Why is a computer science class needed?

Because computer science is so varied and technology is so commonplace, an increasing number of fields and careers are requiring some background or expertise in computer science knowledge and skills.

In recognition of this need, the national Computer Science for All initiative was launched in 2016 to support efforts to “empower all American students from kindergarten through high school to learn computer science and be equipped with the computational thinking skills they need to be creators in the digital economy, not just consumers, and to be active citizens in our technology-driven world” (Whitehouse.gov, 2016).

Southside's computer science class.

Southside High School has been selected to participate in the Amazon Future Engineer Program, a program that will be offered in partnership with Amazon and Edhesive.

Fundamentals of Computing/Intro to CS, the introductory course, is a blended class. It is taught with the Edhesive online curriculum within the classroom where the classroom teacher is available to facilitate, pace the class, and provide additional assignments and resources as needed or required by the SC-CTE Standards. Grading is the responsibility of the classroom teacher.

This class is designed to inspire students in computer science and develop their understanding of how technology and computer science can impact and shape our world. If a student passes this class with good attendance, it fulfills the graduation requirement for computer science required by the South Carolina State Department of Education and Greenville County Schools.