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SIGCSE: The Special Interest Group in Computer Science Education
SIGCSE
ACM's Special Interest Group on Computer Science Education
Background and Mechanics for the SIGCSE Committees
The SIGCSE Committee Concept
SIGCSE has a rich heritage, based on talented and energetic members who
are deeply committed to computing education. The SIGCSE-Committee
Initiative builds on this distinguished history, establishing committees to
explore topics of interest to the computing-education community. These
Committees draw upon the active involvement of interested SIGCSE members.
Process for Creating a Committee
The SIGCSE Board expects that SIGCSE Committees will emerge from on-going
discussions, interests, and concerns of the membership.
The main criteria are that
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a Committee addresses a need or issue expressed by several members of
the SIGCSE community;
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the Committee have a well-defined, clear focus; and
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appropriate facilitators are identified to guide Committee deliberations.
While the SIGCSE Board is flexible in the process leading to the
appointment of a Committee, the following may suggest some possible
scenarios:
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Initial title suggested: To date, initial topics have come from
individuals, brainstorming at SIGCSE Symposia, e-mail correspondence with
the SIGCSE Chair, and SIGCSE Board discussions.
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Title clarified: Discussion on SIGCSE-committees@acm.org or
with the SIGCSE Chair may help refine the main topic.
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Preliminary charge proposed and refined: Discussion on SIGCSE-committees@acm.org
or with the SIGCSE Chair may clarify the issue(s) a Committee might address
and indicate who might want to participate in a potential Committee.
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Committee Initiated: When a title seems well defined and when
discussion seems to have crystallized on a focus, the SIGCSE Board will
formally appoint two to four facilitators to convene a Committee to address
the topic.
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Committee Constituted: Once facilitators are identified, two
additional details will lead to the actual constitution of a Committee.
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The Committee will be publicized to the SIGCSE membership through the
general SIGCSE listserv: SIGCSE-members@acm.org. Thus, all
interested SIGCSE members will be invited to join.
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SIGCSE will work with ACM to establish a special Committee listserv. Those
interested in the topic should join to enhance communication.
Guidelines for Working Committees
While these Committees will be largely self-directed, some guidelines will
provide structure and guidance:
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Membership on any Committee will be open to any SIGCSE member, although
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The SIGCSE Board will appoint two to four facilitators for each Committee
to help in discussions and in the preparation of draft materials.
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Each Committee will have its own listserv for communication.
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Each Committee will study its topic with the intent of producing a report.
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While formal Committee work would proceed electronically, Committee members
might meet informally at conferences (e.g., at Birds-of-a-Feather
sessions), for those members who can attend.
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Committees are invited to present draft reports at conferences or to post
their drafts on the Web in order to received feedback.
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Final reports may be presented at conferences and/or published in the SIGCSE
Bulletin.
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After issuing a report, a Committee normally would dissolve, although a new
Committee might be formed (possibly with new facilitators) to address
related matters.
Links
Additional information on the SIGCSE Committee Initiative is available
through several links.
