Computer Science Update
Requirements, Timelines, Funding, & Support
A Brief Timeline of Computer Science in Iowa
Requirements & Timelines
In June 2020, the Future Ready Iowa Act (House File 2629) was signed into law and includes REQUIREMENTS and TIMELINES for computer science planning and instruction:
By July 1, 2022: All public and non public districts develop & implement a K-12 computer science plan.
Starting July 2022: High schools must offer one-half unit of computer science beginning. The course may be offered online.
Starting July 2023: Provide computer science instruction aligned to the standards in at least one grade level from 1st to 6th.
Starting July 2023: Provide computer science instruction aligned to the standards in at least one grade level from 7th to 8th.
Professional Development Funding Opportunity
On October 12, 2020, the Iowa Department of Education announced the Computer Science Professional Development Incentive Fund (CSPDIF) to support districts with meeting the computer science requirements in the Future Ready Iowa Act.
Applications are now open and will be accepted until Monday, November 9th, 2020.
Grant Wood AEA districts can:
- Develop and submit their own application for the CSPDIF, and/or
- Participate in the collaborative grant Grant Wood AEA is developing on behalf of interested districts.
All districts are asked to complete our CS Current State & Grant Application Interest Survey by 3p on October 28th so we can support you with your CS work. You can also click the green buttons to access the survey.
GWAEA CSPDIF Application Plan
Support for District Development of Computer Science K-12 Implementation Plan
GWAEA will support district teams with creating their K-12 computer science plan using CSforALL's SCRIPT: the Strategic CSforALL Resource & Implementation Planning Tool. SCRIPT is a framework to guide teams of district administrators, school leaders, and educators through a series of collaborative visioning, self-assessment and goal-setting exercises to create or expand upon a computer science education implementation plan for their students.
Support for Understanding the Computer Science Standards
Districts can use the resources below to explore the standards on their own or choose to utilize the AEA Learning Online self-paced courses.
GWAEA's grant application includes stipends for teacher time to complete the AEA Learning Online CS Standards self-paced courses below and the cost of license renewal credit.
Explore the K-12 CS Standards
You can explore the standards online or download either the standards document or standards progression document to learn more on your own or as a district team.
Quality computer science instruction addresses the 5 concepts areas and 7 practices included in the standards. The content areas include:
- Computing Systems
- Networks & The Internet
- Data & Analysis
- Algorithm & Programming
- Impacts of Computing
K-8 CS Standards Self-paced Course
- Understanding the What and Why of Computer Science,
- the K-12 Computer Science Framework,
- the CSTA (Iowa) Standards, and
- Applying and Connecting the Computer Science Standards.
9-12 CS Standards Self-paced Course
Interested in learning more about Iowa's Computer Science Standards? Check out the Iowa Computer Science Standards Self-paced Course offered on AEA Learning Online for 9-12 educators. The four content modules in this course are:
- Understanding the What and Why of Computer Science,
- the K-12 Computer Science Framework,
- the CSTA (Iowa) Standards, and
- Applying and Connecting the Computer Science Standards.
Educators can earn one license renewal credit for completing the course.
Supports for High Quality K-12 Computer Science Instruction
GWAEA's grant application includes either sub costs or stipends for teacher time to complete the professional development options below. When available, the cost of license renewal credit is also covered with grant funds.
K-5: Introduction to Programming with Scratch
Participant requirements: This online, self-paced course work requires 20-25 hours to complete. Educators may choose to be part of a cohort to collaborate together as they complete the course work.
6-8: Code.org Computer Science Discoveries
This course can be taught as a 1 or 2 semester course (or 50+ course hours)
Participant requirements:
Commit to participating in the full, year-long professional learning program
Plan to teach the course in the 2021-22 school year
Support the recruitment and enrollment of a diverse group of students in the course, representative of the school's student population
9-12: Code.org Computer Science Principles
Program information: Computer Science Principles introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and challenges them to explore how computing and technology can impact the world. More than a traditional introduction to programming, it is a rigorous, engaging, and approachable course that explores many of the foundational ideas of computing so all students understand how these concepts are transforming the world we live in.
This year-long course can be taught as an introductory course and as an AP course.
Participant requirements:
Commit to participating in the full, year-long professional learning program
Plan to teach the course in the 2021-22 school year
Support the recruitment and enrollment of a diverse group of students in the course, representative of the school's student population
Computer Science Endorsements
Computer science teaching endorsements are available but not currently required in Iowa.
The Iowa Department of Education has a document that outlines the requirements for a CS teaching endorsement. The Board of Educational Examiners has a computer science endorsement checklist.
The University of Northern Iowa offers a full program for the CS Endorsement. The program is designed for HS CS teachers. It is rigorous and prepares HS teachers with the content knowledge and pedagogy needed to be successful. Please contact Corey Rogers if you'd like information about other endorsement options or programs.
About Us
Email: digitallearning@gwaea.org
Website: dlgwaea.org
Location: Cedar Rapids, IA, USA
Phone: (319)399-6700
Facebook: facebook.com/dlgwaea
Twitter: @dlgwaea