ExCITE (Exploring Computation Integrated into Technology and Engineering)
Project ExCITE is an NSF-funded partnership between the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA), Hofstra University and North Carolina State University to develop a professional development program to help prepare the nation’s high school Technology and Engineering teachers to teach a College Board Advanced Placement level one-year Computer Science Principles (AP-CSP) course. The NSF funded element commenced in 2019 and will end in 2028. From that time onwards, ITEEA will continue the Project as a core part of its ongoing curriculum and professional development activities.
Broader Impact
There are approximately 30,000 T&E teachers in the United States who teach students in almost every school district. T&E is central to the delivery of STEM teaching and learning. Its design-based teaching methodology is multifaceted, encourages generation of creative alternatives, and rejects one-size-fits-all approaches. T&E programs serve all students including those from underrepresented and underserved populations and those who rarely enroll in AP CSP courses. Offering AP CSP by Design as part of the ITEEA’s flagship Engineering by Design (EbD © ITEEA) national curriculum will significantly broaden participation in CS and CT for a large cohort of students (and their teachers) and expand access to AP CSP by Design to diverse populations nationwide. ExCITE will add a significant new dimension to T&E teaching and learning and to the STEM education delivery system, resulting in more students becoming engaged and competent in CS and CT. The AP CSP by Design curriculum will reside on an open-access website hosted by ITEEA and be updated yearly. ITEEA will sustain Project PD activities as well as the Community of Practice forum through continuing outreach and advocacy after the conclusion of the NSF funding cycle.
