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

Harnessing AI: A Workshop on ChatGPT for K-12 Educators – November 14, 3-4:40pm

This online synchronous workshop, led by educator and tech consultant Dana Rozier, will examine the world of ChatGPT. Rozier will explore AI, walking through an overview of large language models and outlining both the benefits and the drawbacks of chatbots and AI. In a hands-on portion of the course, participants will write prompts, review ChatGPT’s dashboard and features, and learn practical applications for the program, including lesson planning and professional development. Participants can engage in real-time Q&A and will receive take-home resources from ChatGPT. The course offers the opportunity to purchase two STEM clock hours. The synchronous Zoom portion is 1.5 hours long, with about 30 minutes of pre-work expected before the session. That pre-work consists of reading on AI (available on the attendee page after registration).

WINforCS Network & Meetings – 2023-24 Theme: Artificial Intelligence

WINforCS is the Washington Integration Network for Computer Science. We are a group of educators from across the state who come together three times a year to learn with each other.

Please mark your calendars for the following meeting dates:
Tuesday, December 5, 4-6pm
Thursday, February 22, 4-6pm
Thursday, May 2, 4-6pm

Registration: https://www.pdenroller.org/esd123/catalog/event/163793 

K-5 Computer Science Deep Dive Virtual Series (through AVID and Code.org) – Fall 2023

Looking to level up your Code.org skills in the elementary classroom? Join AVID Center for this fall for our newest virtual training series designed specifically for recent CS Fundamentals Intro graduates. Like a concert series or a season pass, it would be great if you attended all 6 Saturdays of this training series, but it’s not required. For every TWO sessions attended, participants will receive a Code.org swag bag and earn 6 hours worth of continuing education credit.

Upcoming Dates:
October 28, 2023 – Code.org and Universal Design for Learning
November 4, 2023 – Using Code.org to Support K-5 Math + STEM
November 18, 2023 – Introducing K-5 Physical Computing with Micro:bit

Learn to Teach Your Students Cybersecurity – Summer 2024

Cybersecurity is one of the most in­ demand career fields, but there are not enough cyber experts to meet the current or future need. Cybersecurity jobs are projected to grow by 31% by 2029 – nearly 8x the national average growth for all jobs! A career in cybersecurity will allow your students to make a difference in all aspects of life – from healthcare to the global economy, from e-commerce to national security.

Help prepare your students to fill those jobs by teaching cybersecurity in high school. Join us to learn how to teach your students the skills necessary to pursue one of the most promising career fields.

CS Endorsement Exam Prep Course for Washington – at your own pace!

CSTA+, WeTeach_CSShoreline 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.

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: 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.

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.

Visit the WINforCS website.

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.