1. 1. Rationale. This Rule highlights those elements distinctive to the Computer Science Education program. These standards build upon the InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards, ISTE Standards, and Alabama Specific Standards. The standards are consistent with the current Praxis Computer Science Assessment and the current Alabama Course of Study for Digital Literacy and Computer Science and the Information Technology. Implementation of the standards will be in the Alabama Continuous Improvement guidance.

2. 2. Program Curriculum. In addition to meeting Rules 290-3-3-.03, 290-3-3-.04, 290-3-3-.05, and 290-3-3-.11, the curriculum shall require coursework, key assessments, and field experiences in the following areas:

   1. a. Prior to program completion, candidates will have time to develop content knowledge in computer science education (impacts of computing, algorithms and computational thinking, programming, data, and computing systems and networks).
   2. b. Prior to program completion, candidates will have time to develop Computer Science pedagogy (collaborative and interdisciplinary learning, incorporating instructional strategies, critical thinking and problem-solving, and utilizing computer science curriculum and current research).

   3. c. Unique Field Experiences, Practica, and Internship Placement Requirements.

      1. i. Field experiences shall include placements in both middle grades and high school computer sciences classrooms.
      2. ii. To the extent possible, field experiences should allow candidates the opportunity to practice in the computer science classroom.
      3. iii. Although not required, a practicum experience can be at either the middle grades level or high school level. Experiences should deepen candidate understanding and ability in computer science education.
      4. iv. Internship shall be split between middle grades and high school grades unless a practicum and/or at least three field experiences have been completed at the other level.

Author: Dr. Eric G. Mackey

Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§16-3-16 and 16-23-14.

Editor’s Note: Previous Rule .07.04 was renumbered .13 per certification published August 31, 2021; effective October 15, 2021.

History: New Rule: Filed April 11, 2019; effective May 26, 2019. Repealed and New Rule: Published August 31, 2021; effective October 15, 2021. Repealed and New Rule: Published March 31, 2025; effective May 15, 2025.