Computer science

GPA:  No WEIGHTED:  No

PRE- or COREQUISITE:  Algebra I

Computer Science I will foster students' creativity and innovation by presenting opportunities to design, implement, and present meaningful programs through a variety of media. Students will collaborate with one another, their instructor, and various electronic communities to solve the problems presented throughout the course. Through data analysis, students will identify task requirements, plan search strategies, and use computer science concepts to access, analyze, and evaluate information needed to solve problems. By using computer science knowledge and skills that support the work of individuals and groups in solving problems, students will select the technology appropriate for the task, synthesize knowledge, create solutions, and evaluate the results. Students will learn digital citizenship by researching current laws and regulations and by practicing integrity and respect. Students will gain an understanding of the principles of computer science through the study of technology operations, systems, and concepts. The six strands include creativity and innovation; communication and collaboration; research and information fluency; critical thinking; problem solving, and decision making; digital citizenship; and technology operations and concepts. 

COURSE NOTES: This class may count towards the JISD required technology credit and state LOTE credit.

GPA:  No WEIGHTED:  Yes

PREREQUISITE:  Algebra I and Computer Science I or AP Computer Science Principles

Computer Science II will foster students' creativity and innovation by presenting opportunities to design, implement, and present meaningful programs through a variety of media. Students will collaborate with one another, their instructor, and various electronic communities to solve the problems presented throughout the course. Through data analysis, students will identify task requirements, plan search strategies, and use computer science concepts to access, analyze, and evaluate information needed to solve problems. By using computer science knowledge and skills that support the work of individuals and groups in solving problems, students will select the technology appropriate for the task, synthesize knowledge, create solutions, and evaluate the results. Students will learn digital citizenship by researching current laws and regulations and by practicing integrity and respect. Students will gain an understanding of computer science through the study of technology operations, systems, and concepts. The six strands include creativity and innovation; communication and collaboration; research and information fluency; critical thinking; problem solving, and decision making; digital citizenship; and technology operations and concepts. 

COURSE NOTES: This class may count towards the JISD required technology credit and state LOTE credit. Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, this course will receive weighted credit. 

GPA:  Yes WEIGHTED:  Yes

PREREQUISITE:  None

RECOMMENDED PREREQUISITE:  Algebra I or a student should be comfortable with functions and the concepts found in the uses of functional notation such as f(x) = x + 2 and f(x) = g(h(x)). 

Content requirements for Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science A are prescribed in the College Board Publication Advanced Placement Course Description: Computer Science A, published by The College Board. 

COURSE NOTES: This class may count towards the JISD required technology credit and state LOTE credit.

Students who enroll in AP Computer Science A are expected to take the corresponding AP exam.

Students taking the AP exam have the opportunity to earn college credit.

GPA:  Yes WEIGHTED:  Yes

PREREQUISITE:  None  

RECOMMENDED PREREQUISITE:  Algebra I 

Content requirements for Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science Principles are prescribed in the College Board Publication Advanced Placement® Curriculum Framework: AP Computer Science Principles, published by The College Board.

COURSE NOTES: This class may count towards the JISD required technology credit and state LOTE credit.

Students who enroll in AP Computer Science Principles are expected to take the corresponding AP exam.

Students taking the AP exam have the opportunity to earn college credit.

GPA:  No WEIGHTED:  No

PREREQUISITE:  None

In Principles of Information Technology, students will develop computer literacy skills to adapt to emerging technologies used in the global marketplace. Students will implement personal and interpersonal skills to prepare for a rapidly evolving workplace environment. Students will enhance reading, writing, computing, communication, and reasoning skills and apply them to the information technology environment. 

COURSE NOTES: This class may count towards the JISD required technology credit. 

GPA:  No WEIGHTED:  No

The Practicum in Entrepreneurship provides students the opportunity to apply classroom learnings and experiences to real-world business problems and opportunities, while expanding their skill sets and professional relationships as a real or simulated business owner versus the experience one would have as an employee. Students will prepare for an entrepreneurial career in their area of interest in their career cluster and build on and apply the knowledge and skills gained from courses taken in an array of career areas. Practicum experiences occur in a paid or unpaid arrangement and a variety of locations appropriate to the nature and level of the student’s need for work-based learning experience. Students implement personal and interpersonal skills to strengthen individual performance in the workplace and in society and to make a successful transition to the workforce or postsecondary education. It is recommended that students are paired with local business owners or employers in their specific industry program of study. 2 credits