High schools in California--and around the country--increasingly offer computer science (CS) and often would like to expand CS offerings further. However, these expansions pose a number of challenges for administrators and policymakers, especially if they are going to happen effectively and equitably. We consider four of the most pressing…

For many years computing in New Zealand schools was focused on teaching students how to use computers, and there was little opportunity for students to learn about programming and computer science as formal subjects. In this article we review a series of initiatives that occurred from 2007 to 2009 that led to programming and computer science being…

This article will detail efforts to broaden participation in computing in urban schools through a comprehensive reform effort of curricular development, teacher professional development, and policy changes. Beginning with an account of the curricular development of "Exploring Computer Science", we will describe the inquiry-based research…

Presents a rationale for changing from the current emphasis of precollege computer courses on BASIC programming skills to a focus on teaching applications software skills. Reviews research regarding the quality of computer literacy courses. Discusses parallel cognitive and affective consequences of programming and applications software. Promotes…

This guidebook provides the elements of curriculum that will help educators prepare students for careers in the field of information technology (IT). The introduction addresses national context, skill standards development, and educational response to the skills gap. The high school core IT curriculum is then presented, including: (1) project…

Describes a four-part curriculum that can serve as a model for incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into the high school computer curriculum. The model includes examining questions fundamental to AI, creating and designing an expert system, language processing, and creating programs that integrate machine vision with robotics and…

Describes a two-semester computer science course, outlining course objectives and discussing classroom management techniques, software used, and courseware developed. Also includes table of contents for student manuals, and comments indicating that the course is meeting its objectives. (JN)

This curriculum is proposed to enhance problem-solving ability through learning to program in BASIC. Current research shows development of problem-solving skills from learning to program in BASIC. Successful treatments have been based on contemporary problem-solving theory, top-down, modular programing, and rigorous length and intensity. The…

Presents an outline for a computer science instructional program for inservice or prospective teachers, based on a high school computer science curriculum. Describes three courses that include an introduction to the basics of computing, an overview of the computer science field, and selected topics in computer science teaching. (AEF)

The purpose of this study was to determine the extent of communication between Arizona's secondary schools and postsecondary institutions concerning computer education and computer literacy. A document analysis of college catalogs and a survey of 70 school districts determined the extent of advanced placement courses, computer education services,…

Describes the cooperative development by a community college, regional vocational school and three high schools in rural Virginia of an articulated Information Processing Specialist Program, which can be completed in two years of high school plus two years at the community college. Highlights financial considerations and community involvement in…

Since its inception in 1997, Cisco's curriculum has entered thousands of high schools across the U.S. and around the world for two reasons: (1) Cisco has a large portion of the computer networking market, and thus has the resources for and interest in developing high school academies; and (2) high school curriculum development teams recognize the…

A project was conducted to establish criteria for entry- and exit-level competencies in computer technology along with concomitant entry-level job positions and to recommend a modified, updated computer technology curriculum. Information was gathered through employer interviews, discussions with educators, and examinations of exemplary programs…

Criticizes computing and information technology curricula in "Higher Still" (proposed new Scottish upper secondary curricula). Argues that the proposals are outdated, inflexible, and inconsistent with current "5-14" curricula. Examines specified courses in information technology, higher computing studies, and information…

Bilingualism in the Computer Age, a project of the New York City (New York) Board of Education, completed its fourth year (the 1989-90 school year) and was evaluated. The project offered 241 limited-English-proficient Spanish-speaking students the opportunity to study career and vocational subjects while improving their English and native language…