STEM 2nd-5th Computer Science Course PD 2026-27

Description: This is a self-paced (asynchronous) course.

Standards

· Participants will explore, understand, and be able to use the new national CS Framework and Standards in instructional planning and teaching

Overview of Computer Science and Computational Thinking

· Participants will understand the connection between computer science and computational thinking and the application of CS and CT to other subject areas, specifically math, science, and literacy. (Computer science is the study of computation and its application using computers. Computational thinking includes the skills and ways of thinking that are used when writing computer programs.)

· Computer Science is an academic discipline that encompasses the study of computing devices and algorithmic processes, including their principles, their hardware and software designs, their applications, and their impact on society.

Developing Concepts and Pedagogy

· Participants will explore the concepts, practices and dispositions of computational thinking (CT) and gain new CT skills so that they can introduce, teach, reinforce and assess CT with students in their classroom.

Integrating Computational Thinking

· Participants will gain an understanding of how to integrate computational thinking and computer science into other core content areas (specifically math, science, and literacy).

Engagement and Equity

· Participants will develop tools and strategies to engage all learners in computer science and computational thinking; particularly girls, ELLs, and students of color.

· Participants will learn about resources for STEM-related future opportunities to share with students.

· Build a collaborative and supportive community to support integration of Computational Thinking and Computer Science. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Content standards for continuing education credit hours that apply to this PD are highlighted below.

The content and objectives of in-service continuing education credit hours must relate to one or more of the following:

(1) Opportunities for participants to collect and analyze evidence related to student learning; 

(2) Professional certificate standards;

(3) Paraeducator standards of practice as described in Title 179 WAC;

(4) School and district improvement efforts;

(5) Education frameworks and curriculum alignment;

(6) Research-based instructional strategies and assessment practices;

(7) Content of current or anticipated assignment;

(8) Advocacy for students and leadership;

(9) Supervision, mentoring, or coaching; or

(10) Building a collaborative learning community.

Source: State Content Standards (Chapter 181-85 WAC)