In this episode of the Getting Smart Podcast, we dive into California’s groundbreaking efforts to expand equitable access to computer science education. Joined by Dr. Caryn Lewis, Rod Garcia, and Dr. Sharisa Chan, we explore how initiatives like the Cal MSCS Professional Learning Partnership are fostering equity, building interdisciplinary approaches, and promoting AI literacy for students and educators alike. From creating immersive communities of practice to emphasizing the importance of family engagement, this conversation reveals how California is setting the stage for a future-ready generation. Whether you're an educator, policymaker, or parent, this episode is packed with insights on how to create the conditions for authentic, inclusive, and impactful learning experiences.

Outline

• (00:00) Introduction to the Getting Smart Podcast
• (03:49) The Design of the CS Model
• (06:49) The Relevance of Computer Science Today (12:56) Equity in Computer Science Education
• (18:23) AI Literacy in Computer Science
• (26:33) Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Links

• Watch the full video
• Read the full blog here
• CSforCA
• Dr. Sharisa Chan
• Rod Garcia
• Caryn Lewis
• UCLA Center X
• Monterey Department of Education
• California Mathematics, Science, and Computer Science Partnership