Keystone's Computer Science Teacher Newsletter
SCRIPT Reconnect
Join us to keep up-to-date with current legislation, grant opportunities, network with other Keystone AEA schools, and learn what others are doing to increase Computer Science opportunities within their schools.
This year, we will offer two different time frames to try to meet your needs better. You can either join from 7:30 - 8:30 am or from 3:00 - 4:00 pm. Of course, you are welcome to join both if you want to hear from multiple schools! Register for the Zoom link below for the next SCRIPT reconnect meeting.
register for Thurs., Sept. 21, 7:30 AM session
Register for Thurs., Sept. 21, 3:00 PM session
Keystone's NEW K-5 CS Integration website
The Keystone CS team has been busy working on this latest resource for schools! Legislation requiring all elementary schools to teach computer science took effect on July 1, 2023. Check out our website full of resources to help integrate computer science into curricular areas or classroom routines.
Upcoming Professional Learning Opportunities
AI Unwrapped!
Sept. 7th, 9:00-3:00 at Central Rivers AEA in Cedar Falls
Join Central Rivers AEA Consultants and Artificial Intelligence expert Charlotte Dugan for a day aimed at helping educators better understand AI and its implications for education and society.
Why Attend?
- Gain a better understanding of AI and its potential impact on education
- Learn how to integrate AI tools into your teaching methods
- Explore real-world examples of AI applications and instruction in educational settings
- Connect with fellow educators interested in AI in education
- Get your burning AI-related questions answered by an expert
Who Should Attend?
- Classroom Teachers
- Instructional Coaches
- Instructional Leaders
- Technology Leaders
There is no cost to attend this learning opportunity.
Registration for 2023 ITEC Fall Conference
Don't miss out on your chance to save!
Early Bird pricing ends September 30!
Use promo code EARLYBIRDFULL23 for the full conference
or promo code EARLYBIRDDAY23 for 1-day registration.
And did you know that if you're bringing 10 or more attendees from your organization, you get a 10% discount? Reach out to executivedirector@itec-ia.org for more information!
***There are many topics to explore: eSports, digital literacy, digital tools, assistive technology, artificial intelligence, and computer science, to name a few.
more information & To Register
Impacts of Computing Summit
Computing affects many aspects of the world in both positive and negative ways and local and global levels. At the Impacts of Computing Summit, teachers will explore ways for individuals and communities to influence computing through their behaviors, cultural and social interactions, and in turn, new cultural practices. The summit is tailored for teachers who teach any subject in grades K-12 or are already computer science teachers. The summit is offered through CSTA and is virtual on Saturday, Oct. 14 from 10:00 - 3:15.
CS First Virtual Learning opportunities:
CS First empowers every teacher to teach computer science with tools and resources that are free of charge. This computer science curriculum makes coding easy to teach and fun to learn.
Five Star Technology Solutions is a Google for Education partner with a staff of Certified Google Trainers! Whether you are just starting with CS First or want to know what’s new, there are training opportunities for you!
CS First Virtual Options:
- Getting Started with CS First
- CS First Subject Integration
- CS First – Refresh!
- CS First Sync
- Custom CS First Training
CSTA is offering Online Professional Development courses
As a CS teacher, you’re constantly looking for ways to improve your practice but have limited time to do so, and it can be challenging to find quality PD on specific topics of interest. CSTA is pleased to provide a new way for members to gain knowledge and skills aligned to the CSTA Standards for CS Teachers.
The online professional development (PD) courses provide a flexible, deep learning experience that you can complete at your own pace. Course content includes meaningful and interactive activities focused on application to your CS classroom — you’ll do a lot more than just read and watch. Plus, you will experience asynchronous collaboration with other CS educators as you both give and get feedback and exchange ideas.
CSTA is excited to announce two online PD opportunities! "Using Data to Improve Diverse CS Course Participation" and "Fostering a Sense of Belonging in Your CS Classroom" are available to complete between Oct. 2 through Dec. 31, 2023. Because courses are self-paced, you can register at any point until two weeks before the end of the session. Price for course varies based on length. All courses are free for CSTA+ members!
