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

Re: Computer Science Certification

Date: 11-28-2006
From: jwhitehurst
To: Carol Parker
Re: Computer Science Certification

Mrs. Parker,

I'm sorry that it has taken me so long to respond, but when I hear such apathetic responses to the work on certification it scares me. I know for a fact that the response you got has been uttered for the past 5 years and I have yet to see headway on the issue. (see attached responses). It's not only computer science, but Chinese and Sign Language as well. For some reason, DPI seems to think that the necessity just isn't there. Well, I have a couple of comments for them that you may be able to help me relay.

1. The endorsement for computer science does not allow a teacher to teach computer science courses unless they are fully certified in some other subject (thus the dilemma in having to be certified in mathematics). It was only before "NCLB" that a teacher was able to obtain a Math certification and then the endorsement with a computer science degree. Even without a math major or the coursework for math, human resources "fit" the teacher to math. Today, that can't happen.

2. With an endorsement you cannot teach computer science if it is in the Tech Ed department. They have their own rules, and don't allow it. But because the computer science department and certification don't exist, the Tech Ed department is the only place Advanced Placement Computer Science can be taught if the school can't afford to lose a math teacher position.

3. Some schools in Wake County put computer science classes in Tech Ed, others in Math, and still others in a Technology department. Without the certification, teachers can be required to have one of three licenses, none specifically geared to computer science thus negating the potential for transfer (I believe this is discrimination).
[Side note: I can't transfer to just any school: they have to offer computers in the math department for where my license is now. NOT FAIR]

4. What really are the steps being taken? I've talked to the UNC system, and they aren't aware of it. I've talked to businesses. They aren't aware of it. I don't think anything is being done, and I think we need to find out. DPI can't sit on this issue any longer without being responsible to us teachers.

5. AND LASTLY (this is the blow of it all): NC State University offers the following degree: Math Education (MED): Computer Science Specialization . Here is a link to the program, http://www.ncsu.edu/reg_records/curricula/education/13med.html . But yet the schools with computer science in the business department won't let a teacher teach computer science with this degree.
Thanks for listening. I thought that you may want to get in touch with "Computer Science Teachers Association" and check out the research they are doing on certification issues. http://csta.acm.org/Research/sub/CSTAResearch-2.html

Re: NC Computer Cert

From: Carol
To: Jane
Date: 10/02/06

Jane,
Thank you for your call about this important issue. Below are the questions and answers that I asked of Kathy Sullivan, Department of Public Instruction expert in certification. I'm pleased to find out that certification for this important degree is being developed. Let me know if you have any questions.

Carol Parker

Re: certification for computer science

To: Carol Parker/Superintendent/WCPSS@Staff
From: "Kathy Sullivan"
Date: 10/02/2006 11:37AM
Subject: Re: certification for computer science

I appreciate your offer to help, but I really don't anticipate any opposition to it.
We are working with the colleges and universities to get courses lined up. I am hopeful that we will have something we can take to the State Board the first of the new year.

Questions on Cert

>>> Carol Parker 10/2/2006 11:31 AM >>>

Thank you so much for your answer. Two questions: how long will it take to get the stand alone certification? Is there anything I can do or the teacher can do to help?
Carol Parker

RE: Computer Cert in NC?

Date: 10/2/06
From: Kathy
To: Carol

Right now NC does not have a stand alone license in computer science. Rather, it is an endorsement that needs to be added to another license area. We have already begun work to try and create a separate, stand alone license in computer science.
Please let me know if I can provide any additional information

Computer Cert in NC?

From: Carol
To: Kathy

Eleanor Goettee gave me your name as the person who would be able to help me understand the issue of certification for a teacher with a computer science degree to teach computer science courses. I talked to a teacher who taught in another state who now is at a high school here in Wake County and cannot certify to teach computer science even though she has a masters degree in computer science. She tells me that Virginia has recently developed certification and she is on a mission to help our state certify this important field. Could you help me understand the issue?

School Board Member Reaches Out

Jenny,
Your Dad said you wanted to talk to me--we met at the Republican meeting--you are welcome to call me at home.

Carol Parker

School Board Member Listens

> Charlie,
> I was at the meeting and introduced myself to your daughter. I'd love
> to talk to her. I'm on the Board of Education and can be reached at
> the home number below.
>
> Carol Parker

My Dad cries for Help

Greetings to all,

I have been very busy since the Primary Election and wonder if I could
have kept up with the pace of a real campaign - probably not. When I
finally get enough money and time to launch something more substantial,
and I still possess at least the appearance of sanity, I might give it
another try.

Anyway, I have a couple things I would like to pass on.

First, I want to express my gratitude for your hospitality, support, and
good counsel. And, Second, I need some help for my daughter, Jenny, who
spoke to you all at our last meeting.

One of you is/was a school board member, and introduced yourself to her
after her impromptu speech. Jenny has asked me to contact you, but I am
ashamed to say, I don't remember which of you that was. There were many
of you who seemed to like what she had to say. Jenny would like to have
a meeting with you, if possible, to discuss further her ideas on education.

Many thanks in advance,


Charlie Sutherland