Make Computer Science Courses Count toward Graduation CreditsPlease help us make computer science satisfy existing high school graduation requirements for math or science.

The Issue

Every student in every school should have the opportunity to learn computer programming. Computer science should be part of the core curriculum in education, alongside other science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses, such as biology, physics, chemistry and algebra.

Unfortunately, computer science courses in high school are often electives. In fact, only 13 states and DC clearly allow a rigorous CS course, such as AP CS to count toward math/science graduation requirements.

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Albert SimonPetition Starter
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This petition had 501 supporters

The Issue

Every student in every school should have the opportunity to learn computer programming. Computer science should be part of the core curriculum in education, alongside other science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses, such as biology, physics, chemistry and algebra.

Unfortunately, computer science courses in high school are often electives. In fact, only 13 states and DC clearly allow a rigorous CS course, such as AP CS to count toward math/science graduation requirements.

avatar of the starter
Albert SimonPetition Starter
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The Decision Makers

Jim Carlton
Jim Carlton
CSTA
Responded
“We need more teachers to offer CS classes. The new AP Computer Science course that is an introductory course will be available to teach fall of 2016. AP Computer Science (Java Programming) is available now. You can find curriculum on the internet. Contact me if you are interested in teaching AP Computer Science and I will point you in the direction of approved curriculum and syllabi. ”
Irene Lee
Irene Lee
Santa Fe Institute
Responded
“Thanks to all who signed this petition. BUT equally important is the need for teachers prepared to offer Computer Science classes in NM high schools! Please share this information broadly - we are still recruiting teachers to join NM-CSforAll. Dear NM teachers, You are cordially invited to participate in cohort 2 of “New Mexico Computer Science for All” (NM-CSforAll), a National Science Foundation-funded Teacher Professional Development Program in Computer Science sponsored by the Santa Fe Institute and the University of New Mexico. NM-CSforAll aims to: 1) prepare in-service teachers to become teachers of Computer Science, 2) reinstate Computer Science classes in NM high schools, and 3) engage NM high school students in learning Computer Science leading to future endeavors in Computer Science and Information Technology. NM-CSforAll offers: - A Kickoff conference at the Santa Fe Institute (January 3-4, 2014). - An online Computer Science Principles course for High School teachers (currently offered as UNM CS390/590) with extensive support provided through an online PD network. - Quarterly online professional development workshops. - A one-week Summer Intensive Workshop to learn and practice pedagogy for engaging and retaining students from underrepresented group in Computer Science (followed by the one-week Supercomputing Challenge/Project GUTS Summer Teacher Institute.) - Ongoing support as participants offer the lab portion of the dual-credit CS Principles course (UNM CS108L) to high school students during the regular school day. Participants can receive 3 Graduate Credits through UNM for completing the CS Principles for High School Teachers course (at the CS590 level) or a certificate for completing the course (at the CS390 level) plus stipends of $1,200 for participation in the program. This program is an excellent way for teachers to learn Computer Science and receive practical instruction and assistance on implementing a Computer Science class at their school. The activity-based approach makes learning interesting and fun for both veteran and new teachers interested in Computer Science. The NM-CSforAll curriculum was developed by the Santa Fe Institute and University of New Mexico in partnership with the Supercomputing Challenge. NM-CSforAll includes a research and evaluation study about the impact of the teacher professional development in computer science on promoting students’ interest and learning in computer science. If you are interested in this program, please fill out the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NM-CSteacher-2013 For more information, please email Irene Lee, the principal investigator at lee@santafe.edu. Sincerely, Irene Lee ”
John M. Sapien
John M. Sapien
NM Senate, Chair of Education Committee
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Petition created on December 3, 2013