Microsoft Extends TEALS Program, Adds STEM Curriculum Resources
Through its YouthSpark initiative, Microsoft is expanding its Technology Education And Literacy in Schools program (TEALS) and adding new curricular resources to its YouthSpark Hub.
TEALS is Microsoft's initiative that works to place practicing computer scientist in high schools, physically or virtually, in order to help teachers gain enough computer science knowledge to teach courses themselves. Microsoft reported it's doubling the number of high schools in which TEALS will operate. According to the company, "The expansion of the TEALS program now includes 70 schools in 12 states with 280 volunteers that will teach 3,000 students during the 2013–2014 school year."
"Working with our nonprofit partners around the world, we see how technology education can be a great equalizer of opportunity and employment for youth," said Lori Forte Harnick, general manager, citizenship and public affairs at Microsoft, in a prepared statement. "Whether it is basic digital literacy or computer science engineering, there is a positive impact for young people of all ages and geographies when they have greater access to technology education. We are enhancing YouthSpark to provide that greater access."
Microsoft has also added a game-based digital literacy curriculum, specifically focused on Office 2013. The curriculum is designed to teach "the basics of word processing, spreadsheets, presentations and databases, according to Microsoft. "The YouthSpark Hub also includes training materials and instructional resources from Microsoft partners, such as Khan Academy and the Sprout e-course from TakingITGlobal."
Additional details can be found on Microsoft's YouthSpark portal.