CS for CTE  -  Equipping for Praxis

Endorsing CTE Teachers for Computer Science

Our Work

The CS for CTE project, titled Equipping for Praxis:  Advancing Computer Science Teachers Through Endorsement, is a three-year initiative funded by the National Science Foundation, presents a groundbreaking approach to preparing Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers - especially those in schools with underserved student populations - to gain CS endorsements and teach advanced CS content. The project offers personalized flexible professional development and builds both teacher confidence and identity in computer science instruction.  This multidimensional approach is led by CodeVA, a nonprofit committed to inclusive computer science education in Virginia, and includes collaboration with James Madison University, TERC, and an RPP comprised of educators from across the state.

CS for CTE Logo (4)

Project Focus

The Research-Practice Partnership (RPP)

The RPP is a collaborative team composed of CodeVA staff, classroom educators from across Virginia, and university-based researchers, designed to co-lead the project’s design, implementation, and evaluation. Its purpose is to ensure that professional development and course structures are grounded in real classroom needs and research-based best practices, making it essential for creating responsive, inclusive, and effective learning experiences for participants.

Professional Development (PD)

The PD is a year-long, two-phase program combining biweekly virtual sessions, an in-person kickoff, and asynchronous coursework. Led by CodeVA facilitators, the PD prepares CTE teachers to pass the Praxis 5652 exam and deepen their ability to teach CS with inclusive, culturally responsive pedagogy. Content is determined collaboratively by the RPP based on Praxis requirements, participant interviews, and ongoing evaluation feedback. The PD is essential, addressing gaps in teacher confidence, content knowledge, and pedagogical readiness—especially for those serving underserved student populations.

External Evaluation

The external evaluation, conducted by TERC, uses interviews, surveys, observations, and regular check-ins with project leaders to assess the effectiveness of the PD, the collaborative functioning of the RPP, and the project’s impact on teacher knowledge, confidence, and instructional practices, providing ongoing feedback that directly shapes course design and support strategies.

What is Praxly?

Take a peek inside this interactive tool that is helping the CS for CTE participants achieve successful passing scores on the CS Praxis Exam!

The PD sessions use a hands-on approach to learning CS skills that directly help participants pass the Praxis exam.
slide
Praxly provides space to practice with the same pseudocode found on the Praxis exam.
praxlyex2

Explore Research-Based Findings and Further Project Explanations

CS for CTE Project Timeline

2024 - 2025:  A Two-Phase Approach

phases

Launch Day - July 2024

This in-person event marks the beginning of the year-long commitment.  

PHASE I: JULY - DEC. 2024

Teacher participants take CodeVA’s pilot prep course, deepen content knowledge, and gain their Computer Science Endorsement.

EXAM - DEC. 2024

praxis test

PHASE II: JAN. - MAY 2025

phase 2

GOAL-SETTING - JAN. 2025

Teachers identify and move towards professional goals with support from CodeVA’s courses and curriculum writing team.

GOAL PRESENTATION - MAY 2025

Teachers implement new learning methods, curriculum approaches, and/or coursework into their CS classroom.

Event One - 9AM EST

Dissemination of CS for CTE Project findings - present at conferences, publications
THE RPP

Meet the Research-Practice Partnership

PRICIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Perry Shank

CodeVA

CO-PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Shelita Hodges

CodeVA/Richmond Public Schools

CO-PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Chris Mayfield

James Madison University

CO-PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Natalie Rice

CodeVA

RPP MEMBER

Ebonie Campbell

Norfolk Public Schools

RPP MEMBER

Lesley Frew

Fairfax County Public Schools

RPP MEMBER

Buffie Holley

Albemarle County Public Schools

RPP MEMBER

Jon Stapleton

CodeVA

Additional Project Members
 

John Chapin

  • CodeVA Program Instructor

Valerie Fawley

  • CodeVA Supervisor of Instruction

Michelle Pealo

  • CodeVA Project Management Lead

Teresa Cole

  • Former Co-PI
THE TERC TEAM

Meet the External Evaluators

EXTERNAL EVALUATOR

Debra Bernstein

TERC

EXTERNAL EVALUATOR

Jim Hammerman

TERC

Interested in CodeVA's PRAXIS Prep?

COURSE INFORMATION

PRAXIS Prep

  • Modality

    • Zoom for LIVE sessions, Tuesdays 4:30-6:30pm
    • Canvas for learning modules

  • Dates of Course 

    • Sept. 2 - Dec. 23 (last live session Dec. 9, async work due Dec. 23)
Register Now!
PRAXIS
NSF-csforcte