Cyber Security Education in K-12
Cybersecurity is a big part of computer science that is not the stereotypical coding and programming, so it is really nice for our learners who feel like they want to try something different than coding. Interviewer : Love that. Do you have a cap as to how many students can enroll in the course or the full pathway? Mineola : No, we do not have a cap. It's (the program) open to all of our learners. We opened it up this year to all 10th, 11th and 12th grade for next year and will adjust to schedules as needed, and are considering asynchronous or hybrid courses, so there are no barriers. Interviewer : You mentioned there will be internships. Are you partnering with specific industry experts or government agencies/organizations to accomplish that goal? Mineola : We've been in talks with many, including Mineola parents in the field, as well as with local professionals, to determine what opportunities exist. It will depend upon who takes the course and how they take it, so we are keeping those conversations open and working with committed partners to plan and co-create this together. We also partner with Digital Promise and the League of Innovative Schools. Interviewer : Did you face challenges, or are you still facing challenges, as you try to implement this new program? There are always challenges and obstacles that school district's have to overcome. Mineola is fortunate to have the Board of Education's support and the Superintendent Dr. Nagler's support, along with the support of the Central Office.
In addition, our instructors Victoria Berkowitz and Curry Defiti have computer science backgrounds and are pursuing additional cybersecurity education opportunities, while I (Dr. Culella) have an engineering background. Mineola values computer science education, and the cybersecurity program is the next iteration of that work. All 9th grade students are exposed to AP Computer Science Principles as a basic foundational course, led by instructors with an interest and desire for this work. The curriculum includes units dedicated to cybersecurity and networking, which is great, as it gives students a taste of what the cybersecurity program could be like. It's really awesome (as a teacher) knowing we are preparing our kids for an entire industry that is ready to take them in with open arms. Interviewer : How are you addressing equity and encouraging young women to take the course? Mineola : The program is very equity-based. We open computer science to all 9th graders and push into classrooms while ensuring guidance counselors are aware of what courses are available to all. Having everyone take computer science gets all learners through the door to see if computer science is the right fit for them. Several female students have also been recognized by the National Center for Women in IT, with award winners at both the NY City and the National level. Interviewer : How will you determine the effectiveness of the cybersecurity program? Mineola : During the coursework we will evaluate as we go to see if we need to change anything in terms of curriculum, excitement, and engagement. We also hope to create an alumni network and see how taking this course impacted their post- secondary career endeavors.
QUICK POLL: DOES YOUR DISTRICT/RIC/BOCES OFFER A K-12 CYBERSECURITY PROGRAM?
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