ERIC Number: ED674145
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2025-Jun
Pages: 37
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: 0000-00-00
The Impact of Computational Thinking on Louisiana Students' STEM Outcomes
Michelle Hodara; Ming Yin
Education Northwest
Computational thinking encompasses proficiencies in computer science and general problem-solving and can support students' learning across subject areas and success in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and career pathways. To support students' STEM outcomes, many school districts are offering computer science education. Louisiana State University (LSU) received a federal Education Innovation and Research (EIR) grant (U411C190287) to develop and implement an Introduction to Computational Thinking (ICT) course. From fall 2020 through spring 2024, Education Northwest evaluated the implementation and impact of the ICT course. The impact study included high schools across East Baton Rouge Parish School System and urban and rural communities in Louisiana that serve large populations of students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and students of color. Using a quasi-experimental design, this study found a positive impact of the ICT course on students' high school math achievement, including Algebra I state assessment scores and earning credit in an Algebra II or higher math course. The study recommends further scaling and evaluation of this computer science innovation to promote STEM outcomes for historically underserved students across the country.
Descriptors: Computation, Thinking Skills, Outcomes of Education, STEM Education, Computer Science Education, Introductory Courses, High School Students, Mathematics Achievement, Algebra, Scores, Minority Group Students, Economically Disadvantaged, Program Evaluation, Outcome Measures
Education Northwest. 101 SW Main Street Suite 500, Portland, OR 97204-3213. Tel: 503-275-9519; Fax: 503-275-0458; e-mail: products@nwrel.org; Web site: http://educationnorthwest.org
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: High Schools; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE) (ED), Education Innovation and Research (EIR)
Authoring Institution: Education Northwest
Identifiers - Location: Louisiana
Grant or Contract Numbers: U411C190287
Department of Education Funded: Yes
Author Affiliations: N/A


