YEAR ONE: AP COMPUTER SCIENCEYEAR TWO: ADVANCED CS TOPICSYEAR THREE: I .S. IN CS TOPICS

STEVE SVETLIK, MSCS

DHS Computer ScienceIn a Nutshell

Computer Science on the Whole

Consistently ranked one of the top 10 most rewarding career paths

http://www.cnbc.com/id/46994473/The_Best_Jobs_for_2012?slide=11

http://www.forbes.com/pictures/efkk45mkkh/no-1-software-developers-applications-and-systems-software/

Greater likelihood of obtaining a (lucrative) job out of collegeTruly cutting edge (Java <20 years old)Relevant (kids get computers)Slowly starting to gain recognition in high schools as an

essential discipline (ultimate problem solving course)http://svetlik.weebly.com

AP Computer Science

College Board sets the curriculum (http://apcentral.collegeboard.org)

Focus on Object-Oriented Programming and Design

Language of focus is Java…… BUT, course is NOT exclusively a “Java

course”Algorithms, simple data structures, coding

style all shared emphases through Q1 and Q2 and 1/3 of Q3

Major-scale Q3 project (guided)Q4: Prep for AP Test, then independent

project

AP Computer Science (Continued)

Grading: 60% HW (Primarily programming projects) 30% Tests and Quizzes 10% Employability (Conduct and Teamwork)

NOT a course for students who are “iffy” about getting homework done on a regular basis

Easy access to a computer at home essentialPlenty of online resources (including me)Senior Teachers and 2nd and 3rd year students

available inside/outside of building

Advanced CS Topics (Year Two)

Semester One Quarter One – Java Review and Light Exposure to new

languages (primarily Clojure) Quarter Two – Data Structures Introduction and

Major-Scale Project (Exposure to AI development, Advanced OO design)

Quarter Three and First Half of Quarter Four –IIT Data Structures Course (Optional, but

popular)Dual Enrollment

Remainder of Quarter Four – “Fun Project” Using Data Structures

Advanced CS Topics (Year Two) Continued..

Grading: Semester One: 90% HW, 10% Employability Semester Two: Same as Sem One OR IIT Course

GradeMore flexibility in choosing areas of interestIncreased emphasis on helping year one

studentsIIT course is highly encouraged but is not

required

Independent Study in CS (Year Three)

Student-chosen focus New programming languages (C++, Racket, Scala, Clojure) Increased focus on hardware Student-driven assignment schedule

Grading 90% project work 10% employability

Students serve partially as resource to Year One students.

Often intertwined with Senior TeachingExcellent opportunity to broaden knowledge base in

CS and develop ability to transfer to other areas of interest