Computer Science
Computer Science (CS) is the process of solving complex organizational problems using technical solutions. CS develops computational critical thinking and problem-solving skills that show students how to create and use new technologies. This knowledge base is needed as a launch pad to prepare students for college, careers, and community engagement. Regardless of a student’s ultimate field of study or occupation, exposure to CS education will ignite their future success.
Chapter 979 of the Public Acts of 2022, codified at T.C.A. § 49-1-232, requires all K-12 students to have access to CS coursework, materials, and resources. Starting with the entering freshman class of 2024-25, high school students must take one CS credit for high school graduation. Middle school students must take one grading period of CS during their middle school career. Elementary school students will have CS standards embedded into their courses and are not required to take a stand-alone CS course.
Middle school and high school teachers must have the appropriate endorsement to teach the required CS course(s). (Please see the Tennessee State Board of Education Policies for the approved list of CS courses.) T.C.A. § 49-1-232 provides teachers holding a current teaching license with the opportunity to complete the Computer Science Endorsement Pathway (CSEP), a no-cost route to earn an endorsement qualifying them to teach approved CS courses. To enroll in the CSEP, teachers must have a current license; preservice teachers, teachers with permits, waivers, or those with school support personnel licenses are not eligible for enrollment in the CSEP. The CSEP will host a Fall and a Spring course every year.
The Tennessee K-12 CS Standards were approved by the Tennessee State Board of Education and are available for district implementation. They are designed to be used within CS classroom and can be integrated across all content areas to enhance learning. The CS Implementation Guide and CS Integration Guide provide resources and guidance to support standards-based alignment of CS education.