“Let’s do it!” That was Alexis Johnson’s reaction when she saw professional learning opportunities focused on computational thinking. A first grade teacher with no formal CS background, she jumped at the chance to explore how computer science principles could enhance early literacy instruction — and ended up transforming her classroom in the process.

Johnson is one of several Utah educators discovering that computer science isn’t just about coding — it’s about helping students think critically, solve problems and make sense of the world around them. From first grade classrooms to high school computer labs, teachers across the state are building confidence in CS instruction and finding meaningful ways to connect it to their everyday teaching.

Meeting the Growing Demand for CS Skills

Computing and technology shape how we communicate, work and learn. We connect with loved ones through social media, order groceries online and generate lesson plans with digital tools. Yet the seamless functioning of these tasks relies on a skilled computer science workforce.

Nationwide, high-quality CS education programs and equitable access lag behind demand. In Utah, with its booming tech sector, this gap is particularly pronounced. The increasing need for CS skills underscores the critical importance of equipping K-12 students with core competencies such as critical thinking and problem-solving.

Educators recognize the need to cultivate these skills. Still, a central challenge remains: How can this shift be sustainable, relevant and, most importantly, achievable for both teachers and students within the current educational landscape?

A Statewide Push for Teaching Computer Science

To address these challenges and ensure students are well-prepared for both the local and global economies, a partnership of stakeholders developed the Utah Computer Science Education Master Plan in 2019. At the heart of the plan was a bold goal: provide every student with access to computer science education.

To move that goal forward, the Community Foundation of Utah (CFU) launched the Silicon Slopes Computer Science Fund, focused on delivering meaningful K-12 computer science outcomes for teachers and learners across the state. In spring 2024, CFU partnered with ISTE+ASCD to launch Transform CS, a professional learning initiative designed to strengthen computer science education by equipping teachers with the tools they need.

Read the full article about teaching computer science by Catherine Atkinson at EdSurge.