Needs Analysis

The purpose of this needs analysis was to assess the current state and needs of Elementary Preservice Teacher Preparation Programs in Indiana concerning the preparation of teachers to instruct in Computer Science (CS). This report summarizes the methods used to collect and analyze the data and provides evidence-based recommendations. We contacted 115 representatives of 65 Elementary Teacher Preparation Programs across Indiana and received 30.4% of the response rate to the needs analysis survey. Additionally, nine faculty members from six Elementary Preservice Teacher Preparation Programs participated in semi-structured interviews. We also collected CS/CT syllabi and resources from these faculty members to gain further insights into our needs analysis.

 Full Report

Key Findings

• No stand-alone CS courses or certification programs are offered in participating Elementary Preservice Teacher Preparation Programs. CS is integrated or included in the existing courses.
• Faculty use free and available resources or create their own course activities focusing on CS.
• Providing CS-related field experiences offers authentic CS learning and teaching opportunities.
• The existing challenges are as follows:
  • faculty awareness and preparedness to teach CS in their elementary preservice teacher preparation programs;
  • lack of quality Introductory CS courses available for preservice teachers;
  • access to and collaboration with elementary schools to provide field experiences that model CS instruction;
  • administrative support for providing CS experiences across the courses and curriculum in the teacher preparation program.

Recommendations

1. Integrating CS in methods courses is a common way to address CS standards and provides opportunities for preservice teachers to be introduced to teaching CS in elementary grade levels.
2. Creating environments for preservice teacher educators, and faculty members, to learn CS, and access professional development and other resources can improve the implementation of CS and CS standards into their Elementary Preservice Teacher Preparation Programs.
3. Collaborating with in-service teachers helps offer preservice teachers real-world learning opportunities through field experiences and student teaching practicums. This will improve preservice teachers' competencies in implementing CS standards in their future classrooms.