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Computer Science Update

Requirements, Timelines, Funding, & Support

ComputerScience UpdateRequirements, Timelines, Funding, & Support

A Brief Timeline of Computer Science in Iowa A Brief Timeline of Computer Science in Iowa

Fall 2020 Computer Science Update Video

Requirements & Timelines

In June 2018, K-12 computer science standards were adopted in Iowa. Instruction addressing these standards has been optional for districts.


In June 2020, the Future Ready Iowa Act (House File 2629) was signed into law and includes REQUIREMENTS and TIMELINES for computer science planning and instruction:

  • By July 1, 2022: All public and non public districts develop & implement a K-12 computer science plan.

  • Starting July 2022: High schools must offer one-half unit of computer science beginning. The course may be offered online.

  • Starting July 2023: Provide computer science instruction aligned to the standards in at least one grade level from 1st to 6th.

  • Starting July 2023: Provide computer science instruction aligned to the standards in at least one grade level from 7th to 8th.

Professional Development Funding Opportunity

On October 12, 2020, the Iowa Department of Education announced the Computer Science Professional Development Incentive Fund (CSPDIF) to support districts with meeting the computer science requirements in the Future Ready Iowa Act.


Applications are now open and will be accepted until Monday, November 9th, 2020.

Grant Wood AEA districts can:


  • Develop and submit their own application for the CSPDIF, and/or
  • Participate in the collaborative grant Grant Wood AEA is developing on behalf of interested districts.


All districts are asked to complete our CS Current State & Grant Application Interest Survey by 3p on October 28th so we can support you with your CS work. You can also click the green buttons to access the survey.


You can learn more about the CSPDIF here.
CS Current State & Grant Application Interest Survey
All districts complete this survey by 3p on 10/28!

GWAEA CSPDIF Application Plan GWAEA CSPDIF Application Plan

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Support for District Development of Computer Science K-12 Implementation Plan

GWAEA will support district teams with creating their K-12 computer science plan using CSforALL's SCRIPT: the Strategic CSforALL Resource & Implementation Planning Tool. SCRIPT is a framework to guide teams of district administrators, school leaders, and educators through a series of collaborative visioning, self-assessment and goal-setting exercises to create or expand upon a computer science education implementation plan for their students.


You can learn more about this support here.

Support for Understanding the Computer Science Standards

Iowa's Computer Science standards were developed by the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA). The standards include 5 concept areas and 7 practices.


Districts can use the resources below to explore the standards on their own or choose to utilize the AEA Learning Online self-paced courses.


GWAEA's grant application includes stipends for teacher time to complete the AEA Learning Online CS Standards self-paced courses below and the cost of license renewal credit.

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Explore the K-12 CS Standards

You can explore the standards online or download either the standards document or standards progression document to learn more on your own or as a district team.


Quality computer science instruction addresses the 5 concepts areas and 7 practices included in the standards. The content areas include:


  • Computing Systems
  • Networks & The Internet
  • Data & Analysis
  • Algorithm & Programming
  • Impacts of Computing
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K-8 CS Standards Self-paced Course

Interested in learning more about Iowa's Computer Science Standards? Check out the Iowa Computer Science Standards Self-paced Course offered on AEA Learning Online for K-8 educators. The four content modules in this course are:


  • Understanding the What and Why of Computer Science,
  • the K-12 Computer Science Framework,
  • the CSTA (Iowa) Standards, and
  • Applying and Connecting the Computer Science Standards.
Educators can earn one license renewal credit for completing the course.
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9-12 CS Standards Self-paced Course

Interested in learning more about Iowa's Computer Science Standards? Check out the Iowa Computer Science Standards Self-paced Course offered on AEA Learning Online for 9-12 educators. The four content modules in this course are:


  • Understanding the What and Why of Computer Science,
  • the K-12 Computer Science Framework,
  • the CSTA (Iowa) Standards, and
  • Applying and Connecting the Computer Science Standards.

Educators can earn one license renewal credit for completing the course.

CS Current State & Grant Application Interest Survey
All districts complete this survey by 3p on 10/28!

Supports for High Quality K-12 Computer Science Instruction

GWAEA's grant application includes either sub costs or stipends for teacher time to complete the professional development options below. When available, the cost of license renewal credit is also covered with grant funds.

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K-5: Introduction to Programming with Scratch

Program information: This online, self-paced course is appropriate for teachers of all disciplines who teach K-12th grade. Participants will learn how to use Scratch for interactive art, animated storytelling, and game development. Previous programming experience is not a requirement for this course.


Participant requirements: This online, self-paced course work requires 20-25 hours to complete. Educators may choose to be part of a cohort to collaborate together as they complete the course work.

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6-8: Code.org Computer Science Discoveries

Program information: Computer Science Discoveries is an introductory computer science course for 6 - 10th grade students. Mapped to CTSA standards, the course takes a wide lens on computer science by covering topics such as problem solving, programming, physical computing, user centered design, and data, while inspiring students as they build their own websites, apps, animations, games, and physical computing systems.


This course can be taught as a 1 or 2 semester course (or 50+ course hours)


Participant requirements:

  • Commit to participating in the full, year-long professional learning program

  • Plan to teach the course in the 2021-22 school year

  • Support the recruitment and enrollment of a diverse group of students in the course, representative of the school's student population

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9-12: Code.org Computer Science Principles

Program information: Computer Science Principles introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and challenges them to explore how computing and technology can impact the world. More than a traditional introduction to programming, it is a rigorous, engaging, and approachable course that explores many of the foundational ideas of computing so all students understand how these concepts are transforming the world we live in.


This year-long course can be taught as an introductory course and as an AP course.


Participant requirements:

  • Commit to participating in the full, year-long professional learning program

  • Plan to teach the course in the 2021-22 school year

  • Support the recruitment and enrollment of a diverse group of students in the course, representative of the school's student population

Computer Science Endorsements Computer Science Endorsements

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Computer science teaching endorsements are available but not currently required in Iowa.


The Iowa Department of Education has a document that outlines the requirements for a CS teaching endorsement. The Board of Educational Examiners has a computer science endorsement checklist.


The University of Northern Iowa offers a full program for the CS Endorsement. The program is designed for HS CS teachers. It is rigorous and prepares HS teachers with the content knowledge and pedagogy needed to be successful. Please contact Corey Rogers if you'd like information about other endorsement options or programs.

CS Current State & Grant Application Interest Survey
All districts complete this survey by 3p on 10/28!
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About Us

The Grant Wood Digital Learning Team works with AEA 10 schools to help them integrate technology in the classroom. We work with teachers and administrators on-site, and at Grant Wood facilities. Each school district is assigned a Technology Consultant from the Digital Learning Team to help facilitate the ways in which we can help schools improve teaching and learning with technology.

Email: digitallearning@gwaea.org
Website: dlgwaea.org
Location: Cedar Rapids, IA, USA
Phone: (319)399-6700
Facebook: facebook.com/dlgwaea
Twitter: @dlgwaea

Grant Wood Area Education Agency extends equal opportunities in its employment practices, educational programs and services, and does not discriminate on the basis of color, gender, race, national origin, religion, creed, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, veteran status or as otherwise prohibited by law. If you believe you or your child has been discriminated against or treated unjustly, please contact the Agency’s Equity Coordinator, Maria Cashman, at 319-399-6847 or 800-332-8488, Grant Wood AEA, 4401 Sixth St SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404.
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