Iowa public school districts, charter schools and state-accredited nonpublic schools are required to develop a K-12 computer science plan. These plans serve a purpose beyond meeting a state requirement. They establish a vision, goals and action steps to help schools build a coherent K-12 computer science program in this relatively new content area. The Iowa Department of Education (Department) is developing a system for collecting district computer science plans.
(Optional) K-12 Computer Science Plan Template (25.46 KB) .docx - Districts are encouraged to use this template to develop their computer science plans but are not required to do so.
District K-12 Computer Science Plan Scoring Rubric (128.24 KB) .pdf - Plans will be evaluated at the state level using this rubric. Districts must receive a score of 8 or higher for a plan to be considered “passing.”
District Planning Assistance
To support districts through the new district plan submission process, the Department is offering planning workshops at locations across the state. The department-facilitated workshops consist of two sessions: one in late winter and one in late spring.
Districts may use funds from the K-12 Computer Science District Planning Grant to cover eligible expenses incurred during the planning process, including travel, substitute pay and teacher stipends.
K-12 Computer Science District Planning Grant
The K-12 Computer Science District Planning Grant can be used to cover expenses incurred during the district planning process. Eligible expenses include substitute pay or teacher stipends, mileage for travel to district planning workshops and costs associated with contracting with an outside vendor to facilitate the planning process.
Districts must submit a grant application and receive approval before incurring expenses for reimbursement. The grant covers eligible expenses incurred between Dec. 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027.
Planning Workshops
The Department will facilitate computer science planning workshops at the following locations on the dates listed below. Districts must attend both dates. Registration will be available this webpage before Oct. 31, 2026.
- Keystone AEA: Jan. 12 and March 31, 2027
- Mississippi Bend AEA: Jan. 13 and April 7, 2027
- Central Rivers AEA: Jan. 26 and April 14, 2027
- Great Prairie AEA: Feb. 2 and April 28, 2027
State Plan
Iowa's K-12 Computer Science State Plan (275.37 KB).pdf (275.37 KB) .pdf