About Us
What is the Oregon Computer Science Teachers Association?
Our History: Who we Are
In the early era of computing education, a group of Oregon computer science teachers from secondary and higher education collaborated in the 1980’s to create an organization focused on professional development. It was the first of its kind in the nation. Three large education computing organizations were launched from the original Computer Science Teachers Association which began in Oregon: The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), The Northwest Council for Computer Education (NCCE), and the national Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA). The latter was formed to meet the needs of Computer Science educators nationwide.
Our Mission and Vision: What we do and Why we do it
The mission of OCSTA is to increase the number of Computer Science and engineering programs in Oregon in order to give our students the opportunities for a work and college ready diploma upon graduation. This lofty goal requires partnerships with all who share this mission.
The high-tech industry currently reports that there are a plethora of high-paying jobs available to Oregonians, yet there are very few middle and high school computer science programs that exist to prepare Oregon students to meet this demand. In order to meet industry expectations, funding resources from industry and government are critical.
OCSTA is calling for an increase in K-12 funding from the state so that class sizes can be reduced and necessary programs can be added such as computer science and engineering, among other CTE programs. Additional targeted funding is also needed for the equipment necessary to start these equipment rich programs.
OCSTA is working with legislators to provide funding for the purpose of increasing the number of programs providing Professional Development for educators taking on these responsibilities. OCSTA is also working on getting more CTE trained teachers coming out of our higher education teacher training programs.
Our Programs: How we do it
Our flagship program is SuperQuest, a highly collaborative technology training series designed specifically for K–12 teachers. Our goal is to empower educators with the skills and classroom tools to build hands-on technology learning directly into their classrooms or after school activities. Our SuperQuest Summer format makes it affordable and available for educators around the state.
Our goal is to continue to expand the locations of SuperQuest to encourage and facilitate greater access so more teachers in Oregon have access to the professional development necessary to offer technology education to more students. Historically, OCSTA provided only one summer 5-day workshop. In addition to the summer workshop, a fall and spring one day workshop was offered. Even though these were attended by teachers from around Oregon and Washington, the locations were most always in Portland. We continue to expand our program and now offer training to educators in other areas of the state using a distributed learning model designed to create local pockets of professional learning communities. This includes expansion to Southern, Eastern and Central Oregon.
Concepts covered during a SuperQuest workshop include three general tracks: Pedagogy, Programming and Robotics. We direct this curriculum for educators teaching K-6, middle school and high school and offer beginner, intermediate and advanced options. Specific topics include, but are not limited to: How to start a Computer Science program, An overview of engineering and AP CS curriculum, Proven techniques using flipped classrooms, Utilizing industry experts in the classroom, Computer Science as a core curriculum, Incorporating Techtools for more effective curriculum delivery, Using Online self-graded assessment, JAVA, Python, C++, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, 3-D printing and CAD design, Web Coding, Video game design, Coding for the masses, K-5 Coding, Code for a Day, Designing Apps, FTC Robotics, FLL Robotics and Vex Robotics.
SuperQuest is unique from other professional development opportunities because…
- We don’t just bring you technology for the sake of technology. We focus on technology curriculum that is current and relevant to the changing needs and landscape of the K-12 educator.
- We don’t hire technology “experts” who haven’t stepped foot in a classroom since they were students. Our instructors are current and experienced educators who have successfully taught our coursework to K-12 students.
- Our instructors are not just talking heads. We encourage hands-on interaction and in-class discussion about teaching methods, pedagogy, appropriate curriculum materials and classroom management.
- The learning doesn’t end when your workshop is over. We understand that often the best learning comes from collaboration. We enhance our training by providing opportunities outside the classroom to share best practices and collaborate with other educators.
Our Partners: Who we work with
OCSTA is in collaboration and partnership with the recently created Oregon STEM Hubs including Portland-Metro, South Metro and Eastern Oregon. By providing computer science and engineering Professional Development, OCSTA is the ‘heart’ of STEM– addressing the needs of “T” and “E”. Because of OCSTA’s history and state-wide reach, the STEM Hubs see this relationship as natural and effective.
OCSTA currently partners with many groups providing similar services to students. These groups include: Code.org, Oregon Game Project Challenge, Willamette Programming Contest, Pixel Arts, ChickTech, Girls Get IT and App Camp for Girls. The robotics training component of the SuperQuest workshop has been attended by many robotics club coaches and volunteers involved in the various robotics competitions throughout Oregon.