BSA emphasizes the skills required to create, edit, and publish industry-appropriate documents. Areas of instruction include the integration of word processing, desktop publishing, spreadsheets, database management, and presentation software as well as the use of emerging technologies. Students will have the opportunity to gain industry-recognized credentials to document basic computer skills needed for future education or employment. Students will be able to demonstrate effective workplace and employability skills, including communication, awareness of diversity, positive work ethic, problem-solving, time management, and teamwork.  Students will explore the range of careers available in the field and investigate their educational requirements, and demonstrate job-seeking skills including resume-writing and interviewing.  Lastly, students will gain knowledge of HTML foundations that form websites, fosters creativity, and leads to other programming languages taught in our Career Tech department.

(Grades 9-12)

 

Credentials Offered in this course: Microsoft Office Specialist/Office 365 (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).

 

This course also satisfies the Career Prep A requirement.

APCSP introduces students to the central ideas of computer science, instilling the ideas and practices of computational thinking and inviting students to understand how computing changes the world. The rigorous course promotes deep learning of computational content, develops computational thinking skills, and engages students in the creative aspects of the field. The course is unique in its focus on fostering students to be creative. Students are encouraged to apply creative processes when developing computational artifacts and to think creatively while using simulations to explore questions that interest them. Rather than teaching a particular programming language or tool, the course focuses on using technology and programming as a means to solve computational problems and create exciting and personally relevant artifacts. Students will design and implement innovative solutions using an iterative process similar to what artists, writers, computer scientists, and engineers use to bring ideas to life. The course requires students to complete two performance tasks for assessment in addition to the AP exam in May. This course can count in one of three ways a CTE elective, 3rd/4th Science, or 4th Math.

(Grades 10-12)

 

The AP score for this course is as follows:
Create Performance Task-30%
AP Exam-70%

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Prerequisite:  Business Software Applications and a "C" or higher in Geometry w/ Data Analysis.

APCSA is an advanced-level course that focuses on programming and problem-solving using the Java programming language. The course is designed to be equivalent to a first-semester, college-level course in computer science. It emphasizes object-oriented programming, design, and the development of efficient, maintainable code. Key topics include data structures, algorithms, and the analysis of program efficiency.

Throughout the course, students will learn to design, write, and test programs that solve complex problems. They will also explore concepts such as recursion, inheritance, polymorphism, and the use of standard libraries. In addition to programming skills, the course introduces students to software engineering principles and prepares them for the AP Computer Science A exam, which assesses their ability to apply these concepts in real-world scenarios. AP Computer Science A can be a CTE elective, 4th Math, or 3rd or 4th Science.

(Grades 11-12)

 

AP Exam is an online test administered in May.

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Prerequisite: AP Computer Science Principles or teacher approval.

Exploring Computer Science is a year-long introductory course that covers foundational computer science concepts and computational practices. The course introduces students to a wide range of topics within the field of computer science, using engaging and accessible subjects. It emphasizes understanding the conceptual ideas behind computing, focusing on why specific tools or programming languages are used to solve particular problems. The course aims to develop students' computational skills in algorithm development, problem-solving, and programming, with an emphasis on problems relevant to today's students. Additionally, students will explore topics such as interface design, the limitations of computers, and societal and ethical issues related to technology. Exploring Computer Science can be a CTE elective, 4th Math, or 3rd or 4th Science. 

(Grades 10-12)

 

Prerequisite: Business Software Applications.