Computer Science
Quick Links
Welcome to the Computer Science page for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Our goal is to sustain and expand computer science education in the state of Missouri. We are here to support educators, schools, and local educational agencies (LEAs) in providing high-quality computer science education to all students.
Computer science fosters critical skills, including computational thinking and critical thinking. Computational thinking is a method used for problem-solving that includes dissecting problems, identifying patterns, filtering out unnecessary information, and formulating systematic solutions for decision-making. These core skills enable students to address real-world challenges and thrive in a technology-driven society.
- Computer Science Supporting Documents
- Artificial Intelligence Guidance for Local Education Agencies
- Computer Science Performance Standards (approved 5/14/19)
- Computer Science Frequently Asked Questions (updated 7/21/22)
- Guidance on Computer Science Implementation (updated 10/23/25)
- Computer Science Approved Trainings & Courses (updated 10/16/2025)
- Computer Science Course Descriptions & Course Codes (updated 10/30/25)
- ETS PRAXIS Exams K-12 Computer Science
- Computer Science Professional Development and Resources
- Computer Science Advisory Council
The 2024 Computer Science Task Force recommended that DESE establish an ongoing Missouri Computer Science Advisory Council. With the goal of establish a council of qualified individuals that can help Missouri students receive relevant and applicable computer science education and opportunities.
Objectives:
- Keep the state standards current.
- Help address issues that Local Education Agencies (LEAs) may be facing in increasing computer science education and opportunities across the state.
- Annual review of the Missouri computer science standards.
- Develop and update recommendations for computer science-related resources.
- Identify notable trends over the year and address those trends.
- Recommendations on best practices and emerging promising practices in computer science education.
- Review computer science data.
- Review Computer Science Grant recipients.
Meetings and Agendas:
- June 8, 2024: AI Guidance was released, additional computer science certification pathways were presented to the state board, the Missouri computer science data was reviewed, and CSTA was updated on computer science standards.
- July 9, 2024: First meeting. Started work on Artificial Intelligence Guidance for LEAs.
- September and October small group Zoom meetings: Work on Artificial Intelligence Guidance
- November 8, 2024: Worked on Artificial Intelligence Guidance, Computer Science Teacher Certification, Parent ProTech, and Pitsco presentations.
- January 23, 2025: Updated Missouri computer science standards.
- June 5, 2025: Updated Missouri computer science standards.
If you are interested in being part of the Computer Science Advisory Council, contact:
Michael Corcoran - Michael.Corcoran@dese.mo.gov
- Computer Science Data