About Computer Science
Washington is committed to implementing high-quality computer science instruction to:
- Increase the opportunity for all students to gain knowledge of computer science.
- Introduce the fundamental concepts and applications of computer science to all students, beginning at the elementary school level.
- Make computer science at the secondary level accessible and offer instruction that allows interested students to study facets of computer science in depth and prepare them for entry into a career or college.
Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities
CS Endorsement Exam Prep Course for Washington – at your own pace!
CSTA+, WeTeach_CS, Shoreline Community College, and CSTA Puget Sound (PSCSTA) are pleased to announce a free, online, self-paced pilot course to help Washington teachers pass the WEST/NES Computer Science Endorsement Exam.  The course is based on the WeTeach_CS Foundations of CS for Teachers: Praxis Prep course ($600 value) which has helped over 2000 teachers pass the endorsement exam in their states and adapted for the WEST/NES exam used for Washington. Course participants will also receive CSTA+ memberships ($50 value) to provide them with the resources, professional development, and professional learning community to support them throughout their careers.
The course will be most beneficial for high school teachers with concrete plans to teach a computer science course in the 2023-24 school year. At least 25-40 hours of experience coding with a text-based programming language is recommended before starting the course. While this programming experience is highly recommended, the actual course requires no programming.
This package includes: 1) a yearly CSTA+ membership ($50); 2) perpetual access to a version of the WeTeach_CS Foundations of Computer Science for Teachers ($600) course customized for Washington state; 3) Office hours (optional) twice a week and online support provided by PSCSTA and Shoreline CC; 4) 35 Washington state clock hours upon course completion.
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- Start date: Teachers will take this online course and can set their own pace, will have perpetual access to course content, and will have six months to complete the course for Washington state clock hours.
- Application: Online CS Endorsement Exam Prep Course for Washington | CSTA Puget Sound (csteachers.org)
- Questions: Please contact csta.pugetsound@gmail.com
CSTA Professional Development Opportunities
If you are comfortable as a CS teacher please consider these additional professional development opportunities offered through the Computer Science Teachers Association:Â Professional Development Opportunities – Computer Science Teachers Association (csteachers.org).
Additional Resources and Opportunities
Access Free Girls Who Code Curriculum and Training!
Looking to incorporate STEM into your programs this summer or next school year? You’re in luck! Girls Who Code designed the perfect coding curriculum so you don’t have to – all 100% for free, refreshed every year, and open to all genders in their girls-supportive environment.
In 2023-24, when you start a free Girls Who Code Club and enroll 3 or more members, you’ll be eligible to receive up to $300 to purchase materials and supplies for your Club. There’s no obligation and every Club gets access to 120+ hours of plug-and-play programming with CSTA standards-aligned coding lessons.
Indicate you’re part of the Washington OSPI network on the Clubs application, and you’ll unlock additional support, access to special events, and exclusive opportunities for swag. No coding experience required!
Microsoft TEALS Program
Technology Education and Learning Support (TEALS) is a Microsoft Philanthropies program that builds sustainable computer science (CS) programs in high schools. The focus is serving students excluded from learning CS because of race, gender, or geography. TEALS helps teachers learn to teach CS by pairing them with industry volunteers and proven curricula.
Our mission is to help classroom teachers learn to teach CS on their own by pairing them with industry volunteers and proven curricula. Teachers benefit from TEALS volunteers’ deep CS knowledge and experience, while administrators provide invaluable program support.
- More information: Computer Science & Technology Education Program | Microsoft TEALS
- Application to become a TEALS school: Bring Computer Science Classes to Your High School | TEALS (microsoft.com)
AI 101 for Teachers by Code.org
This is a free, foundational online video series for any teacher interested in the groundbreaking world of artificial intelligence (AI) and its transformative potential in education. Partners Code.org, ETS, ISTE and Khan Academy are offering engaging sessions with renowned experts that will demystify AI, explore responsible implementation, address bias, and showcase how AI-powered learning can revolutionize student outcomes. Join us on this journey of exploration and empowerment, and unlock the future of teaching with and about AI.
Access the videos and information here: AI 101 for Teachers | Code.org
Washington Integration Network for Computer Science WINforCS website Launched
WINforCS is the Washington Integration Network for Computer Science. CS leaders from all 9 Educational Service Districts, in partnership with OSPI, work together throughout the year to promote equitable computer science education for all students across Washington state. We work toward this goal by raising awareness, providing professional learning opportunities, facilitating strategic planning for CS implementation, and acting as a technical resource for our districts.
Launched in 2023, the WINforCS website highlights professional development opportunities, projects, resources, and success stories of computer science around the state.
Support for SHB 5088 Compliance – Computer Science
Does your district high school offer a computer science course? Starting in the 2022-23 school year, SB 5088 requires that each school district that operates a high school must offer an elective computer science course. Review the Guidance on Teaching Computer Science in Washington State document for information on coding Computer Science courses in CEDARS.
If your district needs support with meeting this requirement, there are a number of ideas and opportunities, along with offering support through the process! Please contact Jenny Veltri.