Seminar for Secondary Computer Science Teachers
Drake University is offering a free Virtual Seminar for Secondary Computer Science Teachers sponsored by the Iowa Colloquium on Information, Complexity, and Logic.
The theory of computation (ToC) has provided various insights into how we reason about computers and their ability to solve problems. While ToC is the oldest subfield of computer science, it is not commonly taught in high schools. In this two-part professional development seminar, attendees will learn about the history and cultural significance of ToC and gain experience building their own "theoretical computers" called finite-state automata.
Attendees can expect to gain additional knowledge of various concepts found within the Iowa Computer Science Standards, including computing systems, algorithms, and the impacts of computing. Ideas for developing course materials and in-class activities will also be discussed.
This event will be in two parts via Zoom. Below are the topics, dates, and times.
- ToC: The Big Picture: September 14 - 3:30-5:00 p.m
- Automata and You: September 21 - 3:30-5:00 p.m.
Save the Dates!
Dec. 5, 2023 - Computer Science & Robotics in the K-5 classroom
Plan to join us in Elkader for a fun-filled learning opportunity to discover more ways to integrate Computer Science into your classroom. We explore numerous resources available to meet the CS standards and spend time with various robots including some such as Indi, Makey Makey, Cubetto, BeeBots, and Dash & Dot.
Apr. 8, 2024 - 6th - 8th grade Robotics
Come explore ways to integrate robots into the 6th - 8th grade classroom to engage students in learning Computer Science. We will explore robots that are available for checkout through Keystone media center such as Finch, Micro:bit, Hummingbird, Edison, Root, and Sphero
Grant Updates
Currently, there are 2 grants available through the Iowa Department of Education. Both fall under the category of CS Incentive Funds:
Computer Science Incentive Fund -
The new legislation extends the date for use of these funds from July 1 of the current fiscal year through September 30 of the following fiscal year. This cycle will run from July 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024. Due to this, claims for reimbursements will have two (2) dates now (July 26 and October 21) to ensure accounting fiscal year processes are still met.
- The CS Incentive Fund - Endorsements (Iowa Grants ID# 521311) has already been posted to allow educators to enroll in the fall semester. This funding is going quickly. Educator endorsements is a priority item, however, funding is still limited.
- The CS Incentive Fund - Professional Development (Iowa Grants ID# 52144) is set to open on September 1 to allow districts and teams to get back into buildings and discuss needs. This is still intended for high-quality district-initiated professional development. This is competitive and still scored on a rubric. Emphasis will be placed on high-quality and well-thought-out plans.
Nominate a local CS Hero!
Do you have a young adult in your school or community who has made a positive impact on Computer Science or Computer Science Education? Do you know of a young colleague who has helped develop and expand your Computer Science program? During Computer Science Education Week, CSTA publishes posters and resources featuring a diverse set of CS heroes. We want students to find people they can connect and identify with, so we seek a diverse group — across many aspects of identity. This year, we specifically aim to profile young adults, aged 18-25. They may be in college/university or working in (any) industry.
CS Curriculum Options
Looking for curriculum options? These resource documents were recently released from the Iowa AEA Computer Science consultants. They provide a curated list of options for various grade levels.
K-2 Computer Science Curriculum Resource List
3-5 Computer Science Curriculum Resource List
Middle School Computer Science Curriculum Resource List
High School Computer Science Courses
Computer Science Clubs/Competitions
Connect with Other Computer Science Teachers
Facebook Group: Iowa Computer Science Teachers
#CSforIA
Learn about the Standards
Iowa's voluntary computer science standards are the CSTA K-12 Standards, developed by the Computer Science Teachers Association. These standards are arranged in grade bands, with expectations at the K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-10, and 11-12 level.
Keystone AEA Contacts:
