August 2024 Newsletter
In This Issue:
This is a big year for computer science (CS) education in Oklahoma! Thanks to recent legislation, starting this school year, all public schools will offer students CS opportunities.
What does this mean for educators?
High Schools:
- “Beginning in the 2024-2025 school year, all public high schools and public charter high schools in this state shall offer a minimum of one computer science course to students” (70 O.S. § 11-103.6m).
- Every high school must offer at least one standalone CS course aligned to the Oklahoma Academic Standards for Computer Science (OAS-CS). This is a fantastic chance to introduce students to the exciting world of coding, problem-solving, and computational thinking.
Middle and Elementary Schools:
- “Beginning in the 2024-2025 school year, all public middle and elementary schools and public charter middle and elementary schools in this state shall offer instruction aligned to the Oklahoma Academic Standards for Computer Science” (70 O.S. § 11-103.6m).
- Schools can choose from three approaches to meet the legislative requirements:
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Standalone CS Course: Middle and elementary schools may opt for a dedicated CS class.
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Integrated CS Instruction: CS education can be integrated into other subjects like math, science, or language arts, making learning more engaging and relevant.
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Special Programming: Schools can offer CS as part of their existing special programming rotations.
Need Help Implementing and Sustaining CS Education?
Implementing CS education at your site or district can be challenging. The Oklahoma State Department of Education is here to support you!
- Are you curious about how to integrate CS education into elementary or middle school classes?
- Do you need assistance understanding the Oklahoma Academic Standards for Computer Science at any grade level?
- Do you need a thought partner on how to implement CS education at your site or district?
Feel free to contact me (Jeremy.Maker@sde.ok.gov) for any questions or support you may need. You can also click here to schedule a video conference with me.
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In classrooms across our state, educators are weaving the fabric of the future by providing computer science (CS) instruction. Whether CS is offered through stand-alone classes, integrated within other content areas, or provided through special course rotations, the dedication of Oklahoma educators is shaping the minds of students, leaving a lasting impact.
I envision a thriving CS education community in Oklahoma, one that fosters growth and innovation. To realize this vision, here are three essential goals:
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Supporting Educators: As a CS education community, we can lend a helping hand to teachers new to CS, ensuring a smooth experience and nurturing their passion for CS education.
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Sharing Ideas and Resources: Educators are the best source of inspiration and innovation. The CS education community can come together to exchange ideas and resources, enriching teaching methods and expanding horizons.
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Professional Growth and Development: CS is a constantly evolving field. Collaborative professional learning will keep the CS education community at the forefront of best practices, leveraging emerging trends and technologies for the benefit of Oklahoma students.
Your voice matters in shaping this growing CS community. I invite you to complete this brief survey to express your interest in becoming a part of this exciting journey. Together, we can empower the next generation of innovators and change-makers.
Thank you for your dedication to Oklahoma's CS education.
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Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) is excited to announce free professional development workshops for the 2024-25 school year. These workshops will be held in different regions to support educators with effective instructional strategies aligned to the Oklahoma Academic Standards. Space is limited, so register today!
Elementary - STEM and Computer Science
There are two parts to this professional development opportunity. The first part explores engaging and interactive resources for integrating STEM into the classroom using center-based activities. The second part explores how the Oklahoma Academic Standards for Computer Science (OAS-CS) can be leveraged to support other subject areas.
- Wednesday, September 11, Muskogee
- Tuesday, September 24, Chickasha
- Tuesday, October 15, Oklahoma City
- Wednesday, October 23, Atoka
- Wednesday, November 6, Enid
Middle School/High School Computer Science
This session explores meaningful computer science education at middle and high school levels. Participants will discover the relationship between the Oklahoma Academic Standards for Computer Science (OAS-CS) and classroom activities.
- Wednesday, September 11, Muskogee
- Tuesday, September 24, Chickasha
- Tuesday, October 15, Oklahoma City
- Wednesday, October 23, Atoka
- Wednesday, November 6, Enid
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Free One-Day District Workshop!
Does your district need assistance with implementing a strategic plan for computer science education? Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) invites you to participate in a Strategic CSforALL Resource & Implementation Planning Tool workshop (SCRIPT). This 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 and expand upon a computer science education implementation plan. In this workshop, districts will collaboratively work through five key areas: (1) Leadership, (2) Teacher Capacity and Development, (3) Curriculum and Materials Selection and Refinement, (4) Partners, and (5) Community.
Workshop Details:
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Facilitator - Jeremy Maker, Oklahoma State Department of Education
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Location - You may choose between a virtual option or hosting your workshop at your district/site location.
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Dates Available - To be determined based on the availability of your team.
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Times - One-day workshop from 9 am to 4 pm.
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Application - Ensure the attendance of the following key personnel:
- At least one district administrator.
- At least one school leader.
- At least one educator currently teaching or planning to teach computer science.
- Another school-based member supporting computer science implementation (instructional or non-instructional role, e.g., counselor).
- At least one representative from each grade band included within your school/district (e.g., K-8, 9-12).
To apply for participation, please click here.
Please email Jeremy Maker (Jeremy.Maker@sde.ok.gov) if you have any additional questions.
Code.org
- CS Fundamentals Workshop - FREE!
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Grades: Elementary (grades K-5)
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Dates: September 24 (Oklahoma City) or November 15 (Tulsa)
- Click on one of the dates above for more information and to apply. Please only apply for one date.
Defined Learning
- Free to all Oklahoma educators
- Targets grades K-12
- Computer Science (CS) and STEM project-based content that integrates authentic career situations
- Click here for more information
Free and Open Educational Resources (OER)
This document contains a list of free and open educational resources to enhance computer science education. The document is continuously updated and open for comments. Feel free to leave a comment if you know of a resource that should be added. Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) does not endorse these specific resources.
Schedule Your One-on-One Virtual Meeting for Collaborating Around K-12 Computer Science Education
Are you looking to enhance computer science education in your district? Do you need guidance on how to implement computer science education in your classroom? Do you have questions or ideas you would like to discuss? I am here to help. Click here to access my calendar and book a personal virtual meeting with me. Let's work together to innovate and inspire Oklahoma students with computer science education!
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Guidance & FAQs
Do you have questions about school requirements for computer science in Oklahoma? In an effort to clarify the legislative requirements for computer science education, the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) has compiled a list of frequently asked questions and resources.
 OKCompSci Implementation Toolkit
This document is intended to showcase tools to guide ongoing discussions and planning for successful implementation of the Oklahoma Academic Standards for Computer Science
Have you joined the Oklahoma Chapter of the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA)? Oklahoma CSTA meets virtually each month throughout the school year. These meetings are rich with information about upcoming professional development, resources for the classroom, and student opportunities. For more information, please email cstaok@gmail.com.
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