Materials & Curriculum

Novice -  

• Do we know what is happening at each grade band - K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12?  How can we collect this information?

• What technical infrastructure is required to offer computer science? 

• Is there a plan to update any physical computing devices? i.e. robots, Micro:Bits, drones, etc.

• How does computer science fit in the school schedule? 

• How will we know students have learned grade-band standards?

• Are teachers given time for CS lesson planning?

• Are teachers participating in the CS opportunities that are available for professional learning?  If not, how can get them to participate?

Emerging -

• Are all K-12 standards being addressed? 

• What curriculum and resources are being used? 

• Is learning consistent throughout grade-levels? (i.e. Are all 2nd graders learning the same CS content?) 

• Is CS a regular conversation topic during PLC's, PD, and other group meetings?

• Are assessments measuring both grade-level progress and overall K-12 CS learning sequence?

Developing -

• How does learning build over time? 

• How do teachers communicate what students have learned from one grade to the next? 

• How are we assessing student understanding? 

• Are there opportunities for grade-level and multi grade-level teams to meet and discuss CS curriculum needs?

• Do working teams meet regularly to discuss CS integration, curriculum revision, and meeting the needs of all students?

• Plan for an Hour of Code events to happen at least quarterly

• Provide opportunities for teachers to discuss differences between Computer Literacy and Computer Science

• Survey staff to determine what is currently being taught in CS and/or create an inventory of resources being used

• Research curriculum available at each grade band https://www.edc.org/sites/default/files/uploads/CurriculumGuide-web.pdf

• Form a team to look at curriculum/curriculum adoption

• Schedule time for teachers to learn about CS standards and legislation 

• Look at the Iowa Dept. of Education CS Curriculum and Professional Development grant opportunities and see if they meet your needs