Well, I had a child in September. Just returned to work at the beginning of November. And am just now getting back in the swing of things. I got an unfortunate letter from my school board contact:
* this is going to make this process harder because I'll have to reiterate the last three years to this man. ARGH!
19 December 2007
14 November 2007
Just checking in
Hi Jane,
I just thought I would send you a quick note to see if there is anything new on the K-121 CS front in North Carolina.
You might be interested to know that Deborah Seehorn from NC is on our certification white paper committee and she is really nice. We are hoping that we can come up with something that will help all states deal with the mess that is CS teacher certification.
I hope you are doing well and having a good school year.
Chris
I just thought I would send you a quick note to see if there is anything new on the K-121 CS front in North Carolina.
You might be interested to know that Deborah Seehorn from NC is on our certification white paper committee and she is really nice. We are hoping that we can come up with something that will help all states deal with the mess that is CS teacher certification.
I hope you are doing well and having a good school year.
Chris
07 November 2007
Re: Computer Science Certification
Thank you for your work.
I appreciate the time and effort.
I'll speak with Mr. Hill soon.
Jane S. Whitehurst
I appreciate the time and effort.
I'll speak with Mr. Hill soon.
Jane S. Whitehurst
Re: Computer Science Certification
Jane,
I'm leaving the Board at the end of this month, and will pass this information on to Kevin Hill, the newly elected District 3 Board member.
Thanks for all you do and for your persistance on this important issue.
Carol Parker
I'm leaving the Board at the end of this month, and will pass this information on to Kevin Hill, the newly elected District 3 Board member.
Thanks for all you do and for your persistance on this important issue.
Carol Parker
06 July 2007
Re: Computer Science Certification
I would not only be interested in the new job descriptions but also with the Exception from Teacher Licensing. I wander what that means. I do hope that something can be resolved soon. Remedial math is not my forte, and I seem to be stuck in it :)
Jane
Jane
Re: Computer Science Certification
Jane,
Got a email on the State Board of Education's agenda copied below..several job descriptions updated so emailing Kathy to ask again about yours.
Carol Parker
~~~~
TCP 2 Job Descriptions for Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist and Speech-Language Pathologists The SBE is asked to adopt the job descriptions as listed. The job descriptions for these professionals have been updated with input from a variety of stakeholders to be reflective of the current nature of work and the requisite knowledge, skills, training and licensure necessary for these positions in the North Carolina Public Schools.
Got a email on the State Board of Education's agenda copied below..several job descriptions updated so emailing Kathy to ask again about yours.
Carol Parker
~~~~
TCP 2 Job Descriptions for Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist and Speech-Language Pathologists The SBE is asked to adopt the job descriptions as listed. The job descriptions for these professionals have been updated with input from a variety of stakeholders to be reflective of the current nature of work and the requisite knowledge, skills, training and licensure necessary for these positions in the North Carolina Public Schools.
04 June 2007
Plea to School Board to HELP.
To: Carol Parker
Date: June 4, 2007
Thus far, here are the responses we have received from Kathy Sullivan at DPI regarding computer science certification in North Carolina. Can we please do something about the lackidasical efforts on her part and the NEED for this especially in NC which claims to be a technologically advanced state with the Research Triangle Park and 3 top universities?
A query of her contacts and responses can be found at justthinkfirst.blogspot.com if you type a search for Kathy.
I sent the first letter on December 3, 2004 and the last response from Kathy was April 13, 2007. We have to move faster on this because I've been teaching the wrong subject for two years and I don't want to leave North Carolina.
Date: June 4, 2007
Thus far, here are the responses we have received from Kathy Sullivan at DPI regarding computer science certification in North Carolina. Can we please do something about the lackidasical efforts on her part and the NEED for this especially in NC which claims to be a technologically advanced state with the Research Triangle Park and 3 top universities?
A query of her contacts and responses can be found at justthinkfirst.blogspot.com if you type a search for Kathy.
I sent the first letter on December 3, 2004 and the last response from Kathy was April 13, 2007. We have to move faster on this because I've been teaching the wrong subject for two years and I don't want to leave North Carolina.
17 April 2007
Re: Public Meetings on Core Course Framework
Hi Jane,
I just edited your article for the CSTA Voice. What a great piece! We are really hoping to get it in the June issue.
Chris
I just edited your article for the CSTA Voice. What a great piece! We are really hoping to get it in the June issue.
Chris
13 April 2007
Re: ** BREAKING NEWS ** Computer Science
Date: April 13, 2007 9:33 AM
From: Carol Parker
To: Jane Whitehurst
Re: ** BREAKING NEWS ** Computer Science
Jane,
Message from Kathy Sullivan:
I'll make sure Nadine knows. We are going to add a stand alone computer license. I already have the names of some people to serve on the committee to write the standards. As I indicated, we have just been focused on trying to comply with NCLB.
