MORENO VALLEY>> All students at Moreno Valley Unified School District will now have an opportunity to develop Computer Science skills that will be required for almost every 21st century job. Coding For All- Transforming technology consumers into technology innovators grant application by Professional Development Specialist Deepika Srivastava was awarded $20,000 through a California Teachers Association Institute for Teaching (IFT) grant that recognizes teacher initiative.
Harold Acord, president of the Moreno Valley Educators Association, said that the program will create a student-centric learning environment that will expose students to a multitude of educational and job opportunities that await them, while challenging the barriers that exist in STEAM fields for historically under-represented students. “MVEA is happy that our state association supports our members and the work that they do with children, helping students achieve and have the greatest public education possible,” Acord said.
The grant will fund a coding class and club at each elementary, middle and high school in the district. Each participating teacher will receive professional development training in coding and will have opportunities to showcase their work and students’ work at regional, state and national conferences.
IFT Grants are awarded to teachers who show initiative in taking on school-related projects meant to improve student achievement. Educator grants are awarded to individuals or small teams of teachers in amounts of up to $5,000. Chapter grants, like the one awarded to Coding For All, are awarded in amounts up to $20,000.
“Coding For All will prepare students to thrive in tomorrow’s society, by giving them an opportunity to design, create and express themselves with digital technology today,” said Superintendent Dr. Martinrex Kedziora.