Using State-based Data Systems to Support Broadening Participation in Computing

On-going measurement of broadening participation in computer science (BPC) is a challenging and important task to ensure equitable access for all students. Defining and tracking progress towards BPC goals requires the collection of detailed data that allows for the rigorous analysis of the characteristics of individuals who are participating in and benefiting from initiatives designed to broaden participation in STEM fields. Tracking participation in computing, setting goals for reaching gender, racial, ethnic and socioeconomic parity and for reaching students with disabilities, then tracking progress towards parity relies on state-level data systems. This poster presents lessons learned from interviews with seven Computer Science teacher PD projects to understand the feasibility of using state data including to track BPC and 2) Observations of 17 state-wide Expanding Computing Education Partnership (ECEP) teams participation in a facilitated process to define their state-wide BPC goals, reflect on the activities are being undertaken to meet these goals and what data would be needed to measure progress. This process uncovered the value, challenges and best practices in measuring BPC.