Project Impact
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Program Model |
Invitation Letter |
Grant
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FAQs |
PACS
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Research and Evaluation
PACS is a research-based “innovation” that will establish Computer Science pathways in Alabama schools, leading to career development, for rural high school students. Our research team will study the impact of this, so that other schools and states can benefit what we learn.
We invite you to join and support our research efforts this year!
Project Impact & Resources
Project Impact
The Pathways for Alabama Computer Science (PACS) initiative was a five-year statewide effort (2019–2025) designed to expand and sustain computer science education in Alabama’s rural high schools.
Supported through the U.S. Department of Education’s Education Innovation and Research (EIR) program and implemented through partnerships with the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE), regional Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI) centers, and university partners, PACS focused on building sustainable school-based CS pathways that prepare students for college, careers, and Alabama’s growing technology-driven economy.
Over the course of the initiative:
Learn more:
📄 Download the PACS Administrator Executive Summary
Reports and Publications
This section provides evaluation and research reports documenting the design, implementation, and outcomes of the PACS initiative.
📄 Final Evaluation Report (Link to report): Comprehensive independent evaluation examining implementation, educator capacity, and student outcomes across participating schools.
[[ additional publications will be added as available]]
Tools and Resources
The following resources support schools, educators, and leaders interested in implementing or strengthening computer science pathways.
📄 School-Based Implementation Report (Link to report): Lessons learned from PACS schools, including strategies for building sustainable CS pathways in rural settings.
[Additional resources and implementation tools and links for teachers/counselors/schools can be added by ALSDE and UA]
The Pathways for Alabama Computer Science (PACS) initiative was a five-year statewide effort (2019–2025) designed to expand and sustain computer science education in Alabama’s rural high schools.
Supported through the U.S. Department of Education’s Education Innovation and Research (EIR) program and implemented through partnerships with the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE), regional Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI) centers, and university partners, PACS focused on building sustainable school-based CS pathways that prepare students for college, careers, and Alabama’s growing technology-driven economy.
Over the course of the initiative:
- 29 Alabama high schools implemented full computer science pathways
- 273 teachers participated in sustained professional learning to build instructional capacity
- 110 school counselors received specialized training to guide students into CS pathways and STEM careers
- 280 students enrolled in AP Computer Science Principles coursework
- 858 hours of professional development were delivered statewide to support pathway implementation
- 1,700+ students engaged in computer science career awareness activities
Learn more:
📄 Download the PACS Administrator Executive Summary
Reports and Publications
This section provides evaluation and research reports documenting the design, implementation, and outcomes of the PACS initiative.
📄 Final Evaluation Report (Link to report): Comprehensive independent evaluation examining implementation, educator capacity, and student outcomes across participating schools.
[[ additional publications will be added as available]]
Tools and Resources
The following resources support schools, educators, and leaders interested in implementing or strengthening computer science pathways.
📄 School-Based Implementation Report (Link to report): Lessons learned from PACS schools, including strategies for building sustainable CS pathways in rural settings.
[Additional resources and implementation tools and links for teachers/counselors/schools can be added by ALSDE and UA]
