Teacher Teacher Certification in Certification in

Computer Computer ScienceScienceBarbara EricsonBarbara Ericson

Teacher Education RepresentativeTeacher Education Representative

Computer Science Teachers Computer Science Teachers AssociationAssociation

Why is Certification Why is Certification Important?Important?

There is a shortage of CS And IT professionalsThere is a shortage of CS And IT professionals some of the fastest growing jobs through 2012some of the fastest growing jobs through 2012

Many people don't know what Computer Many people don't know what Computer Science isScience is or think that it is not creative, boring, and anti-or think that it is not creative, boring, and anti-

socialsocial The ACM model curriculum for K-12 requires The ACM model curriculum for K-12 requires

that all students takethat all students take Computer Science in the modern world Computer Science in the modern world

The ACM model curriculum also recommendsThe ACM model curriculum also recommends National Council for Accreditation of Teacher National Council for Accreditation of Teacher

Education (NCATE) standards for secondary Education (NCATE) standards for secondary computer science education programs computer science education programs

CSTA Survey 2005-2006CSTA Survey 2005-2006

GoalGoal Determine the current state of teacher Determine the current state of teacher

certification for computer sciencecertification for computer science ProblemsProblems

6 states didn't respond even after several contacts6 states didn't respond even after several contacts Unclear on what computer science meansUnclear on what computer science means

included keyboarding and computer applicationsincluded keyboarding and computer applications Contradictory answersContradictory answers

No, we don't offer a CS Endorsement but we require itNo, we don't offer a CS Endorsement but we require it Didn't ask about Advanced Placement computer Didn't ask about Advanced Placement computer

sciencescience

Results of CSTA SurveyResults of CSTA Survey

20 states claimed to offer a CS 20 states claimed to offer a CS endorsementendorsement

25 states said that they do not have 25 states said that they do not have a CS endorsementa CS endorsement

6 states did not respond6 states did not respond

Closer ExaminationCloser Examination

Endorsements are often about Endorsements are often about computer literacy or information computer literacy or information technology technology not computer sciencenot computer science only 8 states have a computer science only 8 states have a computer science

endorsementendorsement Even states that have a CS Even states that have a CS

endorsement do not always require itendorsement do not always require it Often math or business teachers can teach Often math or business teachers can teach

computer sciencecomputer science

States with a CS States with a CS EndorsementEndorsement

FloridaFlorida LouisianaLouisiana MarylandMaryland MichiganMichigan NevadaNevada TexasTexas UtahUtah VirginiaVirginia

Upcoming WorkUpcoming Work

Poster at SIGCSE in PortlandPoster at SIGCSE in Portland Friday Friday

White paper on teacher certification White paper on teacher certification in computer science by NECC 2008in computer science by NECC 2008 Detailed look at Detailed look at

Texas (requires endorsement)Texas (requires endorsement) Georgia (voluntary endorsement)Georgia (voluntary endorsement) Pennsylvania (no endorsement)Pennsylvania (no endorsement)