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University of West Florida Receives $300,000 Grant to Train Local AP Computer Science Teachers

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The University of West Florida has been awarded a $300,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to address the critical shortage of computer science teachers in local school districts. The grant, titled "Preparing In-Service Teachers in AP Computer Science Principles," will provide professional development for local educators teaching Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles. The project aims to train and provide year-round support to high school teachers, with the ultimate goal of increasing access to computing courses for high school students and providing them with a pathway to careers in technology and artificial intelligence.

Key Takeaways:

  • The University of West Florida received a $300,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to train local AP Computer Science teachers.
  • The two-year grant, which began on August 1, supports a partnership between UWF and the Santa Rosa and Escambia County School Districts to provide professional development for local educators teaching Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles.
  • The project aims to train and provide year-round support to high school teachers, guidance counselors, and assistant principals to create, foster, and provide access to computing courses for high school students.
  • The professional development will follow the Knight's Instructional Coaching model and utilize a continuous feedback loop to provide content and pedagogical knowledge to teachers.
  • The grant team comprises Dr. Sikha Bagui (PI), Dr. Evorell Fridge (Co-PI), Dr. Melanie DiLoreto (Co-PI), and Dr. Giang Nguyen Nguyen (Co-PI).
  • The ultimate goal of the grant is to increase access to computing courses for high school students and provide them with a pathway to careers in technology and artificial intelligence.

Statistics:

  • $300,000: The amount of the grant awarded to the University of West Florida.
  • 2 years: The duration of the grant project.
  • 1 August, 2023: The start date of the grant project.
  • Northwest Florida: The region where only a fraction of high schools currently offer Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles courses.
  • 4: The number of people on the grant team, including Dr. Sikha Bagui, Dr. Evorell Fridge, Dr. Melanie DiLoreto, and Dr. Giang Nguyen Nguyen.

Sources:

  • "UWF awarded $300,000 to train local AP Computer Science teachers." University of West Florida news release, 20 August 2023.

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