Computer Science

Colorado Computer Science Education banner

We are excited to announce that as of January 17th, 2022 we will open a second round of the Computer Science Education Grant Programs. The application window will run through March 11, 2022. For more information please visit the Computer Science Education Grant Program website.

Computer Science Education Grant Programs

The Computer Science Education Grant programs consist of two separate grants with multiple options. These grants are the Computer Science Teacher Education Grant and the Computer Science Education Grant. For more information please visit their individual grant page below, or visit our Computer Science Grant Fact Sheet.

Enacted in 2017, the Computer Science Teacher Education Grant Program, provided $440,000 in professional development grants for teachers in the first year. The legislature allocated an additional $500,000 in 2018 specifically for the elementary school level, where students begin to acquire the thinking and problem-solving skills that make them successful in school and, ultimately, in life. These grants are distributed to districts, BOCES, and charter schools for professional development in computer science for K-12 teachers.

Enacted in 2019 by House Bill 19-1277, the Computer Science Education Grant will provide $250,000 of funding with the purpose of increasing enrollment and participation of traditionally underrepresented students in computer science education activities. Competitive grant awards will be distributed to LEPs, including school districts, BOCES, and district charter schools or Institute Charter Schools. Funding for this grant program will be awarded in the 2022-23 fiscal year.

Computer Science Standards

During the 2016 legislative session, the Colorado General Assembly passed House Bill 16-1198 requiring CDE to develop voluntary academic standards for computer science for secondary students. The Colorado State Board of Education approved the standards on 4/11/18. Thank you and congratulations to the volunteer Computer Science Standards Committee.

Colorado Computer Science Standards

Computer Science Resource Bank

The online Computer Science Resource Bank was created through a collaboration with educators and industry experts. Authorized by the legislature in 2017, the online resource bank includes a wide variety of ideas for teachers, including sample curricula and materials – even information about scholarships for students.

This FREE resource has a search feature that allows you to search by resource type, topic area and grade level. Additional resources include computer science organizations and associations as well as partners.

Recordings

AP Computer Science. Join Chuck Powell, AP Computer Science A/Principles and AP Physics teacher at Green Mountain High School in Lakewood, Colorado and president of the Colorado Computer Science Teacher Education Association to discuss all aspects of teaching AP computer science courses. Sean Wybrant, computer science teacher who focuses on game-based instruction and Colorado Teacher of the Year will also be on the call.

Additional Computer Science Education Resources

The following resources are examples of tools districts may find helpful in implementing computer science education, including course codes, samples of approved digital tools, and parent information regarding computer science.

Digital Literacy & Learning Resources from the Colorado Virtual Library

Digital literacy is the knowledge, skills, and behaviors involving the effective use of digital devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops and desktop PCs for purposes of communication, expression, collaboration and advocacy.

Information technology is the technology involving the development, maintenance, and use of computer systems, software, and networks for the processing and distribution of data.

View Digital Literacy & Learning Resources from the Colorado Virtual Library

E-Updates 2018

E-Updates are monthly Computer Science Education newsletters featuring Colorado computer science educational events, curriculum resources, and professional development opportunities.

PLC Bytes

PLC Bytes, stand for Professional Learning Communities "Bytes' or research-based presentations that educators can use for discussions. The following PLC Byte features differentiation strategies specifically for computer science educators.

For further assistance, please contact Chris Summers

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