From: Carol Parker
To: Jane Whitehurst
Re: ** BREAKING NEWS ** Computer Science
Jane,
Message from Kathy Sullivan:
I'll make sure Nadine knows. We are going to add a stand alone computer license. I already have the names of some people to serve on the committee to write the standards. As I indicated, we have just been focused on trying to comply with NCLB.
Re: ** BREAKING NEWS ** Computer Science
>>> Carol Parker coparker@wcpss.net> 4/13/2007 9:14 AM >>
Kathy,
Need your help in sorting out conflicting information:
I have corresponded with Nadine Ejire in Licensure who indicates that there are no plans to add computer science certification to the licensure.
Patsy Hester, Wake County K-12
Thanks,
Carol Parker
Board of Education District 3
11 April 2007
** BREAKING NEWS ** Computer Science
Date: April 11, 2007 2:35PM
From: Jane Whitehurst
To: Carol Parker
Re: ** BREAKING NEWS ** Computer Science
Ok. So, yesterday, I was compiling a 30 page documentation of all emails, speeches, and correspondance about computer science licensing since September of 2004. I was reading over where Kathy Sullivan of DPI had said (three times) that a CS license was definitely underway but with a couple of obstacles in her way, nothing we could do to help. While in the middle of this document, I get an email out of the blue from Patsy Hester, IT Administrator for K-12 in Wake County. Read the following emails.
10 April 2007
Re: Computer Science Licensure
Date: April 10, 2007 4:49 PM
From: Patsy Hester
To: Jane Whitehurst
Re: Computer Science Licensure
I would suggest tht you contact Nadine Ejire directly. Her email is NEjire@dpi.state.nc.us
Patsy Hester
From: Patsy Hester
To: Jane Whitehurst
Re: Computer Science Licensure
I would suggest tht you contact Nadine Ejire directly. Her email is NEjire@dpi.state.nc.us
Patsy Hester
Re: Computer Science Licensure
Date: April 10, 2007 4:40PM
From: Jane Whitehurst
To: Patsy Hester
Re: Computer Science Licensure
would you mind forwarding those emails to me.
I'm in communications with the School Board and they are hearing something completely different from Kathy Sullivan, the DPI Licensurer.
Jane S. Whitehurst
From: Jane Whitehurst
To: Patsy Hester
Re: Computer Science Licensure
would you mind forwarding those emails to me.
I'm in communications with the School Board and they are hearing something completely different from Kathy Sullivan, the DPI Licensurer.
Jane S. Whitehurst
Re: Computer Science Licensure
Date: April 10, 2007 4:31PM
From: Patsy Hester
To: Jane Whitehurst
Re: Computer Science Licensure
email..one in which she indicated that there is not a license for teaching computer science, and the next one that there is no plan to do so when I asked if there were any plans in the near future to add computer science licensure.
Patsy Hester
From: Patsy Hester
To: Jane Whitehurst
Re: Computer Science Licensure
email..one in which she indicated that there is not a license for teaching computer science, and the next one that there is no plan to do so when I asked if there were any plans in the near future to add computer science licensure.
Patsy Hester
Re: Re: Computer Science Licensure
Date: April 10, 2007 4:18PM
From: Jane Whitehurst
To: Patsy Hester
Re: Re: Computer Science Licensure
Do you have an email response from her as well as your inquiry or was this via voice?
I'm making a documentary about licensure status and would love to know exactly how this was said.
thanks
jane
From: Jane Whitehurst
To: Patsy Hester
Re: Re: Computer Science Licensure
Do you have an email response from her as well as your inquiry or was this via voice?
I'm making a documentary about licensure status and would love to know exactly how this was said.
thanks
jane
Re: ASAP Computer Science
Date: April 10, 2007 3:33PM
From: Patsy Hester
To: jwhitehurst
Re: ASAP Computer Science
I have corresponded with Nadine Ejire in Licensure who indicates that there are no plans to add computer science certification to the licensure. Patsy Hester
From: Patsy Hester
To: jwhitehurst
Re: ASAP Computer Science
I have corresponded with Nadine Ejire in Licensure who indicates that there are no plans to add computer science certification to the licensure. Patsy Hester
Re: ASAP Computer Science
Date: April 10, 2007 2:57PM
From: jwhitehurst
To: Patsy Hester
Re: ASAP Computer Science
Wow!
What a coincidence. I'm compiling all correspondance between DPI, WCPSS, and the like that I've gotten since 2004. To date this is the word from DPI:
"We're working on it"
As it has been since the year 1997 that I left this state to certify in Wisconsin.
I'll let all know about permanent dents made when they happen.
I'm setting up a blog now. The information should be posted on home.nc.rr.com/~jwhitehurst9 within a couple of days. Jane S. Whitehurst
From: jwhitehurst
To: Patsy Hester
Re: ASAP Computer Science
Wow!
What a coincidence. I'm compiling all correspondance between DPI, WCPSS, and the like that I've gotten since 2004. To date this is the word from DPI:
"We're working on it"
As it has been since the year 1997 that I left this state to certify in Wisconsin.
