Communications of the ACM
Ninth-Graders Get Jump on Computer Science Degrees
Math teacher Matthew Battisti with students at Mohonasen High School's Center for Advanced Technology.
Credit: Marc Schultz
A group of Albany-area ninth-graders are on the fast track to computer science degrees and careers as a New York State program moves through its first year.
About 30 students from the two dozen school districts in the Boards of Cooperative Educational Services' Capital Region are pioneering a new computer science and technology early-college program: 19 students at Mohonasen High School's new Center for Advanced Technology, and 11 at Watervliet High School.
The students take college courses at local community colleges as juniors and seniors, earning a high school and associate diploma in four, five, or six years. The program also focuses on computer science and technology, leading to college courses and degrees in computer programming, information technology, and security.
Academic units revolve around projects and something tangible students can produce, culminating in professional presentations. Last week, the students were coders trying to get a short maze to do what they wanted.
"I'm getting the hang of it, and it's not hard," said Schenectady ninth-grader André Byrd of his coding work. "I thought it was a good idea. People learning this material will help them get a career."
As the program grows—this year's 30-member student body will expand to as many as 90 next year and around 150 the following year—its administrators will have to consider options for more space and additional teachers, counselors and other support staff.
From The Daily Gazette
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