{"A":"Stafford County Public Schools","B":"Vertical Alignment Opens Doors to Computer Science Study in Middle School","C":"Stafford County Public Schools has pursued a number of avenues to expand access to STEM fields, particularly computer science for students at all grade levels.  The division’s acquisition of the Advancing Computer Science Education Grant equips teachers in participating divisions with embedding computer science standards in Grades 3-8 through the creation of interdisciplinary performance tasks. This has increased student exposure at critical grade levels and helps teachers from many disciplines see themselves as teachers of computer science. The division redesigned its middle school program to increase the number of electives offered to allow additional exposure to computer science and STEM fields. By improving vertical alignment around computer science with a PK-12 approach, the division hopes to see an increase in the number of students participating in high school computer science programs, such as the existing STAT Academy, and the soon to be launched Cybersecurity Dual Enrollment program.","D":"Sandra Osborn, Director of Public and Community Relations, OSBORNPETERSSK@STAFFORDSCHOOLS.NET","E":"https:\/\/tinyurl.com\/SCPSCyberDE    https:\/\/www.staffordschools.net\/Page\/33078    https:\/\/www.staffordschools.net\/Page\/32979"}