I'll let all know about permanent dents made when they happen.
I'm setting up a blog now. The information should be posted on home.nc.rr.com/~jwhitehurst9 within a couple of days. Jane S. Whitehurst
Article for CSTA VOICE
Article for CSTA VOICE
April 10, 2007
It was Spring 1997. I was a senior at Clemson University majoring in computer science with a minor in education; I just discovered that my education minor was not going to be enough to teach in the public school system in South Carolina, North Carolina, or Virginia, all states bordering my hometown. I had six months to figure out how to pursue the love of my life, teaching. After extensive research, schools in Vermont, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Washington all said, “Come on. We’ll certify you to be a computer science teacher. Better yet, we’ll get you a masters degree in computer science education.” I got an interview at the highly recommended Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, so for Spring Break, I packed my bags and headed north (what a crazy idea for a Southerner). The interview went fine. It was a leap of faith, and Wisconsin was where I ended up, 800 miles away from home.
In Spring 2000, I had finished my Masters degree and Secondary Education certification; I was a full time high school teacher - Advanced Placement computer science (also the youngest AP exam reader to date) and algebra. I was ready to move back home and teach my love to the people I loved, and I was marrying my sweetheart from Clemson. I was finally going back home to North Carolina, but the school system there said, “We don’t have a certification for computer science. Do you have a degree in something else? Business? Math?” I thought that surely they would have seen the light after two years. I was afraid I was never going to get to come home. And neither Virginia nor South Carolina had adopted a computer science certification either. Chris, my fiancé, was finishing his Masters at UW Milwaukee and we waited another year while I got another year of teaching under my belt and besides, my AP students were doing really well.
Summer of 2001 was it! My new husband had finally been accepted into a PhD program at NC State University, and we were actually moving home. North Carolina had no standards for putting computer science into a specific department. Some schools have CS in the math department; some have it in the business department; some specialized schools have a technology department. Not only was I concerned about where and what to teach but also what license did I need to do it. Broughton High School in Raleigh, where all computer science courses were in the math department, gave me a chance. “No Child Left Behind” didn’t exist yet, so the school system had the Department of Instruction contrive a math license for me by taking all computer classes on my transcript and giving them math status.
Spring of 2003. The International Baccalaureate School thrived at Broughton and thus the attendance for computer science courses declined. I needed to move to a more technical school. I chose Apex High. However, Computer Science courses at Apex were in the Business department. I did not have a Business license, so I was granted a one-year provisional license under the assumption that certainly DPI would see the dilemma of my situation and rectify it for the district and me. After all, Apex was in the same school district as Broughton, and the courses I was teaching in the math department were the exact same as theirs in the Business department.
One year later, Spring of 2004. After countless meetings with the Department of Public Instruction, North Carolina Senators on educational committees, North Carolina School Board, Wake County Public School System, and Apex High, nothing had changed. I was still a computer science teacher with a math license and no way to switch to a Business license without more course work and an exam, all for which I would have to pay.
My provisional Business license expired at the end of the year, and I was replaced. I had an undergraduate degree in computer science with an education minor, a graduate degree in computer science education, a Wisconsin license to teach computer science, 3 years experience teaching high school AP computer science in Wisconsin, 2 years college experience teaching computers, 4 years of computer science teaching in North Carolina, and I was a paid Pacing guide/curriculum designer for computer science in Wake County of NC. With all those qualifications, I am not certified to teach computer science in North Carolina.
Now the Spring of 2007. With two kids now and one on the way, I still teach at Apex High School in Wake County in North Carolina. I teach math (prealgebra, algebra 1 part 1, and tech math 1) and stand by while a business-licensed teacher with no java or c++ experience teaches the computer science courses. DPI has been informed; the School Board has been informed, and yet nothing except, “We're working on it.” seems to be communicated from any of them.
I’m calling for help and communication from sister states, Georgia and Virginia, who have now since 2000 adopted a license in computer science. Students growing up in this technologically advanced society deserve to have the most qualified teachers. Qualification needs to be the forefront of the decision making process for teacher licensing, not checkboxes on applications that don’t fit the new age.
April 10, 2007
It was Spring 1997. I was a senior at Clemson University majoring in computer science with a minor in education; I just discovered that my education minor was not going to be enough to teach in the public school system in South Carolina, North Carolina, or Virginia, all states bordering my hometown. I had six months to figure out how to pursue the love of my life, teaching. After extensive research, schools in Vermont, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Washington all said, “Come on. We’ll certify you to be a computer science teacher. Better yet, we’ll get you a masters degree in computer science education.” I got an interview at the highly recommended Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, so for Spring Break, I packed my bags and headed north (what a crazy idea for a Southerner). The interview went fine. It was a leap of faith, and Wisconsin was where I ended up, 800 miles away from home.
