Professional Development

Professional Development
from
the Joint UC Davis and UC Riverside Computer Science Supplementary Teaching Credential Authorization Program

Flyer for the Joint UC Davis and UC Riverside CS Credential Program

C-STEM is a UC Approved Educational Preparation Program for undergraduate admission to all UC campuses. UC Davis C-STEM has over a decade of experience in providing professional development for K-12 teachers, including those without any prior coding experience, on computer science (CS) and integrating CS into STEAM education. UC Riverside Extension has been a leader in offering CTC-approved credential programs and educator professional development certificates. They have offered the Computer Science Supplementary Authorization Credential Program since 2018. Starting Summer 2022 in partnership with UC Riverside Extension, C-STEM Professional Development has been centered around the California Computer Science Supplementary Teaching Credential Authorization.

The following sequence of professional development courses in the joint UC Davis and UC Riverside Computer Science Supplementary Teaching Credential Authorization Program will meet the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) requirements. These courses will prepare K-12 teachers with fundamental CS knowledge and pedagogy to teach any K-12 standards-compliant computer science curriculum.

Introduction to Teaching Computer Science
Programming and Integration of CS into STEAM Teaching
Development of Integrated CS and STEAM Curriculum with Physical Computing
Computer Programming in C
Data Structures and Software Design

Complete four courses to earn an Introductory Authorization and teach in grades 9 and below, or add the fifth course to earn a Specific Authorization to teach up through grade 12. Teachers will be able to teach CS classes or integrate CS and data science into their existing classroom teaching with computational thinking, computing practice and programming, impacts of computing, physical computing, Arduino as a communication device for data collection and data analysis with visualization, engineering, data structure and algorithms, software design, etc., aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) Math, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and English Language Arts and Literacy Standards.

Participants can opt to take the courses as non-credit, for credit, or for CEUs. Credit is required for each course in order to earn the CS Supplementary Teaching Credential.

Although these PD courses allow K-12 teachers to obtain a Computer Science Supplementary Teaching Credential to teach any K-12 CS standard compliant CS curriculum, it is not necessary to complete all the courses to get started integrating hands-on coding into your teaching. For example, after completing the first course in the sequence, participants will be ready to teach the C-STEM K-12 Math-ICT Curriculum, including Common Core compliant Mathematics with Robotics and Computer Science Standards compliant CS/STEAM with Robotics curricula, as well as Afterschool and Summer Robotics Camps for Accelerated Math Learning. To teach C-STEM curriculum using text-based coding, including most of these UCOP A-G Approved courses, it is recommended that you also take the course Computer Programming in C. See some of C-STEM success stories on integrating CS into K-12 math education to close the achievement gap.

School District and County Office of Education Partners can apply for the $15M Computer Science Supplementary Authorization Incentive Grant Program through the CTC, due on November 18, 2022, and include UCD C-STEM and UCR Extension as grant partners. Teachers may also use DonorsChoose to seek funding for taking these professional development courses.

To learn more, school district administrators and teachers can attend the upcoming 12th Annaual C-STEM Conference on October 21, 2022 held at UC Davis Conference Center. UCR Extension Associate Dean Annette Web and UC Davis C-STEM Director Harry Cheng will present this Joint UC Riverside and UC Davis Computer Science Supplementary Teaching Credential Authorization Program + Q&A in a breakout session.

Course 1

UCD C-STEM Professional Development Title: C-STEM Academy I
UCR Extension Course Number & Title: CS X458.01 Introduction to Teaching Computer Science
Prerequisites: Computer Literacy
Instruction Hours: 30
Number of Units: 3
PD Cost: $600
Optional Credit or CEU Fees: $120
Course Description:
This course develops an understanding of the basics of computer science (CS) and best practices in teaching it. Topics include the major components and functions of computing systems, devices, and networks, fundamental principles and structures of computing practice and programming, computational thinking, block-based programming, basic robotics with virtual robots for teaching CS, impacts of computing and social, legal, and ethical issues, and effective pedagogical strategies and techniques, including project-based learning and alignment with K-12 Computer Science Standards.
Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this course participants will be able to:

