South Dakota is kicking off its “Computer Science Education Week – CS Everywhere!” celebrations a month early this year with the launch of the newly formed South Dakota Chapter of the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA-SD).

CSTA-SD recently launched to support computer science opportunities in K-16 classrooms in South Dakota. Data from 2021 shows that currently 40% of South Dakota high schools provide access to a fundamental computer science course, a slight increase from 2020 (2021 State of CS Report).

The mission of CSTA-SD is to promote computer science in K-16 classrooms, advocate for statewide standards and inclusion of computer science in all South Dakota schools, provide professional development to enhance the quality of computer science education, and create community partnerships that support the extension and growth of computer science.

CSTA-SD is comprised of educators from K-12 schools, higher education, and non-profit organizations. It is a collaborative effort between teachers who care about computer science in South Dakota and believe in the importance of learning computer science so that students become creators of technology, rather than just consumers.

CSTA-SD is launching professional development opportunities by providing a virtual professional development and networking session on Wednesday, November 17 at 7:00 pm MT / 8:00 pm CT. Join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83977723707?pwd=RFhlZlBRVlY0VTBhRTA0RmpKeG1GUT09 to learn Code.org and computer science certification opportunities in South Dakota.