In Spring 2000, I had finished my Masters degree and Secondary Education certification; I was a full time high school teacher - Advanced Placement computer science (also the youngest AP exam reader to date) and algebra. I was ready to move back home and teach my love to the people I loved, and I was marrying my sweetheart from Clemson. I was finally going back home to North Carolina, but the school system there said, “We don’t have a certification for computer science. Do you have a degree in something else? Business? Math?” I thought that surely they would have seen the light after two years. I was afraid I was never going to get to come home. And neither Virginia nor South Carolina had adopted a computer science certification either. Chris, my fiancé, was finishing his Masters at UW Milwaukee and we waited another year while I got another year of teaching under my belt and besides, my AP students were doing really well.
Summer of 2001 was it! My new husband had finally been accepted into a PhD program at NC State University, and we were actually moving home. North Carolina had no standards for putting computer science into a specific department. Some schools have CS in the math department; some have it in the business department; some specialized schools have a technology department. Not only was I concerned about where and what to teach but also what license did I need to do it. Broughton High School in Raleigh, where all computer science courses were in the math department, gave me a chance. “No Child Left Behind” didn’t exist yet, so the school system had the Department of Instruction contrive a math license for me by taking all computer classes on my transcript and giving them math status.
Spring of 2003. The International Baccalaureate School thrived at Broughton and thus the attendance for computer science courses declined. I needed to move to a more technical school. I chose Apex High. However, Computer Science courses at Apex were in the Business department. I did not have a Business license, so I was granted a one-year provisional license under the assumption that certainly DPI would see the dilemma of my situation and rectify it for the district and me. After all, Apex was in the same school district as Broughton, and the courses I was teaching in the math department were the exact same as theirs in the Business department.
One year later, Spring of 2004. After countless meetings with the Department of Public Instruction, North Carolina Senators on educational committees, North Carolina School Board, Wake County Public School System, and Apex High, nothing had changed. I was still a computer science teacher with a math license and no way to switch to a Business license without more course work and an exam, all for which I would have to pay.
My provisional Business license expired at the end of the year, and I was replaced. I had an undergraduate degree in computer science with an education minor, a graduate degree in computer science education, a Wisconsin license to teach computer science, 3 years experience teaching high school AP computer science in Wisconsin, 2 years college experience teaching computers, 4 years of computer science teaching in North Carolina, and I was a paid Pacing guide/curriculum designer for computer science in Wake County of NC. With all those qualifications, I am not certified to teach computer science in North Carolina.
Now the Spring of 2007. With two kids now and one on the way, I still teach at Apex High School in Wake County in North Carolina. I teach math (prealgebra, algebra 1 part 1, and tech math 1) and stand by while a business-licensed teacher with no java or c++ experience teaches the computer science courses. DPI has been informed; the School Board has been informed, and yet nothing except, “We're working on it.” seems to be communicated from any of them.
I’m calling for help and communication from sister states, Georgia and Virginia, who have now since 2000 adopted a license in computer science. Students growing up in this technologically advanced society deserve to have the most qualified teachers. Qualification needs to be the forefront of the decision making process for teacher licensing, not checkboxes on applications that don’t fit the new age.
Re: ASAP Computer Science
Date: April 10, 2007 1:22PM
From: Patsy Hester
To: jwhitehurst
Re: ASAP Computer Science
Hi Jane,
I understand that you have been inquiring concerning licensure for teaching computer science. Can you provide additional information and let me know what you have discovered? Thanks, Patsy
From: Patsy Hester
To: jwhitehurst
Re: ASAP Computer Science
Hi Jane,
I understand that you have been inquiring concerning licensure for teaching computer science. Can you provide additional information and let me know what you have discovered? Thanks, Patsy
30 March 2007
Re: ASAP Computer Science
Date: March 30, 2007 4:32PM
From: Carol Parker
To: jwhitehurst
Re: ASAP Computer Science
Jane,
Forwarding you DPI's response as information. I have also referred to Donna Hargens, WCPSS Chief Academic Officer, to ask for her assistance. Carol Parker
From: Carol Parker
To: jwhitehurst
Re: ASAP Computer Science
Jane,
Forwarding you DPI's response as information. I have also referred to Donna Hargens, WCPSS Chief Academic Officer, to ask for her assistance. Carol Parker
Re: ASAP Computer Science
Date: March 30, 2007 4:10PM
From: Carol Parker
To: jwhitehurst
Re: ASAP Computer Science
Did you get support for any further action?
Carol Parker
From: Carol Parker
To: jwhitehurst
Re: ASAP Computer Science
Did you get support for any further action?
Carol Parker
Re: ASAP Computer Science
Date: March 30, 2007 3:00 PM
From: JWhitehurst
To: Carol Parker
Re: ASAP Computer Science
thank you.
i just attended the regional meeting last night in Wilson regarding the core 21.
i spoke up for computer science and teacher discrepancy.
Jane S. Whitehurst
From: JWhitehurst
To: Carol Parker
Re: ASAP Computer Science
thank you.
i just attended the regional meeting last night in Wilson regarding the core 21.
i spoke up for computer science and teacher discrepancy.
