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Computer Science
Computer Science News and Updates
FREE Professional Learning Series - Webinar Wednesdays
CDE invites all K12 educators to join us for a free professional learning series focused on innovating instruction in K-12 classrooms. Each week, facilitators from CDE and other organizations will lead engaging sessions on topics such as how to integrate the three newest computer science standards - AI (Artificial Intelligence), Digital Citizenship, and Cybersecurity. Professional learning certificates will be available for all who attend.
Next Session: December 4th: Cyber.org
Session Description: Join us for an interactive virtual professional development session designed to equip teachers with practical strategies to address the new Colorado computer science standards in artificial intelligence (AI), digital citizenship, and cybersecurity. In this PD, we’ll explore age-appropriate approaches to introducing AI concepts, fostering responsible digital citizenship, and enhancing security awareness in classroom activities. We will dive into CYBER.ORG’s no cost K-12 cybersecurity curriculum that explores strategies to protect student data, harness AI responsibly, and promote positive digital behavior among students.
Bonus Sessions to Celebrate Computer Science Education Week:
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Session Description: In this session K-12 teachers will gain a foundational understanding of AI, explore its relevance in today's classrooms, and discover the importance of AI literacy for both educators and students. Participants will engage in discussions and activities that illuminate the 'why' behind AI readiness, empowering them to articulate its significance in their educational contexts.
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Tuesday, December 10th: Utilizing AI for Formative Assessment in K12 with JeffCO's Andrew Gitner
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Wednesday, December 11th: Magic School AI
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Thursday, December 12th: Double sessions! Session descriptions coming soon.
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No sessions on December 13th
Archived Sessions
- October 30th: AI Roadmap for K12 Education, presented by Karen Quanbeck and Patty Quinones, from CEI (Click here for Zoom recording)
- November 6th Smart & Safe: Teaching AI, Digital Citizenship, & Cybersecurity in K12 with SchoolAI (Click here for Zoom recording)
- November 13th Prepping for CSEd Week with Kira Learning (Click here for Zoom recording)
- November 20th: Artificial Intelligence, Bias, & Careers with NCWIT: Counselors for Computing (Zoom recording coming soon)
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Winter Series Coming January 2025!
Application Window Closed - 2024-2025 Computer Science Teacher Education Grant
The window for the Computer Science Education Grant for the 2024-2025 fiscal year is now closed. Applicants will be notified of final award status in November 2024, once approved by the Colorado State Board of Education. This competitive grant will be hosted in CDE's new grant management software called GAINS.
New K12 Colorado Computer Science Standards
On May 9, 2024, the Colorado State Board of Education approved revisions to the recommendations for computer science. The newly adopted K12 Computer Science standards include revisions to the 9-12 standards, as well as new standards for K-8, including AI (Artificial Intelligence), Cybersecurity, and Digital Citizenship.
CEI Publishes, "Colorado Roadmap for AI in K-12 Education"
The Colorado Education Initiative recently published the Colorado Roadmap for AI in K-12 Education. According to CEI's website, "The Colorado Roadmap for AI in K-12 Education is the result of months of collaboration by over 100 stakeholders from across the state. AI technology has unprecedented potential to reshape teaching and learning. By integrating AI thoughtfully and responsibly into the classroom, educators can enhance learning experiences, support diverse student needs, and prepare students for the future. This roadmap is a dynamic resource designed to support local school districts in developing their own approaches to AI integration. It emphasizes flexibility and adaptability, acknowledging the rapid pace of technological change and the importance of continuous learning and improvement."
Celebration! Colorado Educator Named 2024 CYBER.ORG Educator
This spring, Cyber.org announced the winners of their 2024 CYBER.ORG Educator Awards and among those winners was Colorado's very own Beth Cerrone. Beth is a Cybersecurity Instructor for 6-12th grade at the Innovation Center of St. Vrain Valley Schools in Longmont, where she teaches where she teaches cybersecurity and information and communications technology. Beth is also, "a recipient of the 2023 Presidential Cybersecurity Education Award, an annual recognition presented by the U.S. Secretary of Education to outstanding educators in cybersecurity. This award underscores Beth’s dedication to teaching cybersecurity and her exceptional work to increase cybersecurity awareness among her students." Read more about this amazing accomplishment here.
We are so proud of Beth and grateful for her dedication to her students and computer science education. To highlight and celebrate other educator and student accomplishments in our state, please complete the brief Google Form titled, "submit nomination here".
