Bootstrap Plays A Key Role In CS4RI Expansion Of CS Education In Rhode Island
- Posted by Jesse Polhemus
- on March 7, 2016
Bootstrap is a computer science literacy curriculum used by 10,000 students in 17 states and five countries whose founders include two Brown CS faculty members, Kathi Fisler (adjunct) and Shriram Krishnamurthi. Starting today, it's playing a key role in the new Computer Science for Rhode Island (CS4RI) effort, which brings together a coalition of partners to offer low or no-cost options for K-12 schools to expand CS education.
"Bootstrap is excited to partner with Governor Raimondo's team to enrich math and computing education for students across Rhode Island," says Shriram. "The CS4RI initiative will get students computing creatively and thriving mathematically so that they graduate high school prepared with skills that matter."
CS4RI is among the most comprehensive statewide computer science initiatives in the country, and it takes a coalition approach by combining national leadership with homegrown talent to reduce barriers to providing quality computer science education and professional development. Its goal is to have CS taught in every public school in Rhode Island by December, 2017.
"Brown is proud," says President Christina Paxson, "to be a part of a project that positions Rhode Island as a leader in efforts to bring computer science education to students statewide. The Bootstrap curriculum, developed in part by Brown faculty, teaches essential skills that can propel students toward fields with significant opportunities in tomorrow's world. It’s exciting that Bootstrap will be part of this initiative, which is so important for our state, and I thank Governor Raimondo and her team for their work."
