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s e s t e y t y B B S C CS

FALL 2021

Table Of Contents

Welcome To The Team Why Computer Science Program and Course Updates Partner Spotlight CSPD Week 2021 Professional Learning Opportunities Computer Science Education Week Tell Us Something Good Helpful Resources

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Welcome To The Team

The office of career and technical education welcomes Dominick Sanders as the Computer Science State Supervisor. In this role, he is responsible for k-12 computer science education programs and professional development across the state. As a national leader and former computer science teacher, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with the various stakeholders here. He is an alumnus of the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) Equity Fellow Program. His team put on the CSTA Equity In Action Summit this past March. He was recently featured on the Boot-Up podcast which can be found here and also created the CSTA 2021 conference in review which can be found here. His skills and expertise will be pivotal as we continue to plan for a more equitable and resilient future for our students across the state.

Why Computer Science? Computer science education is essential for preparing students for the future of work. By teaching students about this domain, we are working to create a pipeline of computer science graduates and workers, enhance this profession with a focus on equity, build digital skills that are expected of workers in nearly any profession, and cultivate adaptability by future-proofing students’ skillsets.

Being future-ready means having the critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed to be successful at whatever jobs develop so that today’s students can support themselves and their families with dignity in the workplace.

Indeed, computer science elevates students’ career prospects and their lifetime earning potential, empowering them to uplift and support their families. These salaries then fuel the economy and can even encourage tech investment into previously overlooked communities.

Program & Course Updates

Game and Interactive Media Design Pathway Required Courses Foundations of Animation Game Design and Development New Additional Courses Computer Programming 1, 2 with Python Computer Programming 1, 2 with Swift CS Grad Requirement Update Business Data Applications (5021) added to the CS Graduation Requirement Fulfillment List

Partner Spotlight

Questions? Contact Dakota DeLuca at dakota.deluca@it-ology.org

AI will change the world, who will change AI?

South Carolina Department of Education is partnering with AI4ALL, a non-profit focused on opening doors to the artificial intelligence (AI) industry to historically excluded talent through education and mentorship. AI is reshaping every field and we want to give every student exposure to AI, and future careers in AI, in an interdisciplinary and approachable way. Through a partnership with AI4ALL’s Open Learning program, we intend to bring inclusive AI education and professional development to high-school educators in South Carolina. Through this partnership, educators will be able to incorporate AI lessons in their classrooms and spark an interest in AI for any student.

Computer Science Renewal Credit Program South Carolina Department of Education has partnered with BloomBoard, the national leader in micro-credential-based career pathways, to provide a new and unique opportunity for educators to obtain renewal credits in computer science (CS). This one-of-a-kind opportunity engages educators in an authentic, learning-by-doing experience in a much-needed discipline. 50 teachers were selected for the initial pilot. These teachers will complete nine micro-credentials within a two-year time frame. With the micro-credentials, the teachers will:

Explore foundational CS concepts through the job-embedded learning cycle Become fluent in the South Carolina ComputerScience Standards Utilize content-agnostic pedagogical practices to build a foundation of CS skills and knowledge that will serve students as they progress to a more technical CS curriculum in middle and high school Support the development of an inclusive computing culture that encourages increased engagement of women and people of color interested in computer science.

CSPD WEEK From July 26-30th, 286 South Carolina K-12 teachers joined together to equip their toolbox during this year's 2nd Annual Computer Science Professional Development Week (CSPDWeek). This year's CSPDWeek expanded on the partnership between the South Carolina Department of Education and the Computer Science Teacher Association (CSTA) South Carolina chapter through a US Department of Education's Education Innovation and Research (EIR) grant led by the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA). As part of this new collaboration, teachers received a stipend for participation in CSPDWeek, were able to choose from expanded workshop options, and will be eligible for an additional stipend by attending follow-up professional learning throughout the year. Take a look at what some of the teachers had to say about this year's CSPDWeek; “CSPD Week was AMAZING! I learned so much that I can actually take back to my classroom !” “SC CSPD Week was an awesome learning opportunity. It allowed me to dive deep into a tool I will be using with my students, learn from experts, and network/build relationships with my SC CS teaching peers! 10/10 would recommend !” "I was very fearful of CS because I always thought it included aspects that required specific training including degrees. however, after being exposed during CSPD week to different resources, including but not limited to: lessons, sites, and strategies, I am now equipped to empower my students whilst learning and growing with them. I can only get better from this point."

Professional Learning Opportunities

Please see our computer science professional learning opportunities. All of these workshops are virtual and free. K-8 Offerings

Sept. 18, 2021 - CS Across the Curriculum Oct. 16, 2021 - Hands-on CS/CT Jan. 22, 2022 - CS & Literacy Mar. 26, 2022 - CS & Numeracy

9-12 Offerings

Sept. 18, 2021 - CS Career Connections Oct. 16, 2021 - Tales from the CS Workforce Jan. 22, 2022 - Building a Robust CS Program Mar. 26, 2022 - Advanced Topics in CS

Workshop Times: 9 am - 3 pm 6 renewal credits for each workshop

Mark Your Calenders CSEdWeek: December 6 - 12, 2021

Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek) is an annual call to action to inspire K-12 students to learn computer science, advocate for equity in computer science education, and celebrate the contributions of students, teachers, and partners to the field. More details to come in the upcoming months.

Tell Us Something Good

Are you a teacher or district doing phenomenal work in CS? We want to highlight you in upcoming newsletters. Please be sure to let us know using the link below or scanning the qr code.

bit.ly/csscshareout

Helpful Resources

Required Credentials Computer Science Standards (K-8 and 9-12) Activity Coding System for the Student Information System 2021-2022 CTE Completer Programs Computer Science Is changing everything

List Serv If you haven't already, please sign up for our computer science listerv. This will keep you abreast of computer science information throughout the state.

Bit.ly/cs4sclist Or use the QR Code Below

For more information about the South Carolina Computer Science Initiative, please contact

Computer Science State SupervisorDominick Sanders, dsanders@ed.sc.gov 9-12 Information Technology Educational AssociateAndrew Cook, acook@ed.sc.gov