Computer Science
- 2021 Montana Content Standards for Computer Science (Official PDF)
- 2021 Montana Content Standards for Computer Science (Excel)
- 2021 Montana Content Standards for Computer Science (PDF)
This Guide is designed to provide resources and guidance to schools, districts, curriculum consortia and others at multiple access points and stages of curriculum development. It allows educators to find pertinent information for a wide range of topics that inform the curriculum development process--from the legal foundations in Montana law and rules to classroom level instructional strategies and assessment. Use the topic outline to access information across the curriculum development spectrum. This is a guide. It is not exhaustive in its depth or in the number of resources, but it is specifically designed for Montana educators to look with intention and clear guidance at improving the process of curriculum development in Montana schools.
Webinar: New Standards for 2021: Overview and Planning for Implementation (February 8, 2021)
- View Slides
- View Recording (48:14)
Tech Directors: To access a machine readable version of the official Montana Content Standards for Computer Science, please visit the IMS Global CASE Network site. Create a free login, select Montana Office of Public Instruction, and view or download the standards. The CASE version of the standards can be uploaded into student information systems, curriculum mapping programs and a variety of other uses. Learn more about the CASE Network | CASE Network FAQ
Montana Resources
School challenges
- NASA Classroom Coding Challenges
- Code Academy Coding Challenges
- Rasperri PI Foundation AI Experience Challenge
- Congressional App Challenge
- Google Summer of Code
Organizations
- AVID Open Access
- Code.org
- CSTA
- International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)
- Northwest Council for Computer Education (NCCE)
- Montana Council for Computers and Technology in Education (MCCE)
- CS for All SCRIPT - Strategic Planning Tool for School Districts - a framework to guide teams of district administrators, school leaders, and educators through a series of collaborative visioning, self-assessment and goal
- Khan Academy - Computer Programming
- Khan Academy - Hour of Code
- American Computer and Robotics Museum
Computer Science Professional Development for Montana Educators:
Attention Educators
AiEDU is offering an opportunity for professional learning:
A paid opportunity for K–12 educators to explore, test, and lead in the future of teaching with AI. You can choose the cohort that best fits your background and teaching context. All cohorts include:
- A 12-week virtual cohort
- 5 live, virtual sessions, plus a culminating showcase event
- Implementation and filming of 2–3 classroom activities focused on AI Readiness and AI Literacy
- Opportunities to share feedback and reflect with peers
- A connection to aiEDU’s national educator network
- An $875 stipend, certificate of completion, and digital badge
Register for the Fall 2026 cohort!
Elementary Educators (K-5):
- Computer Science Fundamentals for K-5 Educators from AVID and Code.org (Scholarships available!)
Middle and High School Educators
- Computer Science Discoveries for 6-10 Educators from AVID and Code.org (Scholarships available!)
- Computer Science Principles for 9-12 Educators from AVID and Code.org (Scholarships available!)
- Additional workshops are hosted throughout the year and across the country. Learn more about upcoming workshops near you!
Workshops above may be taken to earn the 80 hours of professional development required to apply for a Class 4, Computer Coding license.
Scholarships are available for Montana teacher participation.
Additional Professional Learning Across the Country and Online:
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CSTA Quality PD Opportunities - Online list of vetted, high quality CS PD.
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Code.org's Professional Learning for Elementary, Middle and High School (Scholarships available)
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Code.org's Free, Self- Paced, Online course
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Girls Go CyberStart Club for High School Students
Check the OPI Professional Learning Opportunities Portal for a list of all workshops and conferences and subscribe to the Business and Marketing weekly newsletter to stay updated on a variety of professional development opportunities.
An individual may teach Computer Science courses at the secondary level via:
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Class 1 or 2 license with either the Business Education 5-12 (Broadfield) [12S BUS], Computer & Information Sciences 5-12 [12S CS], or Computer Information Systems endorsement [12S CIS] (all courses*).
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Class 1 or 2 license with a Mathematics 5-12 endorsement [02S MAT] (only two courses*).
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Class 1 or 2 license, any endorsement, with the addition of a Class 4 Computer Coding endorsement [Class 1 or 2 license + 10S CC] (only computer coding/computer programming courses*).**
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Class 4 Career & Technical Education license with the Computer Information Systems endorsement [10S CIS] (all courses*).
*Please refer to the OPI Course Codes for a list of courses that can be taught by the various endorsements above. Computer Science related courses are listed under the 010-Computer and Information Sciences and 011-Communications and Audio/Visual Technology sections. (p. 16-18, Elementary and Middle School; p. 43-48, High School)
**Learn more about the process of earning your Class 4 Computer Coding endorsement in this Class 4 Computer Coding Guidance Document. Possible Professional Development opportunities leading to your 80 hours required can be found on the Professional Learning Opportunities tab.
Questions?
- Questions about licensure? Contact licensure.
- Questions about the Class 4 Computer Coding endorsement[10S CC]? Check out the Class 4 Computer Coding Guidance Document or contact OPICSI@mt.gov.
Need more renewal units? Take a look at the Teacher Learning Hub for a variety of courses.
The Teacher Learning Hub has recently switched platforms. Therefore, each course previously offered is undergoing review and new courses are being added every day. Check back regularly to see if any computer science courses have been added!