ECEPs 5 Stage Model

At the Expanding Computing Education Pathways (ECEP) Alliance, we’ve dedicated two recent ECEP Alliance call agendas to building and rebuilding diverse state teams. To tackle the complex challenge of broadening participation in computing (BPC) education at the state level, the ECEP Alliance relies on coordinated and multi-sector state teams. There are two key aspects of ECEP’s 5-Stage Model for State Change that identify the need for and value of coordinated state teams: 1) Finding leaders and change agents; and 2) Gathering and organizing allies to establish goals and develop strategic plans. ECEP places significant value on the team model for a number of reasons, primarily to maintain a focus on equitable K-12 computer science education.

By building sustainable state teams of dedicated and diverse leaders, states are more likely to understand and address the deeply ingrained disparities that lead to a lack of diversity in computing and computer science classrooms. When teams represent the diversity in the state, and come from K-12 classrooms and administration, industry, government, and departments of education, they are more likely to consider the multiple factors which impact computing pathways and the challenges and opportunities presented within each sector.

As the field of computing matures, bringing with it new technologies like AI, and fields of data science, quantum computing, and cyber security, we are seeing profound shifts in how ECEP state teams operate. With these shifts we are also seeing the highest number of state team transitions in the history of the ECEP Alliance, with teams onboarding new leaders and existing leaders transitioning into new roles.

The ECEP Alliance acknowledges the challenges faced by state teams engaged in Computer Science Education work, particularly as 57% of ECEP teams navigate a transitional phase. Many are onboarding new members or recovering from the departure of key personnel, with 43% seeking new members and 37% having lost essential team members. These changes significantly impact BPC initiatives.

To support teams in this transitional period, ECEP is focusing on strengthening existing teams and enhancing leadership structures. By promoting a collaborative coaching model, ECEP offers a safe space for discussions on shared challenges, resource sharing, and brainstorming solutions. During a recent Alliance Call, teams expressed their needs for rebuilding, innovative leadership coaching, and improved stability. In response, many signed up for coaching, invited new members, and submitted co-sponsorship applications to further their BPC goals.

Recognizing that these challenges will persist, ECEP is actively developing a state team toolkit to aid BPC teams in establishing, growing, or rebuilding their initiatives at local and state levels. If you are interested in learning more about our model for development of a state team to advance BPC work in your state, please reach out to us at ecepalliance@gmail.com to schedule a meeting.