A high school computer science course should:

• include collaborative learning through a combination of unplugged and computer-based activities such as:
  • Code walkthroughs;
  • Writing algorithms in groups;
  • Insert comments in pairs into the existing code;
  • Develop code from algorithms in pairs;
  • Decompose and construct programmatic solutions;
  • Find the bugs in code;
• be engaging by incorporating more active learning strategies,
• provide opportunities for students to communicate verbally and in writing using computer science terminology,
• develop computational thinking skills,
• provide time to reflect on new learning,
• plan deliberate and transparent connections to careers in computer science such as guest speakers, and
• develop resilience and persistence in all students.

The following resources may be included in a computer science class:

• space to allow students to collaborate with others,
• moveable tables to allow students to be seated in small working groups,
• hardwired PCs to provide priority network bandwidth,
• student whiteboards (laminate cardstock) for collaboration and flexibility to solve problems,
• word walls and other visual cues to better support struggling students.

• Provide positive examples of computer scientists with diverse backgrounds.
• Create lessons that are gender neutral.
• Develop learning opportunities that take into consideration various points of view through classroom/group discussions.
• Give individualized, critical feedback (“growth mindset”) with a targeted suggestion on how a project or assignment could be improved.
• Remove visual cues and examples that may lead to stereotype threat.
• Employ meaningful and relevant content.
• Address misconception about the field of computer science that may propagate gender, racial, and other social stereotypes.
• Group students by level of experience in computing.
• Foster social networks for studying and for support, and practice working in teams.

• Critical analysis
• Professionalism
• Self-development
• Business skills
• Time Management

• Persistence
• Dependability
• Positivity
• Resilience

• Problem Solving (coding)
• Decision-Making
• Teamwork / collaboration
• Code Tracing
• Debugging
• Writing pseudo code