The latest from University of California Office of the President (UCOP) is that course approval for computer science courses in the “C” area is now available. Here is an EdSource article related to the changes. Of note, the College Board has received authorization for AP Computer Science A courses to be listed as “C” credits and APCS Principles as “D” credits. UCOP has stated that these changes will be updated automatically to listings. As you know, these changes can have an impact on student course programs and should be navigated with care. If you have questions regarding these changes, please contact Mark Lantsberger.

Share how you recognized CS Education Week and empowered students so we can feature your efforts in the next Bit Blast!. Send an email with details (and photos, if possible) to Mark Lantsberger. If you missed CS Education Week or would like to get some ideas of how to start teaching CS in your K-5 classroom, check out the screencast of our SDCOE intro course: Get Ready for CS Education Week.

Get to know the California CS Standards designed for teachers and district and school leaders to better support all students with this free professional learning opportunity. Learn more about how to use the standards and the resources available. We will look at how district and school staff can better understand and implement the standards, increase motivation, and use helpful tools. Find more details and register to attend.

This seven-week Canvas-based learning will train teachers to look for and adopt inclusive practices in CS education systems. With sections on culturally responsive pedagogy, intersectionality, and teaching for neurodiverse learners, teachers will learn to challenge their own practices and the systems around them to advocate for equitable CS experiences. The course is offered through the University of Texas and 24 continuing professional education units are available. Email mark.lantsberger@sdcoe.net to pre-reserve your spot!

This section spotlights CS educators, administrators, and organizations making a difference for their students. If you have a CS hero in your system, tell us about it in this Google form for possible inclusion in a future edition of Bit Blast!.

The SDCOE Curriculum and Instruction department spent the summer developing distance learning curriculum as supplemental units for grades K-12. The best part is that every grade level has CS in it! Grades K-5 work on an integrated model and include lessons and activities from California Standards for core subjects and the arts, to English language development, science, history/social studies, computer science, and physical education. Grades 6-12 are thematic units with each discipline covering its content but also addressing a unifying concept or question across fields. Another fun opportunity is the CS page from the Learning at Home Bingo series, which was a partnership between SDCOE and The San Diego Union-Tribune to get low-tech or tech-free learning activities to students while they’re home.

The SDCOE CS Team has developed an online reference of the CS standard set using Padlet. In the leftmost two columns, you’ll find references for the standards and the framework practices (based on the national CS movement) grouped in many ways. Scroll down the column and find other ways to view the information. The other columns contain various articles and links of interest.

If you’re wondering how you might integrate CS with other subject fields, another Padlet has been created to underscore these possibilities. It’s a great place to kickstart your creativity and imagine what we can create. At each grade-level band post, you’ll find another Padlet with ideas grouped by standard concept bands.

This section contains information about CS community groups and their gatherings. If you’d like to share an upcoming event or happening with Bit Blast!, please fill out this Google form.

In a region-wide effort to promote computer science, the Computer Science Teachers Association San Diego Chapter is hosting a video contest for students across K-20 levels. Entries have the chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card! Learn more about the opportunity and submit your entry at the contest website.

The San Diego Union-Tribune wants to show its appreciation to the thousands of teachers and staff in San Diego County who are facing unprecedented teaching conditions, and students who may have increased stress while learning remotely.

For a limited time, San Diego County students and school employees can enjoy a free, one-year digital subscription, which includes the e-edition and a digital replica of the paper's printed edition. Click here to activate your free, no-obligation digital subscription.

The New York Times is working with Verizon to provide qualifying high school students and teachers with a free digital subscription through Sept. 1 — helping them stay connected to the world, even as it continues to change. Teachers or school administrators must first create a free account to be verified and then will be able to send their students an invitation email to access the subscription. Click here for complete details and to get started.

With the end of the year approaching, it’s a great time to take a pause and be reflective of the year we’ve all just passed through. While it’s had challenges, there are also times where we’ve learned new things about our field, our students, our pedagogy, and about ourselves. As the holiday season approaches, be sure to take some reflective time and also quiet time to tend to yourself. As educators, we give a lot! Be sure to pause and allow yourself to decompress. Finding time for friends and family should be joyous and fulfilling, but quiet time on your own is also extremely recuperative. We wish you health and merriment during the holiday break period.

Look for the next issue of Bit Blast! in February.

If you have any questions or comments about the Bit Blast! newsletter, please contact Mark Lantsberger.