Focus Area

Computer Science & STEM

Resources, professional learning, and support for fostering robust computer science and STEM programs and knowledgeable educators.

Building and supporting CS & STEM educators and innovative programs

Through our partnerships and connections to computer science (CS) educators across the state, we strive to make integrating CS and STEM learning and achieving standards-based compliance an empowering experience for all educators and school districts.

The Illinois State Board of Education defines computer science as the study of computers and algorithms, including their principles, hardware and software designs, implementation, and impact on society. Computer science does not include the study of everyday uses of computers and computer applications, such as keyboarding or accessing the internet. Notably, this is different from computer literacy, “one’s knowledge of and ability to use computers and related technologies efficiently and effectively. More specifically, [it] includes knowing what constitutes a computer, the uses and applications for computers, and the impact of computers on society.”

Visit ISBE’s Instruction Database
Services

Computer Science & STEM Services

Free and low-cost services and trainings geared toward building STEM teaching capacity and computer science curriculum integration.

Database

Legal Database

Professional LearningService

Webinars

Database

Computer Science Resource Database

Consultations

STEM Lab / Makerspace Consulting

Professional Learning

State Fair STEAM Expo

Consultations

Computer Science & Literacy Consulting

PartnershipsService

Code.org Regional Partnership

Professional LearningService

Custom PD for Districts and Schools

Cooperative

ILTPP Purchasing Cooperative

View all Services
Resources

Computer Science & STEM Resources

Lesson plans, curricula, and guides for crafting robust STEM programs and meeting computer science teaching standards.

Featured
Organizations

CS Education Week

Featured
Organizations

CS4IL

Featured
Curriculum & Lesson Plans

Minecraft: Education Edition

Featured
Organizations

Computer Science Teachers Association

Featured
Organizations

CS for All Teachers

Featured
Curriculum & Lesson Plans

Code.org

Featured
Curriculum & Lesson Plans

ISBE’s Computer Literacy: Knowledge and Skill Development Continuum

Featured
Best Practices

ISBE’s Computer Science Courses and Assignability Recommendations

Featured
Resource Collections

ISBE’s Computer Science Resources

View all Resources
Upcoming Events

Computer Science & STEM Events

ROE 40 Educational Technology Roundtable

| Free

Join us for an open discussion on current educational technology topics and trends. This networking meeting is open to all educational technology positions including technology directors, instructional technology coaches, teachers, and any other positions interested in discussing the current state of technology in our schools. While a short presentation may lead off our time together, the majority of the meeting will be open for participants to share their experiences and challenges with the group.

Joe Cipfl
Joe Cipfl
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | Southern Region, Learning Technology Center
Additional Details

ROE 11 Tech Networking Meeting

| Free

Area technology coordinators, directors, building admins, and coaches will discuss shared experiences, questions, and ideas. Their contributions and concerns will drive the conversation.

Holly Kelly
Holly Kelly
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | East Central Illinois, Learning Technology Center
Additional Details

ROE 16 Technology Round Table

| Free

Join us for an open discussion on current educational technology topics and trends. This networking meeting is open to all educational technology positions including technology directors, instructional technology coaches, teachers, and any other positions interested in discussing the current state of technology in our schools.

Ben Sondgeroth
Ben Sondgeroth
Lead Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | Northern Illinois, Learning Technology Center
Additional Details
View all Events
From Our Blog

Learn more about computer science & STEM

Recent blog posts highlighting new STEM resources, partnered training opportunities, and the latest standards guidance.

NetworkingProfessional Learning

2023 Education Conferences for Teachers, Administrators & Coaches

No matter your role in education and technology, conferences remain one of the best places to explore new strategies, discover new resources, and connect with peers. Check out all of these note-worthy edtech conferences coming

Lisa Schwartz
Lisa Schwartz
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | West Central Region, Learning Technology Center
Computer LiteracyComputer Science (CS)

Screen-Free CS Activities for your K-5 Classroom

Looking for screen-free ways to get your students interested in computer science? Try out these FREE resources in your K-5 classroom!

Sarah Phelps
Sarah Phelps
Program Manager, Computer Science and STEM, Learning Technology Center
Computer LiteracyComputer Science (CS)

K-8 Books to Spark a Lifelong Passion for CS Learning

Computer Science Education Week 2022 is here! Let’s celebrate with a few books you can use to get your K-8 students interested in coding and more without needing to pick up a computer.

Sarah Phelps
Sarah Phelps
Program Manager, Computer Science and STEM, Learning Technology Center
View all Articles
Computer Science Professional Learning

Code.org Regional Partnership

Through our Code.org partnership, Illinois educators can obtain high-quality CS professional development and curricular resources – often for little-to-no cost. You can also develop the expertise needed make CS learning accessible at any grade level using their ever-growing library of projects and teaching tools.

More than two million teachers have brought CS learning to their classroom through Code.org. Learn more about how Code.org can help you and your district grow CS teaching capacity starting today.

Code.org Regional Partnership