College Board, AP Computer Science Principles

The AP Program designed AP Computer Science Principles to engage traditionally underrepresented students in computer science and to develop future leaders in STEM fields. AP Computer Science Principles introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and challenges them to explore how computing and technology can impact the world. With a unique focus on creative problem solving and real-world applications, AP Computer Science Principles prepares students for college and career. The course offers a multidisciplinary approach to teaching the underlying principles of computation. It focuses on the creative aspects of programming, abstractions, algorithms, large data sets, the Internet, cybersecurity concerns, and computing impacts. AP Computer Science Principles also gives students the opportunity to use current technologies to create computational artifacts for both self-expression and problem solving. Together, these aspects of the course make up a rigorous and rich curriculum that aims to broaden participation in computer science. The AP Computer Science Principles assessment consists of two parts: completion of through-course performance tasks and the end-of-course AP Exam. Both of these will measure student achievement of the course learning objectives. For the through-course assessment, students will upload digital artifacts and written responses via a Web-based digital portal. The tasks are designed to give students broad latitude in personally selecting the focus and topics of their interest. On both the through-course assessment and the end-of-course AP Computer Science Principles Exam, students will be asked to apply their understanding of the course learning objectives, including the essential knowledge statements and computational thinking practices. AP Computer Science Principles students will receive a final exam score of 1-5 based on two through-course performance tasks submitted online and a multiple-choice paper-and-pencil exam administered during the AP Exam administration in May. We encourage you to join the AP Computer Science Principles Teacher Community, a professional learning network connecting teachers worldwide. You’ll see resources and discussion threads as a starting point, but the richness of the community relies on your participation. You can grow this community to support your classroom and others through the power of your contributions. The AP Teacher community provides easy online tools for educators to: • Engage in lively discussions organized by topic. • Find post and rate AP classroom-ready materials and related resources. • Browse the curriculum framework and share strategies. • Connect with colleagues and grow your personal network. * AP Computer Science Principles was created with significant support from the National Science Foundation and leading high school and higher education computer science educators across the nation who piloted the program at their institutions.