Bringing High-Quality Computer Science To Rural Missouri — Code Missouri Update

Bringing High-Quality Computer Science To Rural Missouri — Code Missouri Update

On October 16, 2017 at the CSforALL Summit in St. Louis, CodeHS launched the Code Missouri state initiative to help close the computer science opportunity gap between urban and rural districts in Missouri. We committed to offering CodeHS Pro and professional development to 19 rural school districts in Missouri for free during the 2018–2019 and 2019–2020 school years!

Raising Awareness about Code Missouri

In the early stages of Code Missouri, CodeHS worked closely with Missouri thought-leaders and began a pilot program at Fayette High School in Fayette, MO. The teacher, Kevin Pekkarinen taught Intro JavaScript for 6 students and presented on his personal experience at the CSforAll Summit.

Kevin Pekkarinen, Code Missouri Teacher from Fayette High School in Fayette, MO

Implementing Computer Science Across Rural Missouri

Between October and December 2017, 45 schools and districts applied to the Code Missouri program. After carefully reviewing applications, CodeHS selected the 19 rural Missouri schools that would become Code Missouri partners! You can read about our partnership with Gasconade County R-1 School District here via News Tribune of Jefferson City, MO.

To kick start the program in August 2018, we hosted an in-person professional development workshop in Hermann, Missouri. There was a great turnout — 15 teachers, 1 superintendent, and 1 director of curriculum attended!

“I feel so supported and prepared to bring to my students the best that CodeHS has to offer!” — Kim Pingatore, Ash Grove High School

What does Code Missouri look like now?

Number of Code Missouri teachers: 28
Number of Code Missouri students: 827

Here’s the breakdown of course enrollment on CodeHS:

“We are grateful for the CodeHS grant and program for the successes we are having with our introductory courses.” — Maranda Anderson, Gasconade County R-I

Code Missouri will continue from now through June 2020. During this time, we are proud to continue our partnership with participating schools, provide classroom support and build out their computer science pathway!