Project Let's Talk Code
Project Let’s Talk Code was a Research Practitioner Partnership (RPP) that investigated and supported teachers in introducing computer science to high school students in the Four Corners region of the U.S.
Launched in the summer of 2021, Let's Talk Code conducted nine professional development sessions for 119 non-computer science teachers across 34 schools, impacting 214 Native American students. It also conducted a long-term professional development for 7 computing teachers and impacted 120 students.
Let's Talk Code primarily focused on schools near the Four Corners region, with the majority of the students being Indigenous. The Hopi, Navajo, Apache, and Pueblo tribes were largely impacted by this project.
Let's Talk Code supported high school teachers through targeted mentorship and support. Participating teachers demonstrated a significant shift in their confidence and computer science skills as a result of their course activities. 28 teachers implemented computer science lessons with their students.
Additionally, Let's Talk Code fostered sustainable communities of practice among computer science educators, which helps to ensure long-term success and scalability. By marrying research with practical application, Let's Talk Code provided insights into culturally responsive STEM education, laying a foundation for educational reforms in other Native American communities and beyond.
Ultimately, Let’s Talk Code has helped to shape Native American innovators and leaders, diversify the STEM pipeline, and promote inclusive education.
None of the work would have been possible without EDU funding.
