for proposals is now open! CS Alliance, in partnership with the 4 state education agencies and groups like Indigitize with funding from Google, is continuing a unique, free event for educators serving indigenous youth. June 23-26, 2024 in Durango at Ft. Lewis College. Register now, submit a proposal.

Let’s Talk Code Summer Teacher PD. Let’s Talk Code is an NSF-funded project out of Navajo Tech University in partnership with NAU and CS Alliance. Get additional support to integrate CS into any HS class through making apps. The 3 day workshop will start immediately after the 4 Corners CS event and will also be at Fort Lewis College. $500 stipend for eligible teachers & $500 for implementation. Register here

Indigitize has a new program, SKOCODE, to bring more CS to Native American students

SkoCode (Let’s Go Code) is an AmeriCorps program housed under Indigitize with the goal of bringing meaningful computer science learning experiences to Indigenous students. 2 ways to help this initiative- be a host site OR share with anyone you think would be a good fit to be a SKOCODE AmeriCorps member.

Link to more information