Computer Science Principles: Analysis of a proposed Advanced Placement Course

TitleComputer Science Principles: Analysis of a proposed Advanced Placement Course
Publication TypeConference Paper
Year of Publication2013
AuthorsBarnette, D. N., R. Dovi, O. Astrachan, and R. B. Osborne
Refereed DesignationRefereed
Subsidiary AuthorsGardner, C., J. Gray, J. Griffin, and R. Kick
Tertiary AuthorsKuemmel, A., R. Morelli, D. Muralidhar, and C. Uche
Secondary AuthorsArpaci-Dusseau, A., M. Bauer, M. Carrell, and B. Franke
Conference NameThe 44thACM Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education
Date Published03/2013
PublisherAssociation of Computing Machinery
Conference LocationDenver, CO.
Abstract

In this paper we analyze the CS Principles project, a proposed Advanced Placement course, by
focusing on the second pilot that took place in 2011-2012. In a previous publication the
first pilot of the course was explained, but not in a context related to relevant educational
research and philosophy. In this paper we analyze the content and the pedagogical approaches
used in the second pilot of the project.  We include information about the third pilot being
conducted in 2012-2013 and the portfolio exam that is part of that pilot. Both the second and
third pilots provide evidence that the CS Principles course is succeeding in changing how
computer science is taught and to whom it is taught.