Sweetwater #1 Computer Science Implementation
What is Computer Science?
From the Wyoming State Computer Science Standards:
"Computer Science is the study of computing principles, design, and applications (hardware & software); the creation, access, and use of information through algorithms and problem solving, and the impact of computing on society. Computational thinking is a necessary and meaningful 21st century skill. Computational thinking is defined as the thought processes involved in formulating a problem and expressing its solutions in such a way that a computer (human or machine) can effectively carry them out. Computational thinking develops into competencies in problem solving, critical thinking, productivity, and creativity. Over time, engaging in computational thought builds a student’s capacity to persevere, work efficiently, gain confidence, recognize and resolve ambiguity, generalize concepts, and communicate effectively. In order to adapt to global advancements in technology, students will need to use their computational thinking skills to formulate, articulate, and discuss solutions in a meaningful manner."
Sweetwater #1 Secondary Course Offerings
As approved by Sweetwater#1 Board of Trustees, courses offered at district schools include:
- Intro to Computer Science (7th-8th)
- Students will work independently and collaboratively to collect and transform grade appropriate content, find and manipulate data, make the data more useful and secure. Students will also create and improve (test and debug) a digital program.
- Computer Science I (9th-12th)
- Computer Science I offers students a hands-on introduction to computer science with a variety of coding styles and types. Students will learn programming languages, code logic, code development, code implementation and code analysis. Students will explore career opportunities and create their own personal website. This introductory programming course helps prepare students for more advanced programming courses including Computer Science II, App Development and CyberSecurity.
- Computer Science II (9th-12th)
- Computer Science II builds on the first semester course by transitioning to a text-based program. Students will continue to learn about career opportunities and tie the options to interests and lifestyle choices. Students will learn critical thinking skills, computational thinking and work in a project based environment. Students will learn the basics of APP development, Networking, and CyberSecurity. Also, students will identify personal interests in each area and consider pursuing advanced targeted courses. Students will have an opportunity to earn a certification in the Informational Technology program of study.
- CyberSecurity (9th-12th)
- Cybersecurity is an introduction to the tools and concepts of cybersecurity. Students will understand how to assess cyber risks to software programs, computers, and networks. Students will learn how to create solutions to a variety of security issues. Students will learn about ethical computer use and consider the impact of laws on daily computing choices. Students will have an opportunity to earn a certification in the Information Technology program of study.
- APP Development (9th-12th)
- The App Development curriculum is designed to teach any student to become an app developer where they can bring their own ideas to life. Students will learn about careers in the field, teamwork, working with a team environment to learn critical-thinking and problem based learning skills. Students will learn icon based programming languages, get practical experience with the tools, techniques, and concepts needed to build a basic iOS app from scratch. Students will have an opportunity to earn a certification in the Information Technology program of study.
Subject Area Committee
The Computer Science Subject Area Committee met four times during the 2021-2022 school year. Also the committee facilitated Computer Science Training during the summer of 2022 and 2023. Forming the committee was key in getting most staff trained and curriculum developed and implemented. Committee members are available to work with PLC and grade level groups.
In the beginning, we utilized CLI and their curriculum writing procedures. All staff were surveyed, the committee dissected the Computer Science Standards and constructed curriculum walls where teachers identified where the standards might be taught. The ideas will be worked with during the next few meeting where teams will begin writing curriculum maps. The curriculum maps are still in draft form knowing that we need to implement a few years and adjust as needed.
Agendas & Professional Development
A calendar schedule of our 2023 Computer Science Summer Academies is below. The topics covered include: Elementary Coding and Implementing Computer Science Standards. Members of the SAC have been conducting Computer Science professional development for our staff. The trainings include Unpacking the Computer Science Standards, Coding for Elementary Teachers, and Locating Computer Science Resources.
