The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) is committed to expanding quality computer science education in Indiana. Governor Eric Holcomb and the Indiana General Assembly have indicated computer science education as a priority through the passage of Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 172 (2018), requiring every school to incorporate computer science in the school's curriculum for students in grades K-12. Indiana currently has computer science standards in place for grades K-8 and has a variety of computer science course offerings available for high schools. IDOE believes every student in Indiana deserves the opportunity to learn computer science, as this is an increasingly necessary step in preparing students to be productive citizens in an ever-changing, technology-driven world.
- Legislation, Requirements, Standards
Indiana Code (IC) 20-30-5-23
After June 30, 2021, each public high school, including each charter school, shall offer at least one (1) computer science course as a one (1) semester elective in the public high school’s curriculum at least once each school year for high school students. After June 30, 2021, each public school, including each charter school, shall include computer science in the public school’s curriculum for students in kindergarten through grade 12.
The following high school computer science courses may be utilized to meet the above requirements. For detailed course descriptions, visit IDOE’s Course Titles and Descriptions webpage.
Approved 2023-2024 high school computer science courses to satisfy requirements under IC 20-30-5-23:
- 4803: Introduction to Computer Science
- 4801: Computer Science I
- 5236: Computer Science II
- 5252: Computer Science III: Special Topics
- 5249: Computer Science III: Software Development
- 5250: Computer Science III: Databases
- 5251: Computer Science III: Informatics
- 5253: Computer Science III: Cybersecurity
- 7183: Principles of Computing
- 7351: Topics in Computer Science
- 7352: Computer Science
- 7353: Computer Science Capstone
- 7184: Software Development
- 7253: Software Development Capstone
- 4570: AP Computer Science A
- 4568: AP Computer Science Principles
- 4586: IB Computer Science Standard Level
- 4584: IB Computer Science Higher Level
- 8118/8116: Cambridge International AS and A Level Computer Science
Beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, the following courses will be phased out and replaced by the corresponding courses in the Next Level Programs of Study:
- 4801: Computer Science I
- 5236: Computer Science II
- 5249: Computer Science III: Software Development
- 5250: Computer Science III: Databases
- 5251: Computer Science III: Informatics
- 5253: Computer Science III: Cybersecurity
For more information about the Next Level Programs of Study, please review more information provided by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education regarding these Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways.
The Indiana Academic Standards for K-8 Computer Science were adopted by the Indiana State Board of Education in June 2023 to be implemented in the 2023-2024 school year. The Indiana Academic Standards for K-8 Computer Science are grade banded and assessed as part of the ILEARN science assessments in grades four and six.
It is important to note that the Indiana Academic Standards for K-8 Computer Science are intended to be taught in addition to the appropriate grade-level science standards.
Review more information here regarding computer science legislation, requirements, and standards.
- Educator Professional Development
Computer Science Professional Development
IC 20-20-45 established the Next Level Computer Science Grant Program and Computer Science Fund to award grants to eligible entities to implement high-quality teacher professional development programs in computer science. IDOE is charged with administering the program and fund as well as developing grant guidelines in collaboration with the Governor’s Office.
Since June 1, 2018, over 3,400 Indiana K-12 educators received computer science training through partnerships between IDOE and eligible entities pursuant to IC 20-20-45. Review more information here regarding current partnerships and professional development opportunities.
- Resources and Supports
IDOE strives to connect corporations, schools, and teachers with a variety of resources to support the ongoing implementation of CS. IDOE recommends that educators create an account in the Indiana Learning Lab to leverage CS classroom resources curated from a variety of sources. Information regarding free professional development to support CS teachers is located here.
Access additional resources here.
- Why Computer Science?
Why Computer Science?
The K-12 Computer Science Framework is foundational to Indiana’s Academic Standards for K-12 Computer Science and provides a vision for how students engage in critical thinking to be the next generation of creators of computer science knowledge and innovations. Applying computer science skills across disciplines prepares students to be active change agents in a world driven by technology.
The 2023 State of Computer Science Education report compiled by the Code.org Advocacy Coalition, Computer Science Teacher Association, and the Expanding Computing Education Pathways Alliance, ranks Indiana 6th in the nation for the number of high schools offering a foundational computer science course. In 2023, Indiana averaged 5,623 open computing jobs each month with an average base salary of $85,637. Indiana’s future investment in increasing participation of high school students beyond the current 7% enrolled in a computer science course will directly influence the technology talent pipeline and support economic growth in Indiana. However, this is a collective effort that requires the ongoing commitment of Indiana’s K-12 educators to continue building capacity for and providing access to high quality computer science education for all Hoosier students.