Identify and explain how computer systems, devices, and networks operate and interact
Design and write block-based computer programs based on the fundamental principles and structures of programming
Control virtual robots using computer programs
Implement sound and engaging pedagogical strategies for teaching computer science, including project-based learning
Use a course management system in constructing a CS course and interacting with students and their work
Align instruction with K-12 Computer Science Standards
Identify how and when social and ethical issues arise in computing and summarize the debates around a given issue, such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, privacy, digital currency, social media, and the metaverse

Course 2

UCD C-STEM Professional Development Title: C-STEM Academy II
UCR Extension Course Number & Title: CS X458.02 Programming and Integration of CS into STEAM Teaching
Prerequisites: C-STEM Academy I/CS X458.01 Introduction to Teaching Computer Science
Instruction Hours: 40
Number of Units: 4
PD Cost: $800
Optional Credit or CEU Fees: $160
Course Description:
This course develops an understanding of key topics in computer programming and best practices in integrating CS into STEAM teaching. Topics include computational thinking, data structures and algorithms, decision making, random numbers, arrays, count loops, math operations and plotting, data analysis and visualization, input/output, functions, human-computer interaction and impacts, and simultaneous execution of tasks. Participants will also study the integration of computer science activities and applications into STEAM teaching aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) Math, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and English Language Arts and Literacy Standards. In addition, they will gain knowledge and experience in project-based learning.
Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this course participants will be able to:

Use arrays, loops, and math operations to visualize and analyze data
Write programs that implement conditional statements for decision making
Create programs that use elements of graphical user interfaces for user input and output
Implement modularization and procedural abstraction by writing more complicated programs using functions
Program multiple virtual robots for simultaneous movements and interactions
Align and integrate CS instruction with K-12 Common Core State Standards (CCSS) Math, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and English Language Arts and Literacy Standards
Understand the principles, promise, and pitfalls in human-computer interaction on both an individual and societal level
Use project-based learning activities for CS and STEAM instruction

Course 3

UCD C-STEM Professional Development Title: C-STEM Academy III
UCR Extension Course Number & Title: CS X458.03 Development of Integrated CS and STEAM Curriculum with Physical Computing
Prerequisites: C-STEM Academy I/CS X458.01 Introduction to Teaching Computer Science
Instruction Hours: 40
Number of Units: 4
PD Cost: $800
Optional Credit or CEU Fees: $160
Course Description:
In this course students design and develop interactive programming lessons and activities for CS and STEAM topics, including the use of digital devices and systems. Topics include randomized activities, graphical user interface (GUI) elements for student interaction and formative assessment, physical computing with Arduino and I/O devices, secure communication between devices, data collection and data analysis with visualization, and software tools and integration strategies for creating a customized curriculum according to students’ grade and cognitive levels in math, science, and language arts and literacy. Participants will work in groups on collaborative projects that implement project-based learning. Participants will also learn strategies for using makerspaces and robotics competitions to engage students, build teamwork, and encourage collaborative learning. They will develop competition challenges for students and learn how to organize local competitions for schools and districts.
Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this course participants will be able to:

Understand best practices for designing math, science, English language arts and literacy, and engineering lessons and activities integrated with computer science
Create interactive and randomized programming activities
Create programming lessons with multiple examples and solutions to teach and illustrate key concepts
Implement GUI elements such as prompt boxes, radio buttons, checkboxes, and click locations for student interactivity
Create tests and check and respond to student inputs to provide formative and summative assessments
Write programs to control and monitor Arduino microcontrollers and basic I/O devices and sensors
Understand how communication between computing devices works and the security issues involved
Use Arduino to collect data and analyze the collected data for studying data science aligned with the new Mathematics Framework and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
Align and integrate CS instruction with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) Mmath, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) science, and English Language Arts and Literacy Standards
Work collaboratively to design and complete a programming project
Design and organize makerspaces and robotics/CS/STEAM competitions

