Computer Science is understanding how and why technologies work, exploring whether and how technology could solve real-life problems, investigating procedures, creating solutions, and learning about computing systems, programming, data, networks, and the effects on society and the individual. Computer Science is learning how to create new technologies, rather than simply using them.
Vision
All Iowa students will engage in the concepts and practices of computer science through an intentional progression of experiences in order to prepare them to become enterprising citizens that positively impact society.
Iowa Department of Education Computer Science webpage
Requirements
- By July 2022, districts develop and implement a K-12 Computer Science Plan for instruction;
- Grades one through six: Computer science instruction incorporating the standards must be offered in at least one grade level commencing with the school year beginning July 1, 2023 (Iowa Code § 256.11(3));
- Grades seven and eight: Computer science instruction incorporating the standards must be offered in at least one of these two grade levels commencing with the school year beginning July 1, 2023 (Iowa Code § 256.11(4)); and
- Grades nine through 12: One-half unit of computer science incorporating the standards commencing with the school year beginning July 1, 2022, must be offered and taught (Iowa Code § 256.11(5)”I”). The Department highly recommends that instruction is offered in courses that fit into Iowa’s SCED codes.
- For more information, see the Computer Science Guidance HF2629.pdf
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. There is also a pdf version of the Iowa Computer Science Progressions.
Connect with Other Computer Science Teachers