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 in order 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.

K-12 Computer Science Framework

Computer Science Standards (CSTA)

Heartland AEA Computer Science Overview + Resources

Heartland AEA is committed to supporting schools as they work to implement the Iowa Core Computer Science Standards. Area schools should contact a member of the Heartland AEA Computer Science Team for support.

Important Contacts

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Ashley Delaney

Curriculum Consultant - Science

Email Ashley
(515) 473-7241

Education: Bachelor’s degree, history, political science and education, Iowa State University; Master’s degree, human development and family studies, Iowa State University; Master’s degree, curriculum and instruction, Drake University; Ph.D., education, Iowa State University

Experience: 7 years as a secondary social sciences teacher, 7 years as a K-12 gifted and talented teacher and administrator, 3 years as a secondary math teacher, 3 years as a secondary science teacher, 4 years as a K-12 computer science and STEM consultant

Expertise: strategic planning, change management, curriculum planning and implementation, assessment design, standards-based grading and reporting, instructional design, work-based learning, integrated computer science, STEM education, science for students with significant disabilities, inquiry-based learning, problem- and project-based learning, OpenSciEd training, 21st Century skills

Professional affiliations: Computer Science Teachers Association, National Science Teaching Association, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, North American chapter of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education, School Science & Mathematics Association, National Association for Gifted Children, Council for Exceptional Children