Computer science is the fastest growing subject in the US, yet English learners are dramatically under-represented in these courses. CSforEL is a new, 4 year research project, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, to attract, retain and engage English learners (EL) in AP Computer Science Principles (CSP) in Arizona, New Mexico and San Diego. We are currently seeking districts to participate in our first cohort for the 2020-21 school year. Click below for more information.

CS Awesome is a new free curriculum from the Mobile CSP team for the AP CS A Java course that follows the 2019 College Board AP CSA units and learning objectives. We are applying to become an official provider for AP CSA in 2020. The curriculum is available for free on based on Barb Ericson's Java Review course on Runestone Academy.

 

The goal of the CS Awesome curriculum is to provide an interactive curriculum for students that uses frequent, small practice problems that allow students to incrementally build their Java programming skills. The curriculum is provided online through an e-book and includes many opportunities for creativity and collaboration with other students. The course was designed to engage all students and support students transitioning from a Computer Science Principles (CSP) course to CSA.

 

Click below for more information about summer opportunities. If you are a teacher transitioning from teaching AP CSP to AP CSA and/or will you be teaching AP CS A for the first time in 2019 or 2020, then we have scholarships available for you to attend our PD for FREE, in exchange for participating in our research project.

 

Arizona released K-12 Computer Science Standards in October 2018 and two options for Computer Science endorsement for K-12 teachers. To support the implementation of these standards, we are excited to present a Computer Science Implementation Guidance document and a one-page document that clearly outlines the requirements for PreK-8 and 9-12 computer science educators. Click Read More to view these documents & learn more about these resources.

As districts begin planning and budgeting around professional development for the 2020-21 school year, it is important to have your feedback included in the process. The Office of the Maricopa County School Superintendent has worked collaboratively with teacher support organizations to develop a short anonymous survey for educators.  Your feedback from this survey will be shared with districts and professional development providers across Arizona so that PD can be developed and offered based on your ideas and needs. We want to hear your voice and opinions about professional development opportunities.