Jane S. Whitehurst
Re: Fw: ASAP Computer Science Information
To: Carol Parker/Superintendent/WCPSS@Staff
From: "Kathy Sullivan" KSULLIVA@dpi.state.nc.us
Date: 03/30/2007 12:03PM
Subject: Re: Fw: ASAP Computer Science Information
Carol, We are working as hard and as fast as we can and will have a stand alone license in computer science available just as quickly as we can. As you might imagine, we have been focusing on ensuring compliance with NCLB teacher quality requirements, particularly as they relate to special education teachers, so that we are not sanctioned by the USDOE.
From: "Kathy Sullivan" KSULLIVA@dpi.state.nc.us
Date: 03/30/2007 12:03PM
Subject: Re: Fw: ASAP Computer Science Information
Carol, We are working as hard and as fast as we can and will have a stand alone license in computer science available just as quickly as we can. As you might imagine, we have been focusing on ensuring compliance with NCLB teacher quality requirements, particularly as they relate to special education teachers, so that we are not sanctioned by the USDOE.
Re: ASAP Computer Science
Date: March 30, 2007 11:08AM
From: Carol Parker
To: jwhitehurst
Re: ASAP Computer Science
right, I didn't scroll down far enough...I've emailed her to ask for a status and response to the concerns.
Carol Parker
From: Carol Parker
To: jwhitehurst
Re: ASAP Computer Science
right, I didn't scroll down far enough...I've emailed her to ask for a status and response to the concerns.
Carol Parker
frustrated Wake County teacher
>>> Carol Parker coparker@wcpss.net> 3/30/2007 11:07 AM >>
Kathy,
I'm forwarding you an email and attachment from a very frustrated Wake County teacher about the computer science certification. Could you provide me with an update on this issue and a response to her issues outlined on the attachment.
Carol Parker
Kathy,
I'm forwarding you an email and attachment from a very frustrated Wake County teacher about the computer science certification. Could you provide me with an update on this issue and a response to her issues outlined on the attachment.
Carol Parker
29 March 2007
COMPUTER SCIENCE in the CORE ??
Date: March 29, 2007
2 minute hearing for the 21-core requirements for High School Graduation
COMPUTER SCIENCE in the CORE ??
Advanced Placement Computer Science courses are currently accepted in North Carolina as a core math credit except in Wake County, where it falls often under Career & Technical Education (CTE) with the other programming courses.
Right now, Computer Science is not mentioned in the core, but here are some viable options:
1. AP CS as a math credit, the rest as CTE endorsements?
2. AP CS as an AP endorsement and the rest as CTE endorsements?
3. AP CS and the rest as CTE endorsements?
There’s a problem with all of these because:
· There is no specific certification for CS teachers in NC.
· The current teachers are either Math, CTE, or both.·
If any of the above solutions are met, then teachers will either be forced to teach something else, quit, or have to get a new license.
SO, Our (Computer Science Teachers of America – CSTA) questions respond to the news press on ncpublicschools.org.
The new core includes:
· 4 units of English
· 4 units of mathematics
· 3 units of science
· 3 units of social studies
· 2 units of a second language
· 1 unit of health/physical education
· an endorsement of at least four units in one of the following areas: Career-Technical, Arts education, Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC), Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate, second language or other.
Does other include computer science? Or is it included in the math requirements?
Other state graduation requirements will continue to be in place. These include:
· Passing the end-of-course tests (in Algebra I, English I, US History, Civics and Economics, and Biology)
· Completing a graduation project .
Local boards of education continue to have the authority to add to the state requirements. The new core will not affect students with disabilities who qualify for the occupational course of study. Most students already take the core classes, but this core raises the standard by requiring
· four mathematics courses
· a second language study for all
· a selected area of emphasis for their high school work with an eye to college work, career or both.
Can one of those four mathematics courses be computer science?
The core framework of courses will not be one-size-fits-all. Students will select specific courses within the 21 requirements and there will be opportunities for course substitutions in some cases where this is appropriate.
Can computer science be a substitution since it doesn’t fall anywhere else?
2 minute hearing for the 21-core requirements for High School Graduation
COMPUTER SCIENCE in the CORE ??
Advanced Placement Computer Science courses are currently accepted in North Carolina as a core math credit except in Wake County, where it falls often under Career & Technical Education (CTE) with the other programming courses.
Right now, Computer Science is not mentioned in the core, but here are some viable options:
1. AP CS as a math credit, the rest as CTE endorsements?
2. AP CS as an AP endorsement and the rest as CTE endorsements?
3. AP CS and the rest as CTE endorsements?
There’s a problem with all of these because:
· There is no specific certification for CS teachers in NC.
· The current teachers are either Math, CTE, or both.·
If any of the above solutions are met, then teachers will either be forced to teach something else, quit, or have to get a new license.
SO, Our (Computer Science Teachers of America – CSTA) questions respond to the news press on ncpublicschools.org.
