Computer Science
Information and resources related to computer science education for students in kindergarten through grade 12 (K–12).The California Department of Education supports the implementation of California's academic content standards through various professional learning opportunities, partnerships with local educational agencies, and technical assistance opportunities. This page contains resources and information for enhancing the content knowledge and teaching skills of classroom teachers and links to foundational documents which guide California's computer science instruction.
Distance Learning and COVID-19 Computer Science Resources
Guidance and resources for teachers and families in K-12 schools regarding high quality distance learning (Content Resources tab)
State Guidance
Information and guidelines for implementing and improving computer science (CS) programs, including content standards and legislation.
Computer Science Strategic Implementation Plan (CSSIP)
- Adopted by the State Board of Education (SBE) on May 8, 2019
- Developed to support local plan development and refinement of CS education
- Developed from the recommendations of the CSSIP Panel (DOCX)
- Submitted to the Legislature via the California Computer Science Strategic Implementation Plan Report (DOCX)
Computer Science Standards (Pre-Publication)
- Adopted by the SBE on September 6, 2018
- Defines the core concepts and practices that are vertically aligned, coherent across grades, and in grade spans kindergarten through grade two, three through five, six through eight, and nine through twelve
Resources
Information and sites with informative and classroom-based resources to support computer science (CS) education. Recommendations were provided by the CSSIP Panel.
ACCESS CSforCA Equity Guide
Guide designed for administrators interested in implementing equity-minded CS in their schools, districts, or counties.
AccessCSforAll
Research–practitioner partnership that develops resources and professional learning for CS teachers to increase the successful participation of students with disabilities in K–12 computing.
Bootstrap
Research-based curricular modules for grades six through twelve. Materials reinforce core concepts from mainstream subjects like Mathematics, Physics, and Data Science, enabling non-CS teachers to adopt introductory materials while delivering rigorous and engaging computing content.
Code Studio
Combined set of tools and guided lessons to get students in kindergarten through high school interested in the underlying concepts behind coding, with an interface for teachers to monitor where their students are in the lesson progression.
Code.org 3rd Party Educator Resources
Repository of CS curricula and professional learning providers curated by code.org that a school or school district can access to provide an in-school offering for their students.
CS Teaching Tips
Repository of tips to help CS teachers anticipate students' difficulties and build upon students strengths.
CS Unplugged
Collection of free learning activities that teach CS without computers through engaging games and puzzles that use cards, string, crayons, and physical activity. Links to other resources related to teaching CS and CS outreach.
CS4AllKids
Repository of integrated computational thinking lessons for kindergarten through grade eight curated by educators in Washington state. Tips from teachers are also provided.
EngageCSEdu
Repository of assignments, tutorials, labs, assessments, lecture notes, exercises, and projects. Materials focus on introductory-level college or upper-level high school CS and on engaging a diverse population of students.
Nifty Assignments
Repository of CS assignments gathered at the annual Special Interest Group on Computer Science Education meeting. Descriptions of assignments are provided along with related materials that focus on introductory-level CS.
Project Quantum
Crowd-sourced repository of multiple choice assessment items. Questions cover programming, computational thinking, information technology, and digital literacy.
Scratch and Scratch Jr.
Block-based programming environment and online community that students can use to code their own interactive stories, animations, and games. Targets learners age eight and older (Scratch) and ages five to seven (Scratch Jr.). Educator communities, in-person gatherings, guides, and tutorials are provided. List of block-based programming environments is provided on the Scratch Wiki.
Students & Families
Information and sites for students and families that support CS education. Recommendations were provided by the CSSIP Panel.
CS Unplugged
Collection of free learning activities that teach CS without computers through engaging games and puzzles that use cards, string, crayons, and physical activity.
Family Code Night
Family engagement event where parents and their children do their first hour coding together. Event kits are provided to support organizations in hosting Family Code Night,
Scratch and Scratch Jr.
Block-based programming environment and online community that students can use to code their own interactive stories, animations, and games. Targets learners age eight and older (Scratch) and ages five to seven (Scratch Jr.). Educator communities, in-person gatherings, guides, and tutorials are provided. List of block-based programming environments is provided on the Scratch Wiki.
Organizations & Partnerships
Organizations at the state and national level that inform CS education. Recommendations were provided by the CSSIP Panel.
Alliance for California Computing Education for Students and Schools (ACCESS)
Statewide network for computer scientists, K–12 teachers, professors from community colleges through universities, educational policy advocates, and related industry professionals. Advocates for high-quality K–12 CS education in California and ensuring it is accessible to all students. Focuses on three major themes around CS education: equity and access, quality CS curriculum, and teacher capacity.
Computer Science Teachers Association
Membership organization that supports and promotes the teaching of CS at the K–12 grade levels.
CS for ALL Teachers
Virtual community of practice, welcoming all teachers from PreK through high school who are interested in teaching CS.
CSforAll Consortium
Hub for the national CS for All movement. Provides information on providers, schools, funders, and researchers focused on the goal of providing quality CS education to every child in the United States.
