Computer Science & STEM
Resources, professional learning, and support for fostering robust STEM programs and knowledgeable computer science educators
Coding the Future of K-12 CS & STEM
In an increasingly tech-driven world, computer science and STEM education are vital for all K-12 students. These fields foster critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and personal agency while providing essential skills for emerging careers. Beyond coding and math, they also offering a foundation in data analysis and logical reasoning – skills valuable across all disciplines.
The LTC is committed to supporting educators in bringing CS and STEM to their classrooms. We leverage our professional partnerships and statewide network of educators to make integrating these subjects empowering and standards-compliant – both for educators and school districts.
Our team provides resources, training, and practical support that builds capacity and confidence among CS educators. Our summer CS professional learning programs – including CS PD Week – and networking group also provide a supportive environment where educators can gather resources, connect with peers, and discover strategies for bringing STEM and CS learning to life.
Computer Science Toolkit
As computing and STEM skills become essential for college, careers, and civic life, K-12 districts must ensure all students have access to high-quality computer science education. The LTC curates resources to help leaders translate vision into practice—aligning instruction with standards, expanding access, and building educator capacity. This collection supports every stage of implementation, from foundational guidance to endorsement pathways and classroom integration tools. With the right support, districts can turn big goals into tangible, equitable outcomes.
Resources for Policy Makers CS Policies/Strategies
- Models of Change/State Resources, Policies, and Practices – ECEP (2022)
- Reimagining CS Pathways– CSTA, et. al (2024)
- State of CS Annual Report– Code.org, et. al (2024)
Resources for District Leaders
- Computer Science Fact Sheet– ISBE (2022)
- Illinois Graduation Requirements- ISBE (2025)
- Illinois Course Catalog– ISBE (2025)
- Virtual Course Catalog– ISBE (2020)
- Computer Science Courses and Assignability Recommendations– ISBE (2023)
- CSTA Standards Guidance for Administrators– CSTA (2025)
- Guidance on the Future of Computer Science Education in an Age of AI– TeachAI (2025)
Research
These curated resources help educators and families bring computer science to life in every classroom and home. Teachers will find guidance on Illinois learning standards, practical strategies for integrating CS across subjects, and tools to support inclusive, reflective instruction. For those pursuing deeper expertise, endorsement pathways offer clear next steps. Families can explore accessible guides to spark curiosity, support learning at home, and understand the vital role CS plays in their child’s future.
Standards, Frameworks, and Guidance
- Illinois Computer Science Standards – ISBE (2022)
- Illinois Computer Science Standards Profession Chart – LTC (2025)
- Illinois Computer Science Standards Alignment Worksheet – LTC (2022)
- K-12 CS Framework – ACM, et. al (2016)
- CSTA Standards – CSTA (2022)
- CSTA Standards Guidance for Reflective Teachers – CSTA (2025)
- Guidance for Implementation – CSTA, et. al (2024)
- UDL and CS – University of Florida (2021)
- Integrating CS into Other Subjects – CSTA, et. al (2024)
Endorsements
- Teaching Endorsement in Computer Science – University of Illinois Urbana Champaign
- Computer Science Endorsement – Northeastern Illinois University
Professional Learning
- CS PD Week – LTC
- CS & STEM Online PLC – LTC
Resources for Parents
- Empowering Learning and Curiosity at Home – Code.org (2025)
- Why Computer Science Education? A Toolkit for Parents – EDC (2025)
As computing and STEM skills become essential for college, careers, and civic life, K-12 districts must ensure all students have access to high-quality computer science education. The LTC curates resources to help leaders translate vision into practice—aligning instruction with standards, expanding access, and building educator capacity. This collection supports every stage of implementation, from foundational guidance to endorsement pathways and classroom integration tools. With the right support, districts can turn big goals into tangible, equitable outcomes.
