Computer Science

What is Computer Science?

Iowa defines computer science as understanding how and why technologies work, exploring whether and how technology could solve real-life problems, investigating procedures, creating solutions, and learning about computing systems, programming, data, networks and the effects on society and the individual. Learning computer science means learning how to create new technologies, rather than simply using them.

It is the vision of the state of Iowa that all Iowa students will engage in the concepts and practices of computer science through an intentional progression of experiences to prepare them to become enterprising citizens that positively impact society.

This vision is accomplished through the CSTA and Iowa standards that weave the Core Practices throughout the Core Concepts. You can find more about computer science in Iowa on the Iowa Department of Education website.

Standards Work

K-12 Computer Science Framework

Computer Science Standards (CSTA)

Instructional Practices

Heartland AEA Computer Science Overview + Resources

Heartland AEA is committed to supporting schools as they work to implement the Iowa Core Computer Science Standards.

Important Contacts

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Angela Dvorak

Professional Learning & Leadership Consultant

Email Angela
(515) 473-6667

Education: Bachelor’s degree, psychology; Master’s degree, education; Ed.S., school psychology; Master’s degree, educational leadership

Experience: School psychologist, Challenging behavior consultant, Assessment consultant, Director of student services, Professional learning consultant Joined Heartland AEA in 2020

Expertise: MTSS supports; intervention systems; leadership and infrastructure; postsecondary success; transition; district career and academic planning; IDEA-DA SDI literacy and transition; special education; ACHIEVE; Section 504; diverse learners; at-risk programming; co-teaching; academic and SEBH evidence-based practices; behavior assessment and intervention; de-escalation; CPI; Science of Reading; UFLI; literacy curriculum review; paraeducator training; needs assessment; ESSA school improvement; leadership coaching (4DX); computer science; data systems (CASA, state reporting, EdInsight, FASTBridge, Panorama, Career Information Systems)

How I’ve made an impact: Over several years, I have collaborated with a district on an innovative literacy MTSS redesign. By developing a comprehensive framework for universal literacy instruction and designing and implementing targeted supplemental and intensive interventions PK-12, we successfully increased student proficiency from 75% to 90%. This achievement reflects our commitment to fostering impactful learning experiences for all students.

Alicia Patten

Teacher Librarian Consultant

Email Alicia
(515) 473-6771

Education: Bachelor’s degree, elementary education with special education minor; K-6 reading endorsement; Master’s degree, school library media studies; Instructional design certificate; K-12 computer science endorsement

Experience: Elementary special education teacher, Elementary teacher librarian, Teacher librarian consultant
Joined Heartland AEA in 2021

Expertise: AEA digital resources; K-12 library services; digital literacy; computer science

Professional Affiliations: Iowa Library Association, Iowa Association for School Librarians, Computer Science Teacher Association, Iowa Reading Association, Iowa Technology & Education Connection

How I’ve made an impact: I worked with a district’s library staff around AEA digital resources, copyright and connections to the American Association of School Librarians’ standards. We worked to improve library services and ensure compliance with best practices. This resulted in better resource management and enhanced support for students’ research and academic needs.

Amy Wichman

Director of Media, Technology & Digital Learning

Email Amy
(515) 383-5018

Education: Bachelor’s degree, English, political science and secondary education; Master’s degree, education administration

Experience: Extensive experience in teaching & administration; Regional director; Director of instructional services; Director of media, technology & digital learning
Joined Heartland AEA in 2016

Expertise: Authentic technology integration/EdTech; implementing innovation; adult learning; standards-based grading, systems change

Professional affiliations: TCEA, ATD, ISTE, ISTE Certified, Scrum Master, vCISO

How I’ve made an impact: I assisted with a comprehensive implementation of technology with students that included goal setting, benchmarks and specific outcomes for annual reporting to the district’s school board. A multi-year action plan included tracking student/parent/teacher feedback, implementation planning, professional learning and data collection to track evidence of progress and update goals. Over three years we increased technology integration and ultimately test scores.