Computer Science
What is Computer Science?
Computer science is the scientific and engineering study of computation, its principles, methods, and real‑world applications. It encompasses the design and analysis of algorithms; the representation, processing, storage, and communication of information; and the development of computational systems that shape how we live and work.
Aligned with national guidance from the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) and the ISTE Standards for Students, computer science also includes understanding and creating with artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies. AI is not a separate discipline. It is a natural and evolving extension of computer science, grounded in algorithms, data, and computational models.
Computer Science in K-12 Education
Embedding computer science and AI‑related learning throughout Idaho’s K–12 system supports equitable access and builds readiness for both current and future careers.
Early exposure empowers students to:
- Develop digital literacy skills and technological fluency
- Explore and express creativity through digital tools
- Strengthen logic, reasoning, and problem‑solving
- Improve academic performance through computational thinking
- Understand and responsibly interact with AI‑driven technologies
- Cultivate adaptable skills that transcend disciplines
Why Computer Science and AI Matter for Idaho Students
Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving
CS and AI education strengthen students’ ability to analyze complex challenges, break problems into smaller components, and design solutions, skills required across all subject areas.
Career and Economic Opportunity
As every industry becomes increasingly data‑driven and automated, computer science and AI literacy open doors to high‑demand careers, from agriculture and healthcare to cybersecurity, engineering, and beyond.
Computer science encourages students to imagine, design, and build, whether creating software, developing AI models, designing apps, or constructing digital art. It supports innovation across disciplines.
Digital Literacy & Responsible Use
Understanding how algorithms, data, and AI systems work helps students become informed, ethical users and creators of technology.
Interdisciplinary Connections
Computer science and AI naturally intersect with mathematics, science, the arts, social studies, and career technical education, supporting deeper learning and authentic problem‑solving by providing students skills to create models, becoming adaptive, and supporting creativity.
Future‑Ready Skills
Students gain foundational abilities in areas such as data literacy, computational thinking, programming, automation, and AI, skills essential for future workforce demands.
Programs
CodeHop from CodeHS
Now free for all Idaho elementary schools, CodeHS helps kickstart or expand K–5 computer science programs with engaging, standards-aligned lessons and full implementation support. Each lesson teaches computer science concepts through hands-on projects, with Scratch and ScratchJr built directly into the platform so students can code without leaving the site. Teachers also receive ready-to-use resources—including lesson slides, video instruction, rubrics, and differentiation tools—to make teaching computer science simple and effective.
Fill out the registration form to get started.
Learning Blade
Learn how to code with Learning Blade! This 20-hour course gives you everything you need to introduce middle school students to computer science and real text-based coding.
It includes online lessons, classroom activities, and ready-to-use lesson plans—no coding experience required for teachers.
Designed for grades 5–9, students will explore IT careers, learn basic coding concepts, and write their first lines of code to program robots.
Visit the link to get started.
Helpful Information
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C&C Divisions
Contact
General Information
compsci@sde.idaho.gov
Katie Bosch-Wilson
Coordinator
(208) 332-6952
kbosch-wilson@sde.idaho.gov
Sydney Hansen
Program Specialist
(208) 332-6852
shansen@sde.idaho.gov