Segerstrom High School CTE

Computer Science Pathway

Computer Science Essentials - (Intermediate Systems Programming)

AP Computer Science Principles - (Advanced Systems Programming AP Comp Sci)

An Overview of The Computer Science Pathway

This pathway is designed to introduce students to computer science through project-based learning centered on the essential computer science topics and skills needed to continue in the field of computer science and Information Technologies. To accomplish this students will solve problems and create value for others through innovation and creativity. Successful completion of the pathway will result in a Certification of Completion for the SAUSD CTE Computer Science Pathway.

The pathway consists of 2 courses

CSE (Computer Science Essentials) (Concentrator)

AP CSP (AP Computer Science Principles) (Capstone)

1st Course, Computer Science Essentials (Concentrator)
- SAUSD course (Intermediate Systems Programming)
- Students will experience the major topics, big ideas, and computational thinking practices used by computing professionals to solve problems and create value for others. This course will empower students to develop computational thinking skills while building confidence that prepares them to advance to AP Computer Science Principles
- Units:
  - Mobile Application Development
  - Autonomous Vehicles VEX-V5
  - Introduction to Python®

2nd Course: AP® Computer Science Principles (Capstone)
- SAUSD course (Advanced Systems Programming AP Comp Sci)
- Using Python® as a primary tool, students explore and become inspired by career paths that utilize computing, discover tools that foster creativity and collaboration, and use what they’ve learned to tackle challenges like app development and simulation. This course is endorsed by the College Board, giving students the opportunity to take the AP Computer Science Principles exam for college credit.
- Units:
  - Creative Computing
  - Every Bit of the Internet
  - Little Data to Big Data
    - AP Performance Task
  - Solving Complex Problems

Student sites

Parent sites

Why CTE
PLTW

School forms

About me

I'm extremely excited to have Computer Science Essentials on campus this year.

I currently teach Computer Science Essentials (CSE), AP Computer Science Principles (AP CSP), Physics, and AP Physics at Segerstrom High School in Santa Ana. I’m originally from Iowa and came to California 19 years ago. I initially taught for 11 years at Eisenhower HS, then one year at Canyon HS before coming to Segerstrom. About 5 years ago my students came to me wanting to start a robotics club and I realized I needed to improve my coding skills. I completed a 2 year computer science credential program at UCI and this last summer the PLTW CSE course. Since then I’ve been on a little mission to get CS on our campus and am proud to say I have one course of Computer Science Essentials this year.

I worked with a start up over the last 3 years creating an app for a digital school planner. We started with an extension for google chrome, and expanded this last year to work on the IOS platform.

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