Press Releases
New funding will help foster growth of K-12 computer science in NYC public school
NEW YORK, NY – Math for America (MƒA) today announced it has committed $2.5 million over the next five years to Mayor de Blasio’s Computer Science for All (CS4All) initiative, which aims to bring computer science education to all 1.1 million New York City public school students. MƒA’s donation pushes the CS4All current fundraising total to over $20 million in its first year – more than 50 percent of its $40 million overall goal.
“Computer Science is a spectacularly rich and beautiful subject, closely connected to mathematics and science, and nowadays to everyday life as well,” said John Ewing, MƒA President. “MƒA’s 1,000 math and science teachers are enthusiastic about the computer science initiative, and many are already involved. We are delighted to support an effort at the frontiers of education – one that offers exciting opportunities not only for students but for teachers as well.”
MƒA’s support helps to allow nearly 5,000 teachers to be trained over the next ten years. Through the implementation of the initiative, New York City would be the largest school district in the country to provide computer science education to all students; the funding will advance CS4All’s main goal to bring computer science education to every elementary, middle, and high school, potentially impacting over 245,000 students annually.
“The Mayor’s vision for New York City schools will put a new generation on the path toward success,” said Gabrielle Fialkoff, Senior Advisor to the Mayor and Director of the Office of Strategic Partnerships. “Through this landmark public-private partnership, we will level the playing field for every student in every borough. Computer Science for All is an investment in creating opportunities for all of our young people, particularly in a global economy where technology is integral to every industry.”
Out of MƒA’s 1,000 teachers, close to 100 teach computer science. Many of the workshops and courses offered to MƒA teachers are rooted in computer science education, including the following sample of courses:
- Algebraic Programming with Bootstrap: Offering a range of next steps for teachers who wish to incorporate computer science learning and computing into their classrooms.
- Computer Science AP Principles: Discussing and thinking collectively about how to teach computer science in a way that allows students to be creative problem solvers.
- Arduinos: Exploring new capabilities for Arduino with advanced sensors and shields including wireless communication, camera image processing, and data-logging.
- Exploring and Applying Practices of Computer Science: Building an understanding of the powerful ideas behind the concept and identifying specific and interdisciplinary approaches to using them in the classroom.
In addition, MƒA works to engage the public in the national dialogue on computer science through various events, such as the recent MƒA Teachers Speak Up: Computer Science in NYC Panel and the workshop A Conversation with Computer Science Teachers.
MƒA sets out to make teaching a viable, rewarding, and respected career choice for the best minds in science and mathematics. The Master Teacher Fellowship achieves this goal by bringing together outstanding, experienced teachers to share knowledge, advance teaching skills, and define excellence itself. This remarkable community of teachers is changing the landscape of science and mathematics education. MƒA also advocates for its model around the country, so that every student in America can have great math and science teachers—teachers who are true masters of the subject matter and deeply committed to the craft of teaching.