Upcoming Opportunities for Educators and Students
Computer Science Education Week - December 9th - 15th
It's time to start preparing for Computer Science Education week. Follow our CSEd Week page for up-to-date information on how to plan and host your own Hour of Code, resources for K12 educators, and events happening around the state.
Quantum in Colorado
Colorado stands at the forefront of Quantum Information Science and Technology (QIST), with a thriving ecosystem of industry leaders and support networks. As this field expands and creates new career opportunities, we're focused on building strong educational pathways from K-12 to workforce. Our mission is to understand and develop the resources needed to prepare Colorado students for these emerging high-tech careers. To learn more about Quantum in Colorado and upcoming opportunities for K12 education, consider joining one of the upcoming webinars listed below and follow our Quantum in Colorado page for updates.
- Quantum in Colorado K12 Education Webinar
- Session Dates:
- December 12, 2024, 4:00 - 5:00 pm
- Click here to register for this webinar
- Session Dates:
STEM Ecosystem & Colorado Association of Science Teachers (CAST) Professional Learning Mini Grant Application
With the support of Colorado Succeeds, these two organizations received funding from the Collaborative for Student Success to support locally run professional learning opportunities for formal and informal science educators across the state. There is funding available for individuals who are members of both organizations to host local professional learning. You can apply for up to $2,000 and must implement the plan by March 2025. Professional learning mini grants will be awarded in each of the three CAST regions.
Colorado Computer Science Leaders
- Colorado Computer Science and EdTech educators are all invited to attend these quarterly collaborative meetings.
- Winter event information coming soon.
Computer Science Teacher's Association (CSTA CO)
- Join the local chapter, access resources, and join the discussion
- Upcoming Meetings
- Meeting #3 - Tuesday, February 11 - 5:30 - 7 pm
- Meeting #4 - Thursday, April 17 - 5:30 - 7 pm
Colorado Career and Technical Education (CTE):
- Stay updated with news from CarrieAnn Mathis, M.A.Ed, CTE Program Director for ETMA by joining the mailing list.
- Learn more about Colorado's Career Cluster Model by clicking here.
Colorado Computer Science Events Calendar
Computer Science Teacher Education Grant Program
The window for the Computer Science Education Grant for the 2023-2024 fiscal year opened in October 2023 and the application window closed in November 2023. Grantees were awarded in January 2024, approved by the Colorado State Board of Education. This competitive grant was the first to be hosted in CDE's new grant management software called GAINS. To learn more about this program, visit our Computer Science Teacher Education Grant page.
2023-2024 Computer Science Teacher Education Grantees
CDE is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2023-2024 Computer Science Teacher Education Grant.
- Bayfield 10 Jt-R
- Branson Reorganized 82
- Colorado River BOCES
- East Central BOCES
- Greeley 6
- Jefferson County R-1
- Meeker RE-1
- Mesa County Valley 51
- Montrose County RE-1J
- Pioneer Technology and Arts Academy
- Poudre R-1
- Pueblo City 60
- Roaring Fork RE-1
- Widefield 3
Computer Science Standards
During the 2016 legislative session, the Colorado General Assembly passed House Bill 16-1198 requiring CDE to develop voluntary academic standards for computer science for secondary students. The Colorado State Board of Education approved the standards on 4/11/18.
Colorado Academic Standards for Computer Science Are Currently in Review and Revision.
Colorado House Bill 20-1032 (section 22-7-1005(6) C.R.S.) amended the provision that required the regular review and revision of the Colorado Academic Standards. The statute previously required the revisions to occur within six years of the prior cycle which occurred in 2018. The changes now require the state board to review and revise approximately one-third of the standards beginning in 2022 and an additional one-third every two years thereafter. These review and revision cycles are not intended to re-write the standards, but to update them to be most current with national and international benchmarks.
It is understood that the 2020-21 school year is the first year of implementation of the standards that were revised in 2018. One-third of the standards that were adopted in 2018 began the review and revision cycle in the spring of 2021 and concluded in the fall of 2022.
Computer Science Resource Bank
The online Computer Science Resource Bank was created through a collaboration with educators and industry experts. Authorized by the legislature in 2017, the online resource bank includes a wide variety of ideas for teachers, including sample curricula and materials – even information about scholarships for students.
This FREE resource has a search feature that allows you to search by resource type, topic area and grade level. Additional resources include computer science organizations and associations as well as partners.
For further assistance, please contact Pam Lewis [email protected]
Financial information on schools and districts throughout Colorado. Learn more about financial transparency.
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November 22, 2024
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