This document provides an overview of building a computer science pathway in schools. It discusses Texas requirements for high schools to offer computer science courses and lists approved courses. It also outlines sample pathways from various school districts and common challenges faced, such as course prerequisites. Additional resources on topics like cybersecurity, programming boards and tools, recruitment clubs, and professional development programs are also referenced. The goal is to help schools develop a computer science curriculum and pathway to meet state requirements.

1. Building a CS Pathway
in Your School
WeTeach_CS AP CSP Mini-Conference
21 February 2017
@HalSpeed @cs4tx
slideshare.net/hal_speed
or halspeed.com

2. 2

3. 3 Source: http://curriculumredesign.org/wp-content/uploads/CCR-Plenary-intro-Charles-Fadel1.pdf (excluding computer science)
Computer Science

4. CSforAll Pledge
4
http://www.csforall.org/pledge/
 Over 3000 schools across 39 states have signed
 District administrators and school principals pledge to:
 Support professional development for CS teachers, administrators
and guidance counselors
 Encourage all students to learn CS
 Offer a variety of opportunities throughout the grades for CS
learning
 Assign a primary point of contact in the school/district for CS
 Ask your district or school to sign today!

5. Computer Science Requirements
for Texas High Schools
5

6. Texas requires ALL high schools to offer
computer science!
6

7. 74.3(b)(2)(I) Tech App Curriculum Requirement – every district must offer, and
74.3(b)(4) each student must have the opportunity to participate in the following:
Computer Science I
AP Computer Scienceor
At least two (2) of the following:
• Computer Science III
• Digital Art and Animation
• Digital Communications in the
21st Century
• Digital Design and Media
Production
• Digital Forensics
• Digital Video and Audio Design
• Discrete Mathematics for
Computer Science
• Fundamentals of Computer
Science
• Game Programming and Design
• Independent Study in
Evolving/Emerging Technologies
• Independent Study in Technology
Applications
• Mobile Application Development
• Robotics Programming and Design
• 3-D Modeling and Animation
• Web Communications
• Web Design
• Web Game Development
Computer Science II
Curriculum Requirement
7 Source: http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/rules/tac/chapter074/ch074a.html

8. 74.12(b) A student must demonstrate proficiency in the following:
74.12(b)(2) Mathematics—three credits
Graduation Requirement
8 Source: http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/rules/tac/chapter074/ch074b.html
Algebra I
A list of many courses including:
Robotics Programming and Design
Robotic II*
AP Computer Science A**
Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science
Geometry
* effective August 28, 2017 **added “A”

9. 74.12(b) A student must demonstrate proficiency in the following:
74.12(b)(5) Languages other than English (LOTE)—two credits—foreign language,
sign language or computer programming language
Graduation Requirement
9 Source: http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/rules/tac/chapter074/ch074b.html
Note: The expiration period in section 74.12(b)(5)(A)(iii) was removed effective August 22, 2016:
(iii) The provision relating to Computer Science I, II, and III in clause (ii) of this
subparagraph applies to credits earned before September 1, 2016. Credits earned for
Computer Science I, II, and III may not satisfy LOTE credit requirements on or after
September 1, 2016, and may not be used to comply with this paragraph. The provision
relating to Computer Science I, II, and III in clause (ii) of this subparagraph expires
September 1, 2017.
Two credits in computer programming languages
selected from Computer Science I, II and III

10. Texas Public University Uniform Admission Policy
 http://catalog.utexas.edu/general-information/admission/undergraduate-
admission/#freshmanadmissiontext
Public high school applicants must graduate under the state's Foundation High
School Program with a distinguished level of achievement, or the Recommended
or Advanced High School Program; the Distinguished Program is also an option.
The Uniform Admission Policy is defined in sections 51.801 through 51.809 of the
Texas Education Code.
No student is exempt from the University’s minimum coursework requirements:
four units of language arts, two units of a single foreign language, three units of
mathematics at the level of Algebra I or higher, two units of science, three units
of social studies, one and one-half units of electives, and one-half unit of fine
arts.
 http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/ED/htm/ED.51.htm
Sec. 51.805. OTHER ADMISSIONS. (a) A graduating student who does not qualify
for admission under Section 51.803 or 51.804 may apply to any general
academic teaching institution if the student:
(1) successfully completed:
(A) at a public high school, the curriculum requirements established under
Section 28.025 for the foundation high school program; or
10
* Note: On 21 February 2017 the UT-Austin Undergraduate Admissions Center confirmed two units of computer science
meets the university’s minimum coursework requirements for a language other than English

