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Computer science (CS) is a foundational field in today's economy and Iowa is committed to ensuring all K-12 students experience a high-quality computer science education that prepares them for personal and professional success in a world powered by computing. The information on this page and the Information Systems webpage is intended to help districts in planning and meeting requirements for foundational computer science education and specialized CTE computer science education.
Opportunities
Computer Science and Career Technical Education - Information Systems Advisory Committees
There are two opportunities open to help advance computer science education in the state. The Iowa Computer Science Advisory Committee is looking for new members. This advisory committee focuses on all aspects of computer science education including K-12, community college and higher ed, teacher training and preparation, career connections and extra curricular opportunities.
The CTE-Information Systems Advisory Program Management Committee is reconvening this year and looking for members. This committee will address needs and concerns specifically related to CTE programs. This group will coordinate with the larger computer science advisory committee to help ensure that specialized CTE computer science and foundational computer science are working together to prepare students for a world powered by computing.
The advisory committees meet face-to-face in the Des Moines area twice a year with smaller workgroup meetings periodically throughout the year as needed to complete tasks and projects intended to advance computer science education in the state. If you are interested in participating in this work, please fill out this form.
CSEdWeek
CSEd Week may be officially over, but the CSEdWeek webpage can help you make every week CSEd Week.
The Computer Science Bytes newsletter is sent monthly providing timely updates, expectations and opportunities for educators and their students.
Standards
Iowa’s computer science standards are the CSTA K-12 Computer Science Standards, which were developed by the Computer Science Teachers Association.
The standards were approved and adopted by the Iowa State Board of Education in June 2018, based on an Iowa team’s recommendation. The standards can be viewed and filtered from the CSTA Standards webpage.
- Iowa Computer Science Standards (1.64 MB) .pdf . A complete set of standards and a progression chart.
Guidance
- Guidance for Implementing the Computer Science Standards (144.57 KB) .pdf - A document to help Iowa schools interpret and implement Iowa's Computer Science Standards.
- Guidance for House File 2629 - Computer Science Instruction and Requirements (150.99 KB) .pdf - A document to help school districts and nonpublic schools understand what is required, optional and permitted related to computer science instruction.
- Computer Science Coding and Data Collection Guidelines (248.96 KB) .pdf - A document to help schools choose Computer Science SCED codes, report Computer Science courses, and understand data collection categories.
- Optional K-12 Computer Science Plan Template (25.46 KB) .docx
- Iowa's K-12 Computer Science State Plan (275.37 KB) .pdf
- Computer Science Education Work Group Report (229.92 KB) .pdf
Laws, Rules & Policy
Senate File 274 (Iowa Acts 2017, Chapter 106)
Iowa Administrative Code 281-12.11
Iowa Administrative Code 281-98
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