Computer Science

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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.

Who: All K-12 educators, educational leaders, and support staff (whether in computer science or not)

Where: Zoom

When: Wednesdays from 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Cost: FREE Register now to save your virtual seat.

Mark Your Calendars - Winter Series Beginning January 2025

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 (Click here for Zoom recording)
December 4th: Cyber.org (Click here for Zoom recording)
December 9th: AI for Educators: Building Your Why with aiEDU (Click here for Zoom recording)
December 10th: Utilizing AI for Formative Assessment in K12 with JeffCO's Andrew Gitner (Click here for Zoom recording)
December 11th: Magic School AI "Leveraging the Magic of AI" (Click here for Zoom Recording)
December 12th: TeachAI (Click here for Zoom recording)

View Full Calendar of Events Here

2024-2025 Computer Science Teacher Education Grantees

CDE is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024-2025 Computer Science Teacher Education Grant. This was a highly competitive process as CDE had approximately $395,668 available for this competition and received almost $927,816 in funding requests. Grantees were awarded in November 2024, approved by the Colorado State Board of Education. See below for the list of grantees and to learn more about this program, visit our Computer Science Teacher Education Grant page.

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. 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.

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

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".

Submit Nomination 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.

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

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.

Click here to apply for the mini grant

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

2024-2025 Computer Science Teacher Education Grantees

CDE is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024-2025 Computer Science Teacher Education Grant.

Adams-Arapahoe 28J
Aspen 1
Ault-Highland RE-9
Canon City RE-1
Center 26
Custer County School District C-1
Fountain 8
Fremont RE-2
Monte Vista C-8
Northeast BOCES
Pueblo City 60
Westminster Public Schools

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 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.

The Colorado State Board of Education recently adopted the newly revised K12 Computer Science Standards, and they are available for viewing. It is understood that the 2026-27 school year is the first year of implementation of the standards that were revised in 2024.

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