West Virginia among top in the country for access to computer science education

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia is among the top 10 states nationwide to offer foundational computer science (CS) courses to public school students. This according to the annual State of Computer Science Education: Accelerating Action through Advocacy report released today by Code.org, the Computer Science Teachers Association and the Expanding Computing Education Pathways (ECEP) Alliance. More public schools in the state are offering students greater access to this growing and important pathway, the report details.

According to the report, 76% of public high schools in West Virginia offered foundational computer science courses last year, a significant increase over the past three years when only 46% of schools provided these courses in the 2018 – 2019 school year.

Additionally, 87% of West Virginia students attended a high school with at least one CS course. The progress is attributed to adopting and following a five-year plan that includes active advocacy, policy updates, professional development offerings and statewide support for computer science education.

As the agency partner to the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE), West Virginia University’s (WVU) Center for Excellence in STEM Education has developed a robust structure for the expansion of computer science education in the state. Since summer 2018, the CodeWV program housed at WVU has reached 875 teachers in 52 of the state’s 55 counties. Sessions are free-of-charge and educators often participate in multiple trainings.

“West Virginia recognized years ago the need to increase access to computer science among our K-12 students, and today’s report reflects our consistent efforts to prepare students for the economies of today and tomorrow,” said State Superintendent of Schools W. Clayton Burch. “We will continue to work with our Governor, legislators and higher education partners to maintain our focus on the importance of these courses while encouraging students to take advantage of these offerings.”

West Virginia is a pioneer in creating a computer science K-12 pathway for all students. Governor Jim Justice signed Senate Bill 267 in 2019, which charged the WVDE with reaching all public-school students with computer science. This law makes the Mountain State one of the first to require all students to start their CS education in elementary school and be exposed to a variety of CS experiences throughout their K-12 career.

Additionally, with the adoption of computer science standards, the West Virginia Board of Education ensured all K-12 students have access to a developmentally appropriate level of computer science education every year. The work continues among the coalition of partners to ensure families and students understand the opportunities available through computer science and participate fully in the courses offered.

Featured

SHOPS & SERVICES

Upshur County Courthouse

County approves $11.5-million-dollar budget, which includes several earmarked ARPA-funded projects

BUCKHANNON – The Upshur County Commission’s budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year saw increases in the regional jail bill and increases to PEIA premiums, but commissioners were still able to provide 3 percent raises across elected officials’ departments. Upshur County […]

Become a premium member to unlock immediate access to this story and thousands more. Plus you’ll wake up every morning to our email edition. Your subscription supports local news by local writers. Signing up is easy — just tap the button below!

SHOPS & SERVICES

Baseball Bucs improve to 3-0 with 17-7 win over North Marion

TENNERTON – Three games, three 10-run mercy rule victories. The season couldn’t be off to a better start for Buckhannon-Upshur head baseball coach Adam Squires and his Buccaneers after downing the North Marion Huskies by a 17-7 score in five […]

Become a premium member to unlock immediate access to this story and thousands more. Plus you’ll wake up every morning to our email edition. Your subscription supports local news by local writers. Signing up is easy — just tap the button below!

Lacrosse Bucs pick up first win defeating St. Albans late, 6-5

ST. ALBANS – The Buckhannon-Upshur Buccaneer lacrosse team rallied in the second half for a 6-5 victory over the homestanding St. Albans Dragons Thursday night. It was the first victory of the year for the Bucs as they improved to […]

Become a premium member to unlock immediate access to this story and thousands more. Plus you’ll wake up every morning to our email edition. Your subscription supports local news by local writers. Signing up is easy — just tap the button below!

Lacrosse Lady Bucs fall in debut to University, 15-7

TENNERTON – The Buckhannon-Upshur Lady Buc lacrosse team dropped their season opener to University by a 15-7 score Wednesday evening at Freal “Red” Crites Memorial Stadium. Kendall Defibaugh led the Buckhannon-Upshur scoring attack with three goals while Maya Garcia contributed […]

Become a premium member to unlock immediate access to this story and thousands more. Plus you’ll wake up every morning to our email edition. Your subscription supports local news by local writers. Signing up is easy — just tap the button below!

Lady Buc netters edged by Minutemaids, 4-3

TENNERTON – The Buckhannon-Upshur Lady Buc tennis team was oh so close to picking up a home win against the Lewis County Minutemaids in a 4-3 setback Wednesday evening at the West Virginia Wesleyan courts. After doubles action, the Lady […]

Become a premium member to unlock immediate access to this story and thousands more. Plus you’ll wake up every morning to our email edition. Your subscription supports local news by local writers. Signing up is easy — just tap the button below!

SHOPS & SERVICES