Computer Science Standards
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Oklahoma Academic Standards for Computer Science | Computer Science Education | Frequently Asked Questions
Oklahoma Academic Standards for Computer Science
The 2023 Oklahoma Academic Standards for Computer Science (OAS-CS) were developed by a committee composed of educators representing K-12 public schools, Career Tech, higher education, and education non-profict organizations. Feedback was provided in two public comment periods and included K-12 educators, higher education, and education non-profict organizations.
The OAS-CS are designed to prepare all Oklahoma students for success in a world increasingly shaped by technology. The standards cover key topics, including computational thinking, programming, algorithms, data structures, and the ethical and social implications of computing.
Click here for the Oklahoma Academic Standards for Computer Science
Computer Science Education
What it Includes:
- Study of computers
- Analyzing and creating programming/software designs
- Studying hardware designs
- Researching and analyzing usage in local and national context
- Evaluating the impact on society
What it Does Not Include:
- Teaching students to type or use a mouse
- Learning to use applications (e.g., word processing program or slides)
- Playing video games
- Building or repairing a computer
Guidance regarding the use of Computer Applications to Meet Core and College/Work- Ready Curriculum Requirements for Graduation is now available here.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How are public comments utilized in the standards development process?
- Public comments inform the Writing Team in the areas of clarity, grade-level appropriateness, and general opportunities to improve the standards. While every review is considered, common themes often arise and are given particularly careful consideration. Our hope is that respondents to the public comment survey will see adjustments based on their thoughtful review and recommendations.
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Are the standards written for all Oklahoma students?
- The Oklahoma State Department of Education and the members of the Writing and Draft Review Teams strive to ensure the new standards communicate a vision for Computer Science education that prepares all students for a future that is increasingly technological. We believe defining clear, attainable, yet ambitious learning standards for Computer Science sets a worthwhile goal for our state as we work to ensure that any child might pursue a career in coding, engineering, or any number of pathways that are strengthened by computational thinking.
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When will these standards be officially adopted?
- The 2018 Oklahoma Academic Standards for Computer Science have been revised. The 2023 Oklahoma Academic Standards for Computer Science are official as of May 31, 2023.
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Are all schools required to implement these standards?
- Recent legislation (70 O.S. § 11-103.6m) states that beginning in the 2024-2025 school year, all Oklahoma public elementary and middle schools and public elementary and middle charter schools will be required to offer instruction aligned to the Oklahoma Academic Standards for Computer Science (OAS-CS). This statute also states that all public high schools and public charter high schools must offer at least one standalone computer science course.
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What certification is required to teach Computer Science courses?
- While not required in Oklahoma, it is recommended that Computer Science teachers take and pass the Computer Science certification exam offered by the Office of Educational Quality and Accountability.
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What are Levels 1 and 2, and what do they mean?
- The development of high school computer science standards presents a complex challenge as the current course offerings across Oklahoma schools is quite diverse. The high school writing team elected to create Level 1 standards that detail the key knowledge, skills, and abilities all high school students should have as they build competency with the computer science concepts. These Level 1 standards are likely addressed in a Computer Science 1 and 2 sequence. The Level 2 standards provide a pathway for greater specialization that may be useful for those students who hope to pursue Computer Science as a certification area or potential minor or major at the collegiate level. These Level 2 standards are likely addressed in courses such as AP Computer Science A and Advanced Programming.
