Kirtland Schools Empower Students with State-Funded Python Programming Courses

The Kirtland School District is set to take a significant leap into the future by introducing new programming courses aimed at equipping middle and high school students with essential coding skills. This initiative comes on the heels of a substantial funding boost — a $277,895 Career Tech Education Equipment Grant from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. With these resources, the district is poised to provide students with hands-on programming experience, industry-recognized credentials, and invaluable internship opportunities.

Kirtland Schools Programming Kirtland Middle School’s initiative to enhance programming education.

In a bid to prepare students for a tech-driven workforce, Kirtland officials plan to pilot a Python programming course starting in early 2025. Initially introduced through the widely popular Lego Robotics class, this course is intended for seventh and eighth-grade students. According to Superintendent Chad VanArnhem, this early engagement is critical, as it lays the groundwork for a robust feeder system into the high school’s Software Development pathway.

“By engaging students in grades 7-8, we will create a structured and rigorous feeder pathway that can significantly grow the number of students entering and completing the Software Development CTE pathway in grades 9 and 10 at our high school,” said VanArnhem, emphasizing the importance of early exposure to programming.

As Kirtland strategizes for the 2025-26 school year, every seventh grader will rotate through a nine-to-12 week Python course, with similar provisions for eighth graders. This approach signifies an exciting shift in curriculum, equipping students with skills that are not just theoretical but are grounded in real-world applications, ensuring that they are prepared for the demands of the modern job market.

Why Python?

Python has emerged as the most widely adopted programming language globally, favored for its simplicity and versatility across various industries. The Kirtland district’s commitment to this language aligns perfectly with the growing demand for tech-savvy professionals in fields like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

Kirtland’s district educational strategy projects to introduce one Python course for high school students in the 2024-25 school year, ramping up to one or two courses in the following year. The curriculum will be supplemented by a remote internship program where students can work closely with a software developer, gaining firsthand experience in Python project development—a critical skill set in today’s digital economy.

Programming in Schools Students engaged in programming classes at Kirtland.

Collaboration for Success

To ensure a successful rollout of this program, the Kirtland School District is collaborating with TechSmart, which will provide curriculum development and professional training for educators. The local partnership with Interalliance, Standex, and Forward Edge will facilitate internships and real-world learning opportunities. Additionally, Kirtland intends to construct a new tech lab that replicates authentic software development workspaces, providing students with an immersive environment to hone their skills.

The initiative underscores the district’s recognition of the information technology sector as one of the most in-demand fields in Ohio. By fostering a curriculum that emphasizes these skills, Kirtland aims to address the urgency businesses express for workforce-ready graduates. As VanArnhem aptly put it, “This also addresses the growing need for workforce-ready high school graduates that has been expressed by local businesses and the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.”

Conclusions and Future Outlook

Kirtland School District’s bold move towards enriching its curriculum with Python programming courses represents a forward-thinking approach to education. Not only will this empower students to thrive in future careers, but it also positions Kirtland as a proactive contributor to the local and regional economy.

The district is committed to sustaining the program post-grant, indicating that they are prepared to fund the associated costs, beyond just immediate resources. This foundation promises a more innovative and skilled generation of professionals who are well-equipped to meet the demands of an evolving technological landscape.

Future Tech Careers The future of programming education is here in Kirtland.