Computer Science Instruction

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 our increasingly digital world.

Opportunities

Embed Computer Science into Everyday Instruction with virtual workshop series

CSEdWeek

CSEd Week may be officially over, but the CSEdWeek webpage can help you make every week CSEd Week. 

Computer Science Bytes Newsletter

The Computer Science Bytes newsletter is sent monthly providing timely updates, expectations and opportunities for educators and their students.

Sign up for the Computer Science Bytes newsletter

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

HF 2629

Endorsement

• Iowa Board of Educational Examiners Computer Science Endorsement