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Star Patterns

The blog of the Constellations Center for Equity in Computing

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Changing Perspectives on Computer Science Education, PART II
September 28, 2018
Why does computer science education look like it does today? I ask this question not really knowing the entirety of the answer to it. However, I can describe my perspective on at least a portion of what I think the solution to this question is…
girl works on hummingbird kit
The Heart Filling and Heartache of Equity Work in our Schools
September 25, 2018
This week was the start of my fourth week in my new position. I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of engaging in work that is mentally challenging for me but still is centered in equity and opportunities afforded to Black and Brown students in K-12 schools.
Boy plays on computer
Fellows in the Field — Month One, Part One
September 7, 2018
Since August 1, our Constellations fellows have been in the classroom at the six Atlanta Public Schools (APS) that we have partnered with for the 2018-2019 school year. Fellow, PK Graff shares a few observations, insights and challenges from his first month of activating the Constellations pilot program.
Boy learns to code using an app on an iPad
Slanted Perspectives
September 4, 2018
On August 27th, a USA Today article was circulated with the following headline: Female, minority students took AP computer science in record numbers. Wow! I imagine reading this headline may have turned heads and even caused some whiplash.
boy and girl work on an unplugged computing activity together
Changing Perspectives on Computer Science Education, Part I
August 29, 2018
For years, American education had seen a steep decline in post-secondary enrollment into computer science, in particular with female students, as well as a long history of people of color (Black, Hispanic/Latino) not represented in the discipline.
Kids hanging out on a field trip
Confronting the Ghost in Computing Education
August 3, 2018
In response to President Obama’s national call for CSforAll, Constellations is helping to craft Georgia Tech’s plan for developing a national strategy to democratize computer science education at this critical stage in the effort to improve STEM education and the nation’s technical workforce.
Group works on video game on computer
How do we get black students in the picture and in computer majors?
February 22, 2018
Atlanta has made the short list of cities for Amazon’s HQ2. At the heart of the proposition to Amazon and other tech companies is people. City officials assert that one of our most important assets is a steady stream of young people with elite technical skills.