Resources for Policy Makers CS Policies/Strategies
- Models of Change/State Resources, Policies, and Practices – ECEP (2022)
- Reimagining CS Pathways– CSTA, et. al (2024)
- State of CS Annual Report– Code.org, et. al (2024)
Resources for District Leaders
- Computer Science Fact Sheet– ISBE (2022)
- Illinois Graduation Requirements- ISBE (2025)
- Illinois Course Catalog– ISBE (2025)
- Virtual Course Catalog– ISBE (2020)
- Computer Science Courses and Assignability Recommendations– ISBE (2023)
- CSTA Standards Guidance for Administrators– CSTA (2025)
- Guidance on the Future of Computer Science Education in an Age of AI– TeachAI (2025)
Research
These curated resources help educators and families bring computer science to life in every classroom and home. Teachers will find guidance on Illinois learning standards, practical strategies for integrating CS across subjects, and tools to support inclusive, reflective instruction. For those pursuing deeper expertise, endorsement pathways offer clear next steps. Families can explore accessible guides to spark curiosity, support learning at home, and understand the vital role CS plays in their child’s future.
Standards, Frameworks, and Guidance
- Illinois Computer Science Standards – ISBE (2022)
- Illinois Computer Science Standards Profession Chart – LTC (2025)
- Illinois Computer Science Standards Alignment Worksheet – LTC (2022)
- K-12 CS Framework – ACM, et. al (2016)
- CSTA Standards – CSTA (2022)
- CSTA Standards Guidance for Reflective Teachers – CSTA (2025)
- Guidance for Implementation – CSTA, et. al (2024)
- UDL and CS – University of Florida (2021)
- Integrating CS into Other Subjects – CSTA, et. al (2024)
Endorsements
- Teaching Endorsement in Computer Science – University of Illinois Urbana Champaign
- Computer Science Endorsement – Northeastern Illinois University
Professional Learning
- CS PD Week – LTC
- CS & STEM Online PLC – LTC
Resources for Parents
- Empowering Learning and Curiosity at Home – Code.org (2025)
- Why Computer Science Education? A Toolkit for Parents – EDC (2025)
Services, Resources and Professional Learning
CS & STEM Networking Meeting
How AI Makes Decisions (Code.org CS Integration Series)
Coding in the Content Areas with CS Connections (Code.org CS Integration Series)
CS Connections is your ticket to uncovering coding’s potential in science, math, ELA, and social studies classrooms. Learn how to use this project-based curriculum to unlock studnets’ critical-thinking and creativity, regardless of subject.
CS & STEM Networking Meeting
Bringing Code to Life with micro:bit (Code.org CS Integration Series)
CS & STEM Networking Meeting
2024 State of CS Education in Illinois
This past year, Illinois has taken significant steps toward expanding K-12 student access to engaging CS education – statewide standards, funding, and professional learning opportunities.
7 EdTech Books to Add to your Summer Reading List
Still have a little room left in your vacation-bound suitcase? Why not slip in an edtech book so that you can continue growing while you soak up some well-earned rest
9 Teaching Resources for Illuminating the 2024 Eclipse
The upcoming eclipse will be an unforgettable experience. Transform it into a learning opportunity and spark a lasting STEM passion with these resource curated by the LTC team.
Bring Computer Science to Your Students with Code.org Trainings & Free Curricula
Right now, computing is one of the fastest growing professions in the United States. But in order for today’s students to make the leap into the field, their teachers must
Illinois & Missouri Code.org Regional Partner
As the Code.org Regional Partner for Illinois and Missouri, the Learning Technology Center (LTC) takes great pride in facilitating professional learning programs that significantly enhance the capabilities of both current and aspiring computer science educators. By offering scholarships, these invaluable programs become accessible at little-to-no cost, enabling educators and their districts across Illinois and Missouri to cultivate the expertise necessary for delivering a comprehensive and enriching computer science curriculum.
This collaboration underscores the LTC’s dedication to fostering educational excellence and equity, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to explore the vast potential of computer science.
