Evidence of Impact
Scope of Instructional Reach
- AP CS Principles for All: Taught entire 10th-grade cohorts (~120 students/year, 2017–2021) in a fully inclusive AP CSP course using an algebra-focused, functional programming curriculum. Despite exam misalignment, course completion rates and full submission of the performance task increased each year.
- Intro to Computing at Scale: Delivered 9th-grade computing instruction to ~120 students/year (2012–2016), many of whom had no prior exposure to CS. Course design emphasized visual modeling, recursion, and algebraic reasoning.
- Data Science Integration: In later years, shifted to project-based data science instruction, culminating in student-designed research surveys and analysis. Projects featured iterative inquiry, statistical modeling, and public presentation.
- Cumulative Reach: Over 1,000 students exposed to computing-infused math curriculum and interdisciplinary problem-solving.
Sample Student Outcomes
- Conceptual Growth: Students routinely transferred skills from CS to algebra and vice versa—building functions, analyzing structure, and debugging both math and code with increasing fluency.
- Post-Course Trajectories: Alumni have enrolled in CS courses at Hunter, NYU, and CUNY; one student later co-taught at the Summer Hack League, citing his AP CSP project as a turning point.
Artifacts & Testimonials
“Breaking a bigger problem into smaller, easier-to-solve problems, rather than tackling the problem directly.” — 10th Grade AP CSP Student
“Computer science increased my understanding and usage of programming enough for me to learn other languages on my own.” — 11th Grade Student
“The data project helped me realize I could use math to ask my own questions—not just answer someone else’s.” — Student Reflection
Highlighted Student Work
- Soda Consumption & Health Survey – Data Science Project (Google Doc) A standout capstone by a student who used survey methodology, spreadsheet functions, and graphing to explore correlations in soda intake and health perceptions. Project included full methodology, spreadsheet screenshots, and a student-narrated walkthrough.
Reflections on Practice
I believe evidence of impact comes not only from test scores but from how often students surprise you with original insight, persistence, or ownership. These projects and voices remind me why I teach: not to check boxes, but to help students build tools they can use beyond the classroom.