11. 74.11(h) AP and IB courses may be substituted as appropriate for required courses, but
may not count toward more than one credit required for graduation
Graduation Requirement
11 Source: http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/rules/tac/chapter074/ch074b.html
AP Computer Science Principles
AP Computer Science A
IB Computer Science SL
IB Computer Science HL
Computer Science I
AP Computer Science A
IB Computer Science SL
IB Computer Science HL
Computer Science II
IB Computer Science HLComputer Science III
Required LOTE Course – two credits Suggested Appropriate Substitution

12. Texas High School Certification Requirement
12
Source: http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/sbecrules/tac/chapter231/ch231e.html#division8
effective December 27, 2016
§231.251. Computer Science, Grades 9-12.
An assignment for Computer Science I, II, and III; Digital Forensics; or Robotics Programming and
Design, Grades 9-12, is allowed with one of the following certificates.
(1) Computer Science: Grades 8-12.
§231.257. Fundamentals of Computer Science; Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles;
Game Programming and Design or Mobile Application Development, Grades 9-12.
An assignment for Fundamentals of Computer Science; Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles;
Game Programming and Design or Mobile Application Development, Grades 9-12, is allowed with one of
the following certificates.
(1) Computer Science: Grades 8-12.
(5) Technology Applications: Early Childhood-Grade 12.
(6) Technology Applications: Grades 8-12.

13. 74.13(f) A student may earn any of the following endorsements
A. CTE (Ch. 130)
B. Computer Science (Ch. 126)
C. Mathematics
Endorsement Requirement
13 Source: http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/rules/tac/chapter074/ch074b.html
D. Science
E. A combination of two of the above
A. CTE (Ch. 130)
B. English
C. Technology Applications (Ch. 126)
D. A combination of the above
1. STEM 2. Business and Industry

14. 14

15. TAC Chapter 130: Career and Technical Education
C. Arts, A/V Technology
and Communications
K. Information Technology O. STEM
Video Game Design I Computer Programming Robotics and Automation
Video Game Design II Advanced Computer
Programming
Video Game Design III Web Technologies
Database Programming
15
Note: Computer Programming and Advanced Computer Programming
being renamed to Computer Programming I and II

16. 16
STEM Endorsement – Computer Science
Course Endorsement Teaching Certification
Fundamentals of Computer Science STEM CS or Tech App
Computer Science I STEM CS
Computer Science II STEM CS
Computer Science III STEM CS
Digital Forensics STEM CS
Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science STEM CS or Math
Game Programming and Design STEM CS or Tech App
Mobile Application Development STEM CS or Tech App
Robotics Programming and Design STEM CS
Independent Study in Technology Applications STEM Tech App
AP Computer Science A STEM Matches subject
AP Computer Science Principles STEM* CS or Tech App
IB Computer Science SL STEM Matches subject
IB Computer Science HL STEM Matches subject
Certification - http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/sbecrules/tac/chapter231/
AP CSP
PEIMS
number
A3580300
* effective August 28, 2017

17. Business & Industry Endorsement – Tech App
17
Course Endorsement Teaching Certification
Digital Design & Media Production B&I Tech App
Digital Art and Animation B&I Tech App
3D Modeling & Animation B&I Tech App
Digital Communications in the 21st Century B&I Tech App
Digital Video & Audio Design B&I Tech App
Web Communications B&I Tech App
Web Design B&I Tech App
Web Game Development B&I Tech App
Independent Study in Evolving/Emerging Tech B&I Tech App
Certification - http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/sbecrules/tac/chapter231/

