CUSD Hosts 150 Educators for Computer Science Week Showcase
Media Release
Compton Unified School District (CUSD) welcomed more than 150 STEM educators from across California—including representatives from school districts and county offices of education—for a special Computer Science Week event: the CAL-MSCS Computer Science Community of Practice (CoP).
Participants visited three Compton Unified schools—Clinton Elementary, Compton High School, and Davis Middle School—where they toured classrooms, observed instruction, engaged with teachers and scholars, and attended aligned professional learning sessions.
The event was hosted in partnership with the California Mathematics, Science, and Computer Science (CAL-MSCS) Professional Learning Grant, which provides innovative professional development designed to strengthen implementation of California’s math, science, and computer science standards for educators statewide.
Additional participants joined via livestream, allowing educators across the state to learn from Compton Unified and the CAL-MSCS team as they shared effective models for transforming teaching and learning.
“We’re thrilled to host the 150 educators attending the statewide Computer Science CoP,” said Michele Dawson, Compton Unified Senior Director, Instructional Tech and Innovation. “It was an exciting opportunity to showcase our commitment to empowering scholars with the skills they need in a rapidly changing world. Through our partnership with CAL-MSCS and the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA), we continue to champion innovative learning and prepare students for next-generation college and career pathways.”
Throughout the event, Compton Unified highlighted its award-winning programs and its focus on future-ready skills, including critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, and flexibility. Teachers and administrators at Compton High School, Davis Middle School, and Clinton Elementary demonstrated how computer science concepts are integrated across core subject areas. Scholars showed strong confidence in applying these skills to emerging industries.
As part of Computer Science Education Week, CSTA joined the CAL-MSCS team to amplify the impactful work happening across Compton Unified. This year, CSTA is emphasizing the ways computer science powers AI innovation, and activities modeled within the CoP highlighted the importance of ensuring students gain industry-aligned skills as part of their K–12 experience.
“The goal is to ensure access to high-quality learning that introduces computer science concepts across multiple subject areas,” said Dr. Caryn Lewis, Co-Lead for the CAL-MSCS Partnership. “This approach helps every learner build essential critical and computational thinking skills. California’s Computer Science Standards emphasize transferable skills that benefit students at every grade level. Compton Unified is growing the next generation of change-makers.”
Compton Unified remains committed to delivering future-ready education and preparing all students for long-term college and career success. Compton Unified Scholars and teachers will continue to be featured at upcoming CAL-MSCS partnership events. Local education agencies can learn more about the statewide CAL-MSCS initiative and sign up for newsletters at calmscs.org.
Compton Unified recently earned a Golden Bell Award for its Innovation and Technology Department and maintains a strong focus on STEM education, beginning with new preschools - Little Innovators STEAM Academies - and continuing through every grade level. More than 50 percent of graduating CUSD scholars report interest in pursuing careers in STEM fields.