From Data Bonk to Data Wonk: The Value of Collaborative Exploration of State-based Data Systems in Support of Equitable Computer Science Education Policy, Programs and Practices

The K-12 broadening participation in computing (BPC) effort requires access to comprehensive state and national K-12 data from which stronger strategies for systems change can be developed. The Expanding Computing Education Pathways (ECEP) Alliance Common Metrics Project (CMP) engages state teams that include state and local education agencies, researchers, and other BPC advocates addressing K-12 computer science (CS) inequities in access and participation at the systems level. The CMP promotes collaboration and knowledge sharing, with teams reporting how CMP enhances BPC policy, pathways, and practices to improve student access and participation in computing. This experience report shares how the CMP advances data as a key tool for driving BPC strategies in state advocacy and policy efforts.