18. 18
TEA PEIMS Course TEKS Teacher FTE Student Enroll YoY Change (%)
N1300993 Video Game Design I CTE - A/V 37.60 4,451 +17
N1300994 Video Game Design II CTE - A/V 2.04 145 +314
13027600 Computer Programming CTE - IT 76.68 9,818 +15
13027700 Advanced Computer Programming CTE - IT 20.06 1,270 +35
13027900 Web Technologies CTE - IT 92.33 10,174 -5
13037000 Robotics & Automation CTE - STEM 58.84 5,444 +15
N1303768 CS and Software Engineering CTE - STEM 15.41 2,092 +211
03580140 Fundamentals of CS Tech App 17.48 2,374 +74
03580200 CS I Tech App 116.45 15,594 +12
03580300 CS II Tech App 21.08 1,868 +110
03580350 CS III Tech App 8.79 534 +39
03580380 Game Programming & Design Tech App 16.37 2,553 +35
03580390 Mobile App Development Tech App 7.53 920 +44
03580395 Robotics Programming & Design Tech App 9.86 929 +29
03580820 Web Design Tech App 27.12 3,548 -8
03580830 Web Game Development Tech App 0.93 84 -49
A3580100 AP CS A Tech App 61.47 7,179 +14
I3580200 IB CS (SL/HL) Tech App 2.45/2.10 173/115 +2/+37
Source: https://rptsvr1.tea.texas.gov/adhocrpt/adfte.html (2015-16)

19. General Computer Science High School Concept
Survey Course(s)
Mobile-Cloud
• Mobile Web
• Mobile Apps
• Cloud Apps
Game Design/
Development
Robotics
Programming
Cybersecurity
Machine
Learning/AI
19
Data Analytics

20. Fundamentals of Computer Science (optional)
AP Computer Science Principlesand/or
Up to two (2) of the following:
• Computer Science III
• Digital Forensics
• Discrete Mathematics for
Computer Science
• Game Programming and
Design
• Independent Study in
Technology Applications
• Mobile Application
Development
• Robotics Programming and
Design
• IB Computer Science SL
• IB Computer Science HL
Computer Science I
Computer Science Pathway Recommendation
20
AP Computer Science AorComputer Science II

21. LeanderISD
21
Start
StartStart
Fundamentals of Computer Science (with Robotics)
AP CS Principles
Computer Science I
(Pre-AP)
AP Computer Science A
Mobile App Dev
Computer Science
Independent Study

22. Georgetown ISD
Computer Science
Pathway 2016-2017
Kim Garcia
Digital Learning Coordinator
Former High School Computer Science Teacher
http://texascomputerscience.weebly.com/

23. 23
Georgetown ISD Computer Science Pathway 2016-2017
4th Course
Independent Study in Technology Applications (126.49)
2nd & 3rd Courses
Game Programming and Design (126.38) AP Computer Science A (126.62)
1st Course
Computer Science I (126.33)
Prerequisite
Algebra I (111.39)

24. 24
Challenges: Georgetown ISD Computer Science
 Prerequisite for 1st Course (Computer Science I) is Algebra I
 Many 9th graders not completed Algebra I, cannot enroll in CS I until 10th grade
 GISD students cannot earn for LOTE credit
 Opted to add Game Programming and Design in 2015-2016, requested by students
 Not offering AP Computer Science Principles in its first year (2016-2017)
 College Board presenters said at CSTA: ‘It’s not a 9th grade course’
4th Course
Independent Study in Technology Applications (126.49)
2nd & 3rd Courses
Game Programming and Design (126.38) AP Computer Science A (126.62)
1st Course
Computer Science I (126.33)
Prerequisite
Algebra I (111.39)

25. 25
Opportunities: Georgetown ISD Computer Science
 Computer Science Enrollment Growth in 2015-2016
 Planning to Offer AP Computer Science Principles in 2017-2018
4th Course
Independent Study in Technology Applications
2nd & 3rd Courses
Game Programming &
Design
AP Computer Science A
1st Course
Computer Science I
Prerequisite
Algebra I
3rd & 4th Courses
Game Programming
& Design
AP Computer Science A
Independent Study in
Technology Applications
2nd Course
Computer Science I
1st Course
AP Computer Science Principles
Prerequisite
Algebra I
Proposed 2017-2018 Georgetown ISD Computer Science Pathways: Two Entry Points

26. REMEMBER TO SIGN THE PLEDGE
www.csforall.org/pledge/
26

27. Additional Resources
27

28. Cyber Security
 Principles of Cyber Security
 CTE innovative course number N1302810 up for renewal
 CSTA “Cyber Teacher” certification program
 Eight hours online
 Resources
 NSA Day of Cyber – nsadayofcyber.com
 NICERC – nicerc.org
 NICCS – niccs.us-cert.gov/formal-education
 NICE – csrc.nist.gov/nice
 Cyber Aces – cyberaces.org
 Cyber Threat Defender – cias.utsa.edu/ctd.html
 Competitions
 U.S. CyberPatriot – uscyberpatriot.org
 U.S. Cyber Challenge – uscyberchallenge.org
 Cyber Quests – uscc.cyberquests.org28

