FAQ
CodeWV is building a computer science community among educators across West Virginia
to ensure K-12 students have access and opportunities to learn computer science.
The program offers curriculum and professional development to educators.
Who is the partner of CodeWV?
CodeWV is the West Virginia Regional Partner of Code.org, which is a nonprofit that
offers professional learning programs dedicated to expanding computer science access
in schools while increasing participation by women and underrepresented student
populations.
What is the value of CodeWV to West Virginia?
With computing jobs now the number-one source of new earnings in the U.S., computer
science must be a critical part of the K-12 curriculum. Not only can we ensure
that West Virginia students have the skills necessary for future success, we can
also boost jobs and economic growth in the state. It is critical to invest more
resources in computer science. West Virginia currently has more than 1,200 open
computing jobs (four times the average demand rate), yet only graduated 158 total
computer science students in 2015; only 11% were female. In addition, only 15 schools
in West Virginia (12% of schools statewide with AP programs) offered an AP Computer
Science course in 2016-2017, and fewer AP computer science exams were taken than
in any other STEM subject. These numbers show the real need to expand access to
educators and to students to fill the open computing positions in our state, drive
economic opportunities for West Virginia and bolster local West Virginia communities.
Why is this a natural partnership with the Center for Excellence in STEM Education?
As the Center helps prepare West Virginia students for the evolving demands of today's
workforce, computer science education is critical to better equip students with
the skill sets necessary for future success. West Virginia must continue to find
effective ways to improve students' critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving,
and especially of those who have traditionally been underrepresented.
What is an example of a CodeWV program or activity?
The Hour of Code event, hosted locally in 2017 at Mylan Park Elementary School, showcased
how easy it is for students of all ages to learn the basics of coding. Since then,
CodeWV has offered professional learning for teachers in more than 100 elementary
schools, and nearly 63 middle and high schools. At least 90% of these
teachers are now offering a new computer science class or learning experience to
K-12 students.
What is the goal of CodeWV?
To serve as the hub for West Virginia K-12 computer science; build partnerships with
local districts and schools to increase student access to computer science courses;
organize and host quality local workshops for teachers implementing Code.org's
programs with Code.org-trained facilitators; provide tools and resources to local
school administrators and counselors through specialized workshops; and establish,
grow, and sustain a local community of computer science educators through computer
science fairs and community events.