The new core includes:
· 4 units of English
· 4 units of mathematics
· 3 units of science
· 3 units of social studies
· 2 units of a second language
· 1 unit of health/physical education
· an endorsement of at least four units in one of the following areas: Career-Technical, Arts education, Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC), Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate, second language or other.
Does other include computer science? Or is it included in the math requirements?
Other state graduation requirements will continue to be in place. These include:
· Passing the end-of-course tests (in Algebra I, English I, US History, Civics and Economics, and Biology)
· Completing a graduation project .
Local boards of education continue to have the authority to add to the state requirements. The new core will not affect students with disabilities who qualify for the occupational course of study. Most students already take the core classes, but this core raises the standard by requiring
· four mathematics courses
· a second language study for all
· a selected area of emphasis for their high school work with an eye to college work, career or both.
Can one of those four mathematics courses be computer science?
The core framework of courses will not be one-size-fits-all. Students will select specific courses within the 21 requirements and there will be opportunities for course substitutions in some cases where this is appropriate.
Can computer science be a substitution since it doesn’t fall anywhere else?
Re: ASAP Computer Information
Date: March 29, 2007 4:50 PM
To: Jwhitehurst
From: carol parker
Re: ASAP Computer Information
Jane,
Just this week I went through my files and found your email. I had not acted on it as I didn't keep the DPI persons email address. I think I sent you her response, do you have it in your saved file?
Carol Parker
To: Jwhitehurst
From: carol parker
Re: ASAP Computer Information
Jane,
Just this week I went through my files and found your email. I had not acted on it as I didn't keep the DPI persons email address. I think I sent you her response, do you have it in your saved file?
Carol Parker
ASAP Computer Science Information
To: Carol Parker/Superintendent/WCPSS@Staff
From: Jane Sutherland Whitehurst/ApexHS/WCPSS
Date: 03/29/2007 01:30PM
Subject: ASAP Computer Science Information
I know it's been over a year now, but you must have been bombarded with all the spending and assignment fiascos. I really need you. My deadline for the article for the "Computer Science Teachers Association" is April 4. I'm attending the focus meeting in Wilson today to at least pose the questions about computer science to see the response. I wandered if you'd had a chance to pose the rebuttles I had previously. I've copied them again if you need them.
From: Jane Sutherland Whitehurst/ApexHS/WCPSS
Date: 03/29/2007 01:30PM
Subject: ASAP Computer Science Information
I know it's been over a year now, but you must have been bombarded with all the spending and assignment fiascos. I really need you. My deadline for the article for the "Computer Science Teachers Association" is April 4. I'm attending the focus meeting in Wilson today to at least pose the questions about computer science to see the response. I wandered if you'd had a chance to pose the rebuttles I had previously. I've copied them again if you need them.
05 February 2007
Re: Regional Meeting on Core Curriculum
Date: February 5, 2007 6:22 PM
To: Jwhitehurst
From: Chris Stephenson
Re: Regional Meeting on Core Curriculum
Hi Jane,
I am glad to hear that you are going to be attending since you are extraordinarily well-versed on the issues.
I think the key point is that the computer science is an academic scientific discipline and that it needs to be recognized and dealt with as such and that the state needs to do something to rationalize that current inconsistencies between counties relating to where CS belongs.
It might be helpful to mention that this issue has been extensively studied in other states (for example Texas) with the resulting decision that computer science courses are considered eligible as a math or science credit under their new guidelines for core courses.
I am not sure you want to get into the teacher certification issues at this point.
Chris
To: Jwhitehurst
From: Chris Stephenson
Re: Regional Meeting on Core Curriculum
Hi Jane,
I am glad to hear that you are going to be attending since you are extraordinarily well-versed on the issues.
I think the key point is that the computer science is an academic scientific discipline and that it needs to be recognized and dealt with as such and that the state needs to do something to rationalize that current inconsistencies between counties relating to where CS belongs.
It might be helpful to mention that this issue has been extensively studied in other states (for example Texas) with the resulting decision that computer science courses are considered eligible as a math or science credit under their new guidelines for core courses.
I am not sure you want to get into the teacher certification issues at this point.
Chris
12 January 2007
Re: Regional Meeting on Core Curriculum
Date: January 12, 2007 10:16 AM
To: Carol Parker
From: jwhitehurst
Re: Regional Meeting on Core Curriculum
I thought you might find this interesting.
I've been commissioned to write about NC computer science for the CSTA (Computer Science Teachers of America).
The Executive Director of CSTA tried to talk to DPI. This was her take on DPI's response. I would like to talk at the public hearing meetings she talks about.
Jane
To: Carol Parker
From: jwhitehurst
Re: Regional Meeting on Core Curriculum
I thought you might find this interesting.
I've been commissioned to write about NC computer science for the CSTA (Computer Science Teachers of America).
The Executive Director of CSTA tried to talk to DPI. This was her take on DPI's response. I would like to talk at the public hearing meetings she talks about.