Course 4

UCD C-STEM Professional Development Title: C-STEM Institute I
UCR Extension Course Number & Title: CS X458.04 Computer Programming in C
Prerequisites: C-STEM Academy I/CS X458.01 Introduction to Teaching Computer Science
Instruction Hours: 40
Number of Units: 4
PD Cost: $800
Optional Credit or CEU Fees: $160
Course Description:
This course provides an introduction to C programming. Topics include computational thinking, pseudocode and flowcharts, data structures and representation, decomposition, abstraction, algorithms, input/output, visualization, 2D and 3D plotting, random numbers, repetition, selection statements, arrays, sorting, functions, data files, animation, debugging, Command Shell operations, software design, and strategies for teaching computer science in alignment with CS standards.
Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this course participants will be able to:

Use a Command Shell to demonstrate basic mathematical operations and interactive execution of C programming statements
Understand data types, variables, and precision
Write code for graphical visualization and 2D and 3D plotting of data
Understand how animation works and write code to implement it
Write interactive and modular programs that implement user input/output and selection and repetition structures
Use software tools to analyze and debug programs

Course 5

UCD C-STEM Professional Development Title: C-STEM Institute II
UCR Extension Course Number & Title: CS X458.05 Data Structures and Software Design
Prerequisites: C-STEM Institute I/CS X458.04 Computer Programming in C
Instruction Hours: 40
Number of Units: 4
PD Cost: $800
Optional Credit or CEU Fees: $160
Course Description:
This course provides an introduction to advanced topics in C programming, including iteration, pointers, struct, classes, data structures, linked lists, searching and sorting algorithms, and program design and debugging, plus an introduction to object-oriented programming using classes in C++. Pedagogical principles and strategies for teaching AP Computer Science Principles and creating compelling lessons and activities will be covered. Introduction to Python and comparison study of C/C++ with Python.
Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this course participants will be able to:

Understand how pointers are used to address and access data in memory
Create and use data structures employing struct and linked lists
Use searching and sorting algorithms and understand their strengths and limitations
Understand the principles of object-oriented programming and the fundamental concepts using classes in C++
Design, write, and debug interactive and modular programs that implement data structures, pointers, linked lists, and searching and sorting algorithms
Implement pedagogical principles and strategies in creating lessons and activities for AP Computer Science Principles
Introduction to Python and comparison study of C/C++ with Python

Notes:

Teachers will have an option to purchase the Credit units or CEU within 20 business days following the completion of a course.
The total PD cost is $3,000 per teacher for the four courses for the Introductory Authorization, or $3,800 for the five courses for the Specific Authorization. The total PD cost plus credit/CEU fees is $3,600 ($3,000 + $600) for the Introductory Authorization and $4,560 ($3,800 + $760) for the Specific Authorization.
In addition, C–STEM offers on-site training for these courses at schools, districts, and county offices of education in the summer and throughout the academic year, with a volume discount for both PD and credit/CEU fees. If your organization would like a customized program tailored to your professional development needs or a supporting letter for your grant applications, please contact us.
UC Riverside Extension can submit applications to CTC on behalf of teachers who have completed all of the required coursework with a credential filing fee of $75.
Teachers who have participated in a C-STEM PD with 30 or more hours within the last two years may apply to take a one-time comprehensive 2-hour examination to earn the credit for the first course in the sequence. Please sign-up here (the link will be added soon) and we will keep you informed.

