A distinguished group of individuals visited Thomas County Schools recently to explore the system’s expanded offerings in computer science education. The visit was part of Thomas County’s involvement in a National Science Foundation grant awarded to the Georgia Department of Education and Wiregrass Georgia Technical College.

The focus of the National Science Foundation grant is to work with five school districts to expand and strengthen computer science education. The districts have written strategic plans and work with national computer science education experts to determine strategies to increase opportunities for students and teachers.

One of the visitors was Dr. Caitlin Dooley, Georgia Department of Education’s deputy superintendent of teaching and learning. This is the second time Dr. Dooley has visited Thomas County Schools to learn more about how the system integrates computer science in all subjects across the curricular scope. 

“Thomas County’s approach to integrating computer science principles in the daily learning activities of students from Pre-K to twelfth grade is exemplary,” Dr. Dooley said. “Their efforts to provide students and teachers with devices, support, and resources is a model for rural districts.” 

The team completed classroom tours at both Garrison-Pilcher and Cross Creek elementary schools where they were able to see students working on computer science projects, including coding using ScratchJr. and Dash robots.   

“By providing coding to all students at the elementary level, students are better prepared to make career decisions along a computer science pathway as they enter high school,” said Thomas County Schools Associate Superintendent Melanie Chavaux. “Exposure to coding at an early age isn’t just about math and science. Coding develops and strengthens the ability to problem solve, adapt to new situations and to keep information organized.”

Following the tours, the group had a discussion with district leaders about the future of computer science education in Thomas County Schools and in Georgia. 

“We are always excited to find partnerships that allow us to expand the opportunities for computer science education for the students in Thomas County,” added Erin Rehberg, Thomas County Schools digital learning and media services coordinator. “Careers in computer science are growing at a rapid rate, so it is very important that we are preparing students for their futures.”

Dr. Lisa Williams, Thomas County Schools Superintendent, welcomed the opportunity to showcase the county’s various computer science offerings starting as early as Pre-K.

“Ensuring that our students are exposed to STEM and computer science opportunities in PK-12 is critical in building a pipeline to both college and career,” Dr. Williams said. “We need for our students to be prepared for a world that is changing rapidly with technology. Our goal is to make sure that our students have the opportunity to be proficient in the language of the 21st century so they can compete for the jobs of the future in Georgia and worldwide.”