Our high school computer science program is evolving to meet the growing demand for technology skills in today’s workforce. This year, the Arkansas Department of Education updated the state standards for computer science, and our district is proud to be at the forefront of these changes.
New H2 Pathway: Information Technology and Security
We are now offering a High-Growth-High-Demand (H2) pathway in Information Technology and Security. All students who still need a computer science credit will begin with Year 1: Introduction to Computers, which covers computer system basics, career exploration, computational thinking, circuitry, introductory programming languages, and artificial intelligence.
Students interested in pursuing a Computer Science Completer status for a Diploma of Merit can continue with Year 2: Information Technology and Security, followed by Year 3: Cybersecurity. We have received a grant through CS for Arkansas to build a networking and cybersecurity lab, giving students hands-on experience with advanced technology.
Advanced Training for Our Teachers
Brian Luetschwager, our Computer Science Teacher, participated in training covering networks, cybersecurity, cryptography (the study of how passwords are created and broken), and steganography (finding hidden data within other data). Mr. Luetschwager trained with Alex Moeller, one of the CS Specialists for the state who specializes in cybersecurity, to ensure our students are learning cutting-edge skills.
Leading the Way in Computer Science Education
Arkansas is a national leader in high school computer science education. Our state’s standards now exceed those of the AP Computer Science Principles course, offering students advanced opportunities to prepare for college and careers. By equipping students with these skills, Arkansas is attracting more technology industries while providing students with opportunities to thrive in a beautiful, growing state.
Learn more about computer science in education @CSforAR.