Written by: Kathy A. Surd, President, Michigan Mathematics and Science Centers Network; Director, Mason-Lake Oceana Mathematics and Science Center; and General Education Coordinator, West Shore ESD
The Michigan Mathematics and Science Center Network (MMSCN), through a grant with code.org, is pleased to announce a professional learning opportunity to support AP Computer Science Principles (AP CSP). Code.org is one of the 5 approved providers for the AP CSP course by the College Board.
The grant will provide local schools with the following:
Resources for teaching AP CSP in the fall of 2017
A Sample AP CSP Course Audit
Professional Learning for 60 teachers throughout Michigan at no cost (stipends for teachers are not included)
A curriculum from Code.org for the AP CSP Course
Schools interested in taking advantage of this opportunity will be expected to have an AP CSP course in their school schedule for Fall, 2017. Currently, teachers with an NR certification are eligible to teach this course. MDE has also granted flexibility for mathematics and science teachers to teach this course using a full year shortage substitute permit. See the attached memo from MDE regarding the use of a mathematics or science teacher in this role.
Schools wanting more information on how to take advantage of this opportunity can visit our Michigan website at www.micoding.weebly.com. At this site, teachers who plan to apply should sign up to receive an application. Applications will be available in January. Teachers who sign up on this website will have an application emailed directly to them.
When teachers apply in January, they will be asked for evidence that their district is planning to offer an AP CSP course in the fall. Now is the right time for your district to establish an AP CSP course in your master schedule so your teacher has evidence to provide in January when they apply.
Periodically visit the website www.micoding.weebly.com for updated information.
Resources: You can also download two additional informational documents that discuss the AP CSP Professional Learning Program Benefits as well as Code.org's Computer Science Principles: Syllabus and Overview.