To view and register for the upcoming Professional Development event(s), click the link below

Visit the PD Events Page

Testimonials from Participants of C-STEM Professional Development

Oh my gosh! I barely can contain myself….soooo fun!!! So challenging and so rewarding at the same time!!!
Jessica Fernandez, Math Teacher, Glen Edwards Middle School, California

This was incredible. I have been to A LOT of trainings, and this was by far the best!
Allen Thoe, Computer Science Teacher, Citrus Valley High School, California

I really loved this training. In over 20 years of teaching I can’t remember another one I enjoyed so much.
Sandy Andersen, Math Teacher, La Sierra High School, California

Simply the best staff development training I have ever been to. In my experience, practicing classroom teachers always give the best advice, and the UC Davis C-STEM program offers this.
Doug Obrigawitch – Math Teacher and Department Chair, Manteca High School

Thank you so much, you did an awesome job and gave us exactly what we needed. This was one of the best trainings I have been to in a long time. I will be able to use and implement ALL of the strategies and tech you have taught us.!
Nicole Wyckoff, 5th Grade Teacher, Orange Unified School District, California

I’ve been to A LOT of PD’s. This is one of the best PD’s I’ve had in A LONG time! Robotics activities are really enjoyable! Love how the math is connected with coding. The kids will have A BLAST using this program and enjoy learning again! Thank you!!!!
Janice Fojas, 4th Grade Teacher, Baldwin Elementary, Hacienda La Puente USD

Thank you! This is one of the best trainings I have attended. I am excited to bring this into the classroom.
Shanna Bhatt, 4th Grade Teacher, Redlands USD

I like how I can use the curriculum to integrate coding and hands on math to bring math alive for the students …Fun, exciting, and lots of opportunities for kids to learn from their mistakes.
Catherine Ouellette, Kindergarten Teacher, Hacienda La Puente USD

I just wanted to let you know how great the UC Davis C-STEM training has been! In my career I have seen a positive transformation of teaching math. We used to teach direct math lessons of algorithms for the students to learn and memorize by way of worksheets to ensure they knew how to find correct answers on tests. The focus was on the “knowing what to do”. It was very inefficient and the end result was just a basic understanding of math concepts. Today the shift is Direct Interactive Math Lessons to ensure the students understand the concrete functions of mathematic principles BEFORE they learn/use the algorithms. The focus now is to have the kids “understand what to do” of math concepts from the teacher lessons to then apply them to deepen their hierarchy of learning (Blooms Taxonomy). This has been a struggle. We had manipulatives which were not very practical. But… this training of C-STEM has been the missing key of that transformation to the kids learning math concepts concretely before transitioning them to abstract application!! This training and use of the robotics and programming skills that are taught has been the best professional development training of my 28 year career! I am very grateful to be a part of it and my classroom is a more efficient and more effective place to learn because of it. Thank you very much!
Roland Hosch, 5th Grade Teacher, Redlands USD

The trainers did an amazing job taking very divergent topics (programming, robotics, math) and making it all very accessible for me. It all came together.
Glen Warren, McPherson Magnet, Orange Unified School District

Excellent program. I really enjoyed learning to integrate Algebra into coding. It makes a lot of sense, I didn’t know it was possible to just jump in and teach robotics but now I feel confident. I love the support we received; I can’t stop thinking of different ways of teaching my classes with robotics and programming.
Marilyn Cunneen, Marina High School, HBYHSD

WOW!!!
Top notch instructors and instruction, excellent facilities and great group of teachers in attendance. I don’t always get a chance to thoroughly enjoy a workshop with such high standards.
Mickey Bowen, K-12 STEM Outreach Director, Edwards Air Force Base

This was exceedingly fun and valuable. With the new Common Core State Standards, I can see many uses and support through robotics & programming. This was one of the better training classes I have been to. It got me excited to take this back to my classroom.
Daniel Leedy, Corona Del Mar H.S., Newport Mesa U.S.D

Was outstanding and super useful as it will allow me to align already existing curriculum developed by my PLC at my school site. I had been trying to integrate computer coding in my lessons, this workshop will save me a lot of time and provide additional tools and resources.
Edwin Contreras, Hillsdale High School, San Mateo Unified School District

The training was outstanding for me, with little or really old programming experience. Can’t wait to use this in class!
Karen Brown, Fallon Middle, Dublin Unified

I really enjoyed the C-STEM P.D. I am looking forward to integrating the bots and programming into my science curriculum. My students will see the real world process of developing and programing their machine.
Sara DeCuir, Hanford Elementary School District

I was over