| DATE: | April 6, 2018 |
|---|---|
| TO: | Division Superintendents |
| FROM: | Steven M. Constantino, Ed.D., Acting Superintendent of Public Instruction |
| SUBJECT: | Implementation Timeline for the 2017 Computer Science Standards of Learning |
In November 2017, the Virginia Board of Education adopted the 2017 Computer Science Standards of Learning. These standards identify academic content for essential components of the computer science curriculum at different grade levels for Virginia’s public schools. Implementation of these standards will occur beginning in the fall of 2019.
A curriculum framework as well as other supplemental documents will be developed and posted throughout 2018. These will provide guidance for proper implementation of computer science integrated and standalone content.
A timeline for the 2017 Computer Science Standards of Learning follows:
2017-2018 School Year
- Professional development opportunities are provided to Virginia teachers through a variety of resources.
- Development of the Computer Science Curriculum Frameworks begins.
- Standalone Computer Science courses are assigned SCED codes and eligible endorsements.
2018-2019 School Year
- Professional development opportunities continue to be provided to Virginia teachers through a variety of resources.
- Computer Science Curriculum Framework documents are finalized, approved, and distributed.
- School divisions are encouraged to begin developing curriculum and internally training teachers.
2019-2020 School Year
- Professional development opportunities continue to be provided to Virginia teachers through a variety of resources.
- 2017 Computer Science Standards of Learning are included in the written and taught curricula in classrooms.
Recognizing that curriculum alignment efforts require planning, time, staff development, and resources, school divisions should begin to:
- review and align computer science curricula with the Standards;
- review current resource materials and correlate them with the Standards;
- develop new materials where needed; and
- provide staff development for teachers.
For questions about computer science, please contact Timothy Ellis, Computer Science and Virtual Learning Specialist, by email at Timothy.Ellis@doe.virginia.gov: Email link. or by phone at (804) 225-3489.
SMC/TM/ce