Resources

AZHACS - Arizona Hubs Advancing Computer Science

Rural communities and educators working together to build skills and knowledge in Computer Science and Computational Thinking

AZHACS is an initiative of the NSF-funded AZ K-8 Consortium (Award #2031527).

The intent of the Consortium is to be part of the Arizona STEM Ecosystem for K-8 educators to discuss any topic, gain access to resources, engage in professional development, and foster a Practitioner Learning Community or Working Group to share best practices. The Consortium is starting with Computer Science (CS), as the initiative is funded by NSF CS for All.

Researcher Practitioner Partnerships

Our rural RPPs are dedicated to providing all students with the opportunity to participate in computer science (CS) and computational thinking (CT) and ensuring that preK-8 teachers have the instructional materials and preparation they need to integrate CS and CT into their teaching.

OUR Mission

In November 2020 the National Science Foundation (NSF) approved the Arizona Computer Science for All proposal. This proposal is designed around two pillars:

1. A study to understand the use of computer science and computational thinking in the classroom

2. Develop Research-Practitioner Partnerships to tackle issues to high-quality CS/CT education.

OUR Vision

In the Spring of 2021 AZ HACS is looking for local innovative thinkers, change makers, and collaborators to create RPP teams that will work to better the education culture by bringing in reliable tools to help teachers succeed.

Your Voice

AZ HACS is looking for local collaborators to create RPPs – a blend of community members, educators, and researchers working together to identify issues, gather reliable data, and make informed decisions.

Results and Outcomes

In March 2021, the AZHACS team conducted a survey of over 200 K-8 educators and school administrators regarding computer science education in their schools. The objectives of the survey were to:

Assess educators’ beliefs regarding the value they place on integrating computer science into K-8 classrooms.
Determine readiness by evaluating the degree to which educators believe their school or district possesses essential ingredients needed to successfully implement and/or advance computer science (e.g., hardware, supportive leadership)
Gauge self-reported implementation by assessing the extent to which educators believe their institution is currently implementing Arizona’s Computer Science Standards

AZHACS Resource Center

Over the course of the project, the AZHACS team and collaborating partners have compiled a collection of resources for computer science education.

In the Media

Project Timeline

Arizona Organizations Among Recipients of $14 Million Department of Labor Grant to Bolster Youth Workforce Development

March 29, 2024

Phoenix Arizona The U S Department of Labor has announced the allocation of $14 million in grants to seven organizations across five states aiming to fortify workforce development programs for youth when they are out of school Among the recipients are Arizona organizations including Pipeline AZ Center for the Future

Math Matters: A Diverse Field with Countless Career Potential

March 15, 2024

In a world increasingly driven by data and innovation mathematics emerges as the bedrock upon which countless industries and advancements thrive Its applications span far and wide offering a multitude of career avenues for those fascinated by numbers and intrigued by problem solving Let 8217 s look into the realm

Exploring Career Opportunities in Health Sciences through STEM Education

February 27, 2024

Are you excited by the idea of combining your love of logical problem solving and scientific thinking with making a difference in people 8217 s lives If so a career in health sciences might be the perfect fit for you especially if you have a strong proclivity for and interest