Computer science skills are in high demand as it has become a driving force behind most aspects of our world. To address this opportunity, Idaho needs more teachers trained to teach computer science effectively in K-12.
Furthermore, Idaho allows students to take dual credit or AP computer science as core math or science credit – providing additional incentive for students to explore the field of Computer Science.
We offer a graduate certificate for teachers to obtain an endorsement to teach Computer Science. The department also offers summer workshops (with professional credit) for teachers. Please contact the department to find out about workshops being planned for the coming summer.
Teacher Education Program
Educational Programs
The Computer Science department offers an online Computer Science Teacher Endorsement Graduate Certificate for in-service teachers to provide the training to successfully bring a number of computer science classes to their students. The certificate prepares teachers to receive an Idaho Computer Science teacher endorsement. Teachers are able to begin teaching computer science courses prior to completion of the program.
New cohort’s form each summer and the certificate can generally be finished in one year. The application deadline for the next cohort is April 15th. This deadline is sometimes extended to accept later applicants. For more information, contact the certificate coordinator Kathryn Rodgers.
Related program
Masters of Arts in Education, Curriculum and Instruction (MACI): The MACI program is offered by the Education College and you can choose Computer Science as your cognate area. All of your coursework for the Graduate Certificate will also count for the masters program (you can be enrolled in both at the same time). Refer to their web site for additional application details.
FAQ
Prior Experience
If I have content knowledge, can I challenge a course?
Yes, credit can be granted for verifiable skills and learning gained through the experience. Please contact your advisor for details.
I have a Masters, am I eligible for the Masters of Arts in Education program?
Yes, up to 1/3 of the Masters credits may apply from your prior relevant education or computer science coursework.
- Contact Kathryn Rogers to determine which of your prior Computer Sciences courses are transferable.
- Contact the College of Education to determine which of your prior educational courses are transferable.
NOTE: There is a seven year window which spans all coursework required for the masters from the first course to finishing your degree.
Program Operations
The registration system says I have not met the prerequisite – how do I register?
The system believes the class is full.
In this case, contact the professor and request a permission number.
The system believes you have not fulfilled the prerequisites.
This may occur in the fall semester if you are also taking summer session courses. In this situation, contact the professor to request a permission number to register for the class.
Do I need a special ID card to access the CS building and labs?
Yes, you will need an Boise State ID card with a “proximity sensor”. Be sure to request a Student ID card with a proximity sensor.
CS Teaching Endorsement
Does Idaho have a “Computer Science Teacher Endorsement”?
Yes. Idaho Computer Science Teacher Endorsement was approved Fall 2015.
The Boise State University endorsement requires the teacher to successfully complete the course requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Computer Science Teacher Endorsement. There are some additional steps required by SBOE/OSBE to receive the Idaho Endorsement in addition to the coursework.
Do I need field observations for the Idaho Computer Science Teacher Endorsement?
After finishing the CS courses in the Graduate Certificate, apply to the Professional Standards Committee at Boise State University. The committee will endorse the teacher to the State Department of Education based on the following:
- Evidence of positively evaluated teaching in current position
- Transcript review
- Passing the Idaho Computer Science Praxis exam
- Four observations using the Danielson Framework across a span of no less than four weeks
High School Instruction
Do I need to complete the BSU Computer Science Teacher program before I can start teaching the course material in my school?
The BSU CS teacher programs prepares High School teachers to teach Computer Science courses in their School. We encourage teachers to begin teaching Computer Science in their school before they complete the program.
The Exploring Computer Science (ECS) and CS Discoveries (CSD) courses provides a great opportunity to introduce students to computer science concepts. While the AP Computer Science Principles (CSP) course expands the students knowledge and provides opportunities for concurrent enrollment and High School Math or Science credit for graduation. These courses are designed to be engaging to a wide range of high school students.
Once you have completed the “CS 501 AP Computer Science Principles” course, you are well on your way to teach the ECS or CSD courses. Teachers may choose to supplement their CS 501 course work with hands on experience with the ECS or CSD curriculum. Idaho Digital Learning has hosted summer workshops with the ECS and CSD curriculum.
By the time you have completed “CS 503 Teaching and Learning Computer Science I” you have the foundation to teach AP CSP.
Are the Exploring Computer Science (ECS) and AP Computer Science Principals (CSP) courses a sequence for students?
The ECS course is targeted to attract a broad diverse audience to explore a student’s interest in Computer Science. There are no prerequisites for this course.
The AP CSP course is intended to be a more in-depth discovery of Computer Science. The ECS course material would be useful to a student taking AP CSP; however, a student will be able to pick up the material after completing Algebra II. Thus ECS is not a prerequisite for AP CSP.
Is the Computer Science Principles course AP accredited? Can students who take this course receive college credit?
The College Board has approved CSP as a AP curriculum beginning Fall 2016.
Boise State offers concurrent enrollment for the AP CSP course as CS 101. Concurrent enrollment can be obtained for students successfully passing the course taught by a Boise State qualified teacher.
What are the equipment requirements for ECS and AP CSP courses?
Each student should have access to a computing device (e.g., Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook or tablet) device with internet access. This provides a number of possibilities a school might consider:
- Schedule existing computer lab(s) for this course.
- A number of schools have access to a laptop cart which can be scheduled for use. This allows the course to be offered without allocating a dedicated room with devices.
- Other schools are considering the alternative of BYOD (Bring Your Own Device).
- For larger classes, consider a hybrid model in which a schools laptop cart is used and students may choose to utilize their own device to expand the computer capacity for the class.
The teacher should carefully consider the computing requirements:
- Each platform will impose different requirements on the teacher, a homogeneous environment can simplify the teachers work.
- A keyboard and mouse are very useful when writing and editing code, thus a tablet alone may make coding more difficult affecting student interest and progress.
- Some school districts have created technology grants – check with your district or the Idaho STEM Action Center regarding grant opportunities.
- CTE certification provides additional opportunities for teachers to obtain money for classroom equipment.