Jane
10 January 2007
Re: NC Course Requirements & Certification
Date: January 10, 2007 5:02 PM
From: Chris Stephenson
To: JSWHITEHURST
Re: NC Course Requirements & Certification
Hello Everyone,
Thank you all very much for responding to my request for information about how the new framework for core courses will impact computing education in North Carolina, and more specifically where computer science will fit under the proposed structure.
In order to keep you in the loop, I wanted to send you an update of what CSTA has learned so far.
From the many emails I received, it seems that AP CS courses are currently accepted as a core math credit except in Wake County, where several members have told me it falls under CTE.
I spoke to the folks at the Department of Public Instruction and they told that they have not decided where computer science will fit within the proposed framework. As far as I can discern, the present options seem to be:
• AP CS as a math credit and the rest as CET endorsement courses
• AP CS as an AP endorsement course and the rest as CET endorsement courses
• AP CS and the rest as CET endorsement courses
• All computing courses as Business courses (I don't think they are actually considering this one).
The person I spoke to at DPI told me there is *no* specific plan under consideration. It is clear, however, that what ever they decide will have impact not just on courses and students, but on teacher certification as well.
Right now there is no specific certification for CS teachers in North Carolina so, among the current population of CS teachers, some are math certified (required in districts where AP CS is considered a math course), some are CET certified (if they are teaching "programming" courses under CET) and some are business certified (may also be teaching CET courses and possibly AP CS as well). No matter which of the options they choose, if they apply it state-wide many teachers will not be able to teach CS without getting additional certifications. For example, if they choose the first option, (AP CS as a math credit and the rest as CET endorsement courses) the teachers in Wake County who have CET certification would not be able to teach AP CS unless they also acquired math certification. The real problem, of course is that they do not have a specific certification process for computing that would actually cover the computing content from CET through AP CS.
The DP folks tell me that the final decision in this matter will depend upon input received at the pubic hearings. Douglass Davis (one of our NC CSTA members) emailed me to say that he had asked for both of us to be added to the meeting announcement/press release list so we should be notified once the locations and dates of the meetings has been announced. I believe there are going to be eight meetings in different parts of the state.
I asked the DOP folks if we could have any input as a national body and they suggested we write the Chair of the State Board of Education and ask, but I am not sure we would get very far because they seem to be focusing on local input to the meetings. I think this is why it is very important to have at least one local member at each meeting if possible.
As soon as I have the information about the meetings, I will send it out to you and we will see what we can get organized.
Thanks so much for your input in this matter!
Chris
From: Chris Stephenson
To: JSWHITEHURST
Re: NC Course Requirements & Certification
Hello Everyone,
Thank you all very much for responding to my request for information about how the new framework for core courses will impact computing education in North Carolina, and more specifically where computer science will fit under the proposed structure.
In order to keep you in the loop, I wanted to send you an update of what CSTA has learned so far.
From the many emails I received, it seems that AP CS courses are currently accepted as a core math credit except in Wake County, where several members have told me it falls under CTE.
I spoke to the folks at the Department of Public Instruction and they told that they have not decided where computer science will fit within the proposed framework. As far as I can discern, the present options seem to be:
• AP CS as a math credit and the rest as CET endorsement courses
• AP CS as an AP endorsement course and the rest as CET endorsement courses
• AP CS and the rest as CET endorsement courses
• All computing courses as Business courses (I don't think they are actually considering this one).
The person I spoke to at DPI told me there is *no* specific plan under consideration. It is clear, however, that what ever they decide will have impact not just on courses and students, but on teacher certification as well.
Right now there is no specific certification for CS teachers in North Carolina so, among the current population of CS teachers, some are math certified (required in districts where AP CS is considered a math course), some are CET certified (if they are teaching "programming" courses under CET) and some are business certified (may also be teaching CET courses and possibly AP CS as well). No matter which of the options they choose, if they apply it state-wide many teachers will not be able to teach CS without getting additional certifications. For example, if they choose the first option, (AP CS as a math credit and the rest as CET endorsement courses) the teachers in Wake County who have CET certification would not be able to teach AP CS unless they also acquired math certification. The real problem, of course is that they do not have a specific certification process for computing that would actually cover the computing content from CET through AP CS.
The DP folks tell me that the final decision in this matter will depend upon input received at the pubic hearings. Douglass Davis (one of our NC CSTA members) emailed me to say that he had asked for both of us to be added to the meeting announcement/press release list so we should be notified once the locations and dates of the meetings has been announced. I believe there are going to be eight meetings in different parts of the state.
I asked the DOP folks if we could have any input as a national body and they suggested we write the Chair of the State Board of Education and ask, but I am not sure we would get very far because they seem to be focusing on local input to the meetings. I think this is why it is very important to have at least one local member at each meeting if possible.
As soon as I have the information about the meetings, I will send it out to you and we will see what we can get organized.
Thanks so much for your input in this matter!