Sample Agenda:
goIT State Finalists October 2020
goIT Competition: All 7th and 8th Grade Students Participate
**Update: Sweetwater #1 goIT team who designed "Guardian Supports" app was a runner-up in the state competition held October 2020. The competition was postponed and held virtual due to Covid. **
Sweetwater County School District #1 and Rock Springs Junior High hosts Tata Consulting Services and goIT Computer Science Training to engage students in authentic learning experiences and bring about an awareness of career opportunities. Colleges graduated approximately 50,000 students into the computer science U.S. workforce last year to fill over 500,000 job openings. STEM skill gaps exist worldwide and Sweetwater#1 along with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) are working together to introduce students to the field of computer science, which is projected to be one of the industries with the greatest demand for skilled workers in the coming years. Computer science involves being intentional to problem solve and create solutions to issues using technology.
The initiative, goIT, included a train-the-trainer session for all teachers on January 27th and 28th. The teachers learned 6 modules, ranging from design thinking and identifying a problem to wire framing and prototyping. The teachers will implement the modules with all 7th and 8th grade students in the district on February 4th, 5th and 6th, 2020
Students will go through a step-by-step process to design an app to solve a community problem. Deliverables include a storyboard, a mobile app prototype, a slide presentation and an entrepreneurial pitch. After learning the components of a “perfect pitch”, students then prepare an entrepreneurial style presentation, which they present in front of their peers and a panel of judges in “Shark Tank” fashion. The implementation will result in four Sweetwater#1 teams going to Casper this spring to compete against students in Uinta, Weston, Niobrara, Johnson and Natrona school districts.
By implementing the TCS, Sweetwater#1 is able to spark curiosity, demystify Computer Science standards, increase student awareness of the future of STEM and computer science fields while honing the employability skills necessary to succeed in a 21st century workforce.
goIT State Finalists October 2020
“The Wyoming Legislature gave us the directive to prepare students to compete in a world that is more and more technology based, by incorporating computer science education into our classrooms by 2023. A priority of the WDE is to provide districts with the support they need to succeed.” Jillian Balow, Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction
“Making computer science education an opportunity within reach of every student ensures Wyoming’s children can be future ready and will make our state attractive to public and private investments that can drive economic growth.” Dennis Ellis of TechSpark Wyoming
Computer Science Implementation Goals
Timeline
Tech Rock Stars and Teacher Leaders
CS for ALL SCRIPT Training
Sweetwater#1 Computer Science Vision :
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“We believe in computer science because it will promote our innovative district, unite our community, and empower and inspire all students to academic excellence in pursuit of their interests and passions.” |
SCRIPT TRAINING
In June, WDE brought a team of trainers to Sweetwater #1 to provide the district with strategic planning tools to think through what is needed to provide equitable, high-quality computer science education to all students. Participants included the Superintendent, the Chief Academic Officer, Chief Information Officer, Elementary, Middle and Secondary Principals, and Teacher Leaders. Through a series of self-assessment and goal-setting activities, Sweetwater #1 developed a computer science education vision and roadmap for implementation. Trainers will check in with the district throughout the year to provide feedback and support. There will be follow-up training in November 2019 and June 2020.
November 14, 2019 training including reviewing our vision statement, sharing out the status/progress of our goals and revising goals and action plans. Sweetwater #1 reflection include our successes: we have a plan in place, we have computer science teacher leaders, teachers and administrators know more about computer science standards than they think and our challenges include staffing and sections at the secondary level, certifications/qualifications, changing perceptions that teachers and admin know very little about computer science standards.
Wyoming Computer Science Standards (Draft)
Draft Computer Science Standards
"The Wyoming Computer Science Content and Performance Standards (WYCPS) were developed in accordance with Wyoming State Statute W.S. 21-2-304(c). The 2019 Wyoming Computer Science Standards were developed collaboratively through the contributions of the Computer Science Standards Review Committee (CSSRC) which included Wyoming parents, educators, and community members, as well as business members from across the state and nation. The committee’s work was informed and guided by initial public input through community forums, as well as input solicited from specific stakeholder groups. Additional appendices and teacher resources, created by the CSSRC, are also available on the WDE website at edu.wyoming.gov/standards."
"Per 2018 SEA0048, computer science will be added to the core of knowledge and by January 1, 2022, the state board of education shall promulgate uniform student content and performance standards for computer science to be effective beginning with the 2022-2023 school year. More information on the development of computer science standards is on the Standards Review page."
Community Partners
Western Wyoming College
University of Wyoming
TATA Consulting Services
More coming soon!
Computer Science Lessons
Coming Soon!