29. The Programmable Boards are Coming
29
https://www.microbit.org/
https://www.adafruit.com/product/3000
https://code.org/csd
micro:bit Circuit Playground

30. 30
Ozobot 2.0 Bit
Lego WeDo
Makeblock mBot Wonder Workshop Dash and Dot
Finch
Bee-Bot
Sphero SPRK+
Fisher-Price Code-a-Pillar
Lego Mindstorm EV3
Lego Boost
Root
VEX
K’NEX

31. 31
Recruitment and Clubs
 ncwit.org
 yeswecode.org
 starsalliance.org
 madewithcode.com
 cs-first.com
 blackgirlscode.com
 loftcsl.org
 girlswhocode.com
 girlstart.org
 coderdojo.com
 ngcproject.org
 codenow.org
 techgirlz.org
 girlsintech.org
 tech-girls.org
 code2040.org
 projectcsgirls.com
 girldevelopit.com
 chicktech.org
Code as a Second Language

32. TEALS
www.tealsk12.org
 TEALS (Technology Education And Literacy in Schools) is a
grassroots program that recruits, trains, mentors, and places
high tech professionals from across the country who are
passionate about computer science education into high
school classes as volunteer teachers
 TEALS volunteers team-teach with ISD teachers
 Two courses: Introductory and AP
 Embedded PD that builds teacher capacity
 Recruiting schools and industry volunteers
32

33. Anybody Can Learn - hourofcode.com
33

34. 34
texascomputerscience.weebly.com code.org/learn

35. CS4TX Name Badge
 Email: austin@crowncentex.com
 Subject: CS4TX Name Badge
 $10 plus tax & shipping
 Includes magnetic back
35
YOUR
NAME

36. NSF: Computing Education for
the 21st Century
36

37. Computing Education for the 21st Century
 Federal program through the National Science Foundation
 Three tracks:
 Computing Education Research
 CS 10K – cs10kcommunity.org
 Train 10,000 computer science teachers by fall 2015
 25,000 teachers to teach computer science by fall 2016
 Two courses:
 Exploring Computer Science
 AP Computer Science Principles
 Broadening Participation
 Many projects – cs10kcommunity.org/projects
37

38. Exploring Computer Science
 Human Computer Interaction
 Introduction to the concepts of computing
 Problem Solving
 Computational thinking
 Web Design
 Web page design
 Introduction to Programming
 Design programming solutions to a variety of problems
 Computer and Data Analysis
 Use computers to translate, process and visualize data
 Robotics
 Build and program a robot
exploringcs.org
38

39. AP CS Principles
 Computational Thinking
Practices
1. Connecting Computing
2. Creating Computational
Artifacts
3. Abstracting
4. Analyzing Problems and
Artifacts
5. Communicating
6. Collaborating
apcsprinciples.org
collegeboard.org/apcsp
 Big Ideas
1. Creativity
2. Abstraction
3. Data and Information
4. Algorithms
5. Programming
6. The Internet
7. Global Impact
39

40. AP Computer Science A AP Computer Science Principles
Curriculum is focused on object-oriented
programming and problem solving
Curriculum is built around fundamentals of
computing including problem solving, working
with data, understanding the internet, cyber
security, and programming
Java is the designated programming language Teachers choose the programming language(s)
Encourages skill development among students
considering a career in computer science and
other STEM fields
Encourages a broader participation in the
study of computer science and other STEM
fields
AP assessment experience
• Multiple-choice and free-response questions
(written exam)
AP assessment experience:
• Two performance tasks students complete
during the course to demonstrate the skills
they have developed (digital artifacts)
• Multiple-choice questions (written exam)
40

41. AP CS Principles Curricula
41
http://uteachcs.org/
https://www.pltw.org/our-programs/pltw-computer-science
http://mobile-csp.org/
https://code.org/csp
http://bjc.berkeley.edu/

42. AP CS Principles Curricula
42
http://cs50.wiki/
https://codehs.com/
info/curriculum/apcsp
http://csmatters.org/
https://www.makeschool.com/
swift-computer-science-principles

43. Thank You
Remember to join the CS4TX, CSTA and WeTeach_CS communities
43