Chris
Re: Certification
Date: January 10, 2007 7:24 AM
From: Carol Parker
To: JSWHITEHURST
Re: Certification
Jane,
I'm so sorry I haven't gotten back to you--the County Commission decision has put my world in to turmoil--we met from noon to 10:30pm last night. I've got a note to call you.
Carol Parker
From: Carol Parker
To: JSWHITEHURST
Re: Certification
Jane,
I'm so sorry I haven't gotten back to you--the County Commission decision has put my world in to turmoil--we met from noon to 10:30pm last night. I've got a note to call you.
Carol Parker
08 January 2007
Re: Certification
Date: January 8, 2007 10:23 AM
From: Carol Parker
To: JSWHITEHURST
Re: Certification
Jane,
I did find your email--let's talk soon... Carol Parker
From: Carol Parker
To: JSWHITEHURST
Re: Certification
Jane,
I did find your email--let's talk soon... Carol Parker
04 January 2007
Re: NC Framework for Core 21
Date: January 4, 2007 4:10 PM
From: Pat Phillips
To: JSWHITEHURST
Re: NC Framework for Core 21
Hi Jane,
I would very much appreciate learning more about the teacher certification problems in North Carolina. Please write about the situation for the CSTA Voice newsletter.
I attached an EZ_Submit form for your use. The deadline for the June issue is April 10. An article of between 600-800 words would be good. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.
Thanks,
Pat Phillips, Editor CSTA Voice
From: Pat Phillips
To: JSWHITEHURST
Re: NC Framework for Core 21
Hi Jane,
I would very much appreciate learning more about the teacher certification problems in North Carolina. Please write about the situation for the CSTA Voice newsletter.
I attached an EZ_Submit form for your use. The deadline for the June issue is April 10. An article of between 600-800 words would be good. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.
Thanks,
Pat Phillips, Editor CSTA Voice
Re: NC Framework for Core 21
Date: January 4, 2007 11:51 AM
From: Chris Stephenson
To: JSWHITEHURST
Re: NC Framework for Core 21
Hi Jane,
As we discussed on the phone yesterday, it would be great to have you write an article for the CSTA Voice outlining the current problem with CS teacher certification in North Carolina in light of DPI's announcement of the new student graduation requirements. I have cc'd our editor (Pat Phillips) so that she can send you the details for article submission.
Chris
From: Chris Stephenson
To: JSWHITEHURST
Re: NC Framework for Core 21
Hi Jane,
As we discussed on the phone yesterday, it would be great to have you write an article for the CSTA Voice outlining the current problem with CS teacher certification in North Carolina in light of DPI's announcement of the new student graduation requirements. I have cc'd our editor (Pat Phillips) so that she can send you the details for article submission.
Chris
03 January 2007
Core 21
Date: January 3, 2007
From: Chris Stephenson
To: CS Teachers in NC
Re: Core 21
CSTA has been watching state efforts to set new course requirements for students across the country and we are wondering if you have had any involvement in the new North Carolina course of study framework for high school course requirements and what you think this new framework might mean for K-12 computer science education.
According to a release by the State Board of Education Department of Public Instruction ( http://www.dpi.state.nc.us/newsroom/news/2006-07/20061208-01 ) the proposed core framework requires that all freshmen entering high school in the fall 2008 participate in a 21 unit core course of study that will include a four-unit endorsement in a specialty area of their choice. The new core course of study will require:
4 units of English
4 units of mathematics
3 units of science
3 units of social studies
2 units of a second language
1 unit of health/physical education
an endorsement of at least four units in one of the following areas: Career-Technical Education, Arts Education, JROTC, Advanced Placement/IB, Second Language or other.
While some states (Texas) allow students to count computer science as a mathematics or science core credit, it is not exactly clear where computer science will fit under this new North Carolina framework. Some have suggested that it will fit under Career-Technical Education, but that is not entirely clear.
We would be grateful if you could share any information you might have on this new policy.
Thanks
Chris
From: Chris Stephenson
To: CS Teachers in NC
Re: Core 21
CSTA has been watching state efforts to set new course requirements for students across the country and we are wondering if you have had any involvement in the new North Carolina course of study framework for high school course requirements and what you think this new framework might mean for K-12 computer science education.
According to a release by the State Board of Education Department of Public Instruction ( http://www.dpi.state.nc.us/newsroom/news/2006-07/20061208-01 ) the proposed core framework requires that all freshmen entering high school in the fall 2008 participate in a 21 unit core course of study that will include a four-unit endorsement in a specialty area of their choice. The new core course of study will require:
4 units of English
4 units of mathematics
3 units of science
3 units of social studies
2 units of a second language
1 unit of health/physical education
an endorsement of at least four units in one of the following areas: Career-Technical Education, Arts Education, JROTC, Advanced Placement/IB, Second Language or other.
While some states (Texas) allow students to count computer science as a mathematics or science core credit, it is not exactly clear where computer science will fit under this new North Carolina framework. Some have suggested that it will fit under Career-Technical Education, but that is not entirely clear.
We would be grateful if you could share any information you might have on this new policy.
Thanks
Chris
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