Document Type
Article
Original Publication Date
2025
Date of Submission
April 2025
Abstract
Over the past two decades, Virginia has invested substantially in STEM education, in part through specialized programs focused on computer science and information technology (CS/IT). This study represents the first effort to identify Virginia’s specialized secondary CS/IT programs and examine them collectively. Findings from the statewide environmental scan indicate that the programs are delivered through a wide variety of institutional structures, including Governor’s STEM Academies, Governor’s Schools, specialty centers, and academies, but most often through Career and Technical Education (CTE) centers. Programs tend to be concentrated in metropolitan areas, and some rural divisions may not be served. The programs provide important opportunities for students to engage in specialized coursework, hands-on learning, and work-based learning experiences, and they support preparation for both college and careers. Major challenges the programs face include hiring and retaining teachers, especially those qualified to support advanced learning opportunities; contending with technological limitations, such as lack of equipment or restricted access to software; and ensuring adequate funding to support both technology and professional development.
In addition to this report, results are presented in a dashboard that allows families, students, educators, counselors, and specialists to explore program information by region and school division.
Is Part Of
VCU ICRE Publications
Recommended Citation
Corning, A., Becker, J., Graham, J., Carrigan, J., Tennessee, K. (2025). Computing in the Commonwealth: Specialized education in computer science and information technology for high school students in Virginia – An environmental scan. Richmond, VA: Institute for Collaborative Research and Evaluation, School of Education, Virginia Commonwealth University. April.
Included in
Cybersecurity Commons, Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Commons, Education Policy Commons, Elementary and Middle and Secondary Education Administration Commons, Information Security Commons, OS and Networks Commons, Other Computer Sciences Commons, Programming Languages and Compilers Commons, Science and Technology Policy Commons, Secondary Education Commons, Software Engineering Commons, Systems Architecture Commons, Theory and Algorithms Commons, Vocational Education Commons
