Computer science and mathematics education in upper secondary school

Since 1985 the Italian Ministry of Education has been following a widespread programme of teacher training in computer science. Furthermore it has developed a proposal for new programs for the first two years of upper secondary school (age 14-16), in which the introduction of elements of computer science is contemplated within the mathematics program. As a consequence of these initiatives, teachers are encouraged to realize experimental courses officially supported by the Ministry. In these experiments new mathematics curricula, also concerning the introduction of computer science, have to be developed. In this paper we consider the way mathematics teachers have accepted the stimuli from the Ministry (training, new programs and the encouragement for experimentation). In other words, we analyze if and how they actually change their school practice with regard to both content and methodology. We based our work on the results of a questionnaire we have designed especially for the teachers. Further elements of analysis have been provided by interviews performed both with teachers and trainers.