Scratch Encore: Creating and Sustaining Culturally Responsive Computer Science Education

Abstract

Scratch Encore (Canon Lab, n.d.) is a culturally relevant, student-centered, 14 module, computer science curriculum for 4th to 8th-grade learners that introduces foundational computing topics using the Scratch environment. It employs three key design goals: (a) supporting teachers, (b) supporting learners, and (c) using culturally responsive practices to address long standing inequities in computing. The curriculum offers equitable and effective learning experiences for students who have historically not had equal opportunities to fully participate in computing while providing a wide array of supports for educators who may be inexperienced with Scratch and/or programming. This article features a high-level overview of Scratch Encore and the first 6 modules in greater detail to help teachers understand the content and pacing of the curriculum