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Computer Science News and Updates

Application Window Open - 2024-2025 Computer Science Teacher Education Grant

The window for the Computer Science Education Grant for the 2024-2025 fiscal year is now open and all applications are due on October 10, 2024. 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.

View Full Grant Info Here

New K12 Colorado Computer Science Standards

On May 9, 2024, the Colorado State Board of Education approved revisions to the recommendations for computer science, English language development, physical education and world language standards. CDE staff will incorporate the approved revisions and post the new standards on CDE’s website in the fall of 2024. Additionally, staff previewed the next cycle in the revision cycle, which will include comprehensive health; reading, writing, and communicating; math; and science. That process will start in the summer and fall with benchmarking and initial public input. Committee recruitment, application and selection will occur in the spring of 2025 with committee drafts of proposed revisions completed by the summer of 2025.

View K12 Standards Here

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."

View CEI AI Roadmap Here

Upcoming Opportunities for Educators and Students

This is a curated list of both state and national computer science, or computer science related events and opportunities. We are working together statewide to increase awareness of and access to Computer Science resources, events and opportunities. CDE does not endorse any specific event, professional development, set of instructional materials or curriculum.

Please complete this form to have an upcoming event or opportunity added to this list. Requests will be sent to Pam Lewis, CDE Computer Science Senior Consultant, who will add items to the list if deemed appropriate and relevant.

Opportunities to Connect and Learn - Fall 2024

Colorado Computer Science Leaders

Colorado Computer Science and EdTech educators are all invited to attend these quarterly collaborative meetings.
- In Person and via Zoom - hosted by the Colorado Computer Science Leadership and Eagle County School District's EdTech Team
- Friday, September 27, 2024, from 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm in Edwards, Colorado.
- Join us! RSVP Here

Computer Science Teacher's Association (CSTA CO)

Join the local chapter, access resources, and join the discussion

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.

NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Awards

"NCWIT (The National Center for Women and Information Technology) is the farthest-reaching network of change leaders focused on advancing innovation by correcting underrepresentation in computing." "NCWIT Aspirations in Computing (AiC) offers four distinct awards that honor aspirations, abilities, technical accomplishments, and influential guidance."

High School Student Aspirations Award
- "The AiC High School Award honors 9th-12th grade women, genderqueer, and non-binary students for their computing-related achievements and interests, and encourages them to pursue their passions. Award recipients are selected based on their aptitude and aspirations in technology and computing, as demonstrated by their computing experience, computing-related activities, leadership experience, tenacity in the face of barriers to access, and future plans. Since 2007, more than 25,000 students have received an AiC Award."
- Learn about eligibilities, prizes, the application process, and more by clicking here.
Educator Aspirations Award
- "The AiC Educator Award identifies exemplary formal and informal educators who play a pivotal role in encouraging 9th-12th grade women, genderqueer, and non-binary students to explore their interests in computing and technology. The award recognizes these educators for their efforts to promote gender equity in computing. Since 2011, more than 500 educators have been recognized and have received more than $225,000 in professional development funding to improve their computing education skills"
- Learn about eligibilities, prizes, the application process, and more by clicking here.

Click Here to View More Opportunities

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 Lewis_P@cde.state.co.us