The Computer Science for Middle School (CS4MS) project led by Dr. Melani Loney and Dr. Lisa Steffian at Old Dominion University’s (ODU) Center for Educational Partnerships (TCEP), made strides in enhancing computer science (CS) education for middle school students. This three-year project, funded by the Virginia Department of Education, was a collaborative effort between TCEP, ODU’s School of Continuing Education and Professional Development, Code VA, and local school systems. The project trained 89 middle-school teachers from Chesapeake, Isle of Wight, Newport News, and Portsmouth City Public Schools in the design and implementation of integrated CS lessons and performance assessments. Project activities were aligned to the VDOE Computer Science Standards of Learning for grades 6-8, which require that CS be integrated into core subject areas including English, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science.

An independent evaluation by Dr. Tancy Vandecar-Burdin of the ODU Social Science Research Center revealed the following key outcomes from the CS4MS project:
 

  • Enhanced Teacher Preparedness: All participating teachers reported feeling more confident and prepared to integrate computer science into their curriculum. They found the workshops highly relevant and beneficial, gaining practical tools and insights they can apply directly in their classrooms.
     
  • Increased Teacher Efficacy: Completion of ODU CS Integration Microcredentials led to significant gains, with teachers reporting a 20% to 65% improvement in their readiness to teach Virginia's CS standards. Specialized Microcredentials in topics such as Coding in Python, Computer Science Careers, Teaching Computer Science to Underrepresented Groups, and Computer Science Performance Assessments further boosted their skills, with up to an 82% increase in lesson design capabilities.
     
  • Student Gains in CS Knowledge: Surveys showed positive shifts in students' understanding and interest in computer science. More students reported finding CS interesting, fun, and relevant to their future careers, feeling confident they could learn and use these skills.
     
  • Hands-On Learning and Industry Connections: During summer workshops, teachers explored coding tools like Sphero, LEGO Spike Prime, and VEX Robotics, which helped deepen their understanding of CS concepts. A career fair with local businesses also connected classroom learning to real-world opportunities in computer science.

 

The CS4MS project was successful in training teachers to understand and implement computer science concepts into middle school core content and elective classroom instruction. This success has transferred to student understanding of computer science. Teachers who participated in the CS4MS Microcredentials – and their students – showed an increase in knowledge and understanding of computer science and the vast majority of teachers indicated a readiness to implement the computer science SOL standards into their core curriculum. The majority of students felt that they can learn computer science, know what computer science is, and can use computer science skills in their life. All participating teachers agreed that by participating in the hands-on summer workshop, they learned content relevant to the computer science SOL integration and felt better prepared to implement computer science instruction into their content area.

TCEP continues to offer Middle School CS Integration Microcredentials to Virginia educators. Contact TCEP@odu.edu for more information.