AP Computer Science Principles is an innovative course that seeks to broaden participation in computing and computer science. AP CS Principles introduces students to the central ideas of computer science while developing their computational thinking skills which are vital to success in all disciplines. These ideas include: Creativity, Abstraction, Data and Information, Algorithms, Programming, The Internet and Global Impact.

We will be using AP approved curriculum from the UTeach Institute at the University of Texas. Our textbook is digital and utilizes the Codio platform. UTeach AP CS Principles utilizes Project Based Learning (PBL). Research has shown that PBL engages the student by fostering creativity, promotes collaboration by working in teams, and increases communication skills. These are 21st Century skills that your student will need to be successful in college and career. AP CS Principles maps to UT's CS 302 Computer Fluency course which is a computer science course for non-majors.

The AP Exam for this course will be in two parts. The first part will consist of a through-course assessment called the Create Performance Task. Students will complete this task in class and it will be uploaded online. It is typically due by the last week in April. The second part will be a traditional multiple-choice exam given during the AP exam testing period in May. The APCS Principles exam will be 12:00 noon, Monday, May 8, 2023. Registration for AP exams begins in Fall, 2022.

For more information on AP CS Principles, check out the official CollegeBoard website:

• apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-computer-science-principles?course=ap-computer-science-principles