1. New Course/e-Textbook Review - Applied Studies Department
1.A. Computer Science
Rationale:
Presenter(s):
Dr. Kristen Brooks
Mr. Mark Doolan
Ms. Lori Dight
Topic:
BHS Computer Science Course and wikibook
Summary of the Briefing:
PA 15-94, An Act Concerning Computer Science Courses and High School Graduation, requires computer programming courses by July 1, 2016. Additionally, we want students college and/or career ready for computer science positions, as there is a need in this field. The State Department of Labor indicates that 17% of job growth is in the computer science area, particularly computer systems analysts, software developers, and computer support specialists.
This will be a year long exploratory course for 11th and 12th graders
This course will be fully aligned to the ISTE Standards (International Society for Technology in Education), Connecticut State Career and Technical Education (CTE) Standards, the Connecticut Common Core Standards for Language Arts, and the Connecticut Common Core Standards for Mathematics
The course will support the work in the Career Technical Pathway
Students will need to complete prerequisites in order to register for the course
(Two of any of the below):
Desktop and Web Publishing (1/2 year)
Robotics (1/2 year)
Graphic Design I (1/2 year)
Computer Information and Applications (1/2 year)
Course topics will include but are not limited to basic hardware components and their functions; digital security and networking; algorithms; basic tenants of Computer Science and career exploration within this field; and an introduction to Javascript, HTML/CSS, SQL, and jQuery.
The course will be a self-paced blended classroom approach delivered via Google Classroom. The teacher will serve as facilitator and guide student interest and skill level.
This course will conclude with a student-selected, authentic, culminating project.
No additional staff members are needed to teach this course.
The wikibook, Introduction to Computer Information Systems, is proposed to support the learning of this course.
The wikibook was selected as it customizable, updated continuously, and offers numerous embedded projects, tests, quizzes, and challenges.
A School membership to CodeHS - Introduction to Computer Science Course is needed to support the work. Offering 2 courses of Computer Science (50 seats) is $5,000 annually @ $100 per student. The Perkins Grant will continue to fund this after the initial set up.
PA 15-94, An Act Concerning Computer Science Courses and High School Graduation, requires computer programming courses by July 1, 2016. Additionally, we want students college and/or career ready for computer science positions, as there is a need in this field. The State Department of Labor indicates that 17% of job growth is in the computer science area, particularly computer systems analysts, software developers, and computer support specialists.
This will be a year long AP course for 11th and 12th graders
This course will be fully aligned to the ISTE Standards (International Society for Technology in Education), Connecticut State Career and Technical Education (CTE) Standards, the Connecticut Common Core Standards for Language Arts, and the Connecticut Common Core Standards for Mathematics
The course will support the work in the Career Technical Pathway
Students will need to complete prerequisites in order to register for the course
(Two of any of the below):
Desktop and Web Publishing (1/2 year)
Robotics (1/2 year)
Graphic Design I (1/2 year)
Computer Information and Applications (1/2 year)
The AP Computer Science course will be designed to help students master the basics of Java and equip them to successfully pass the College Board AP Computer Science A Exam in the Spring.
The course will be a self-paced blended classroom approach delivered via Google Classroom. The teacher will serve as facilitator and guide student interest and skill level.
No additional staff members are needed to teach this course.
The ebook, Java Methods Third AP Edition, will support the work within this course.
The ebook cost is $1,200 (anticipating 15 students @ $80 per student).
CodeHS resources are also needed to support the work which will cost $1,500 (@ 100 per student). The annual price will be funded through our Perkins Grant.
This will be a year long exploratory course for 11th and 12th graders
This course will be fully aligned to the ISTE Standards (International Society for Technology in Education), Connecticut State Career and Technical Education (CTE) Standards
The course will support the work in the Career Technical Pathway
Students will need to complete prerequisites in order to register for the course
Tech Design, and any of the two below:
Architectural Design 1
Architectural Design 2
Mechanical Design 1
Mechanical Design 2
Students who complete the program will:
Understand technology as a tool for problem-solving
Understand the design process, scientific process, problem-solving in engineering, and the application of technology in engineering
Be prepared for the rigors of college-level programs in engineering or engineering technology
Understand technological systems and how they interact with other systems
Apply appropriate technological systems in analyzing and solving problems
Use mathematical principles to solve problems
Communicate effectively both written and verbal
Work well in a team environment
Survey various engineering fields such as civil, electrical, mechanical, computer, manufacturing, etc.
The project-based course will call students to solve real-world problems.
No additional staff members are needed to teach this course.
The e-book, Engineering Fundamentals: Design, Principles, and Careers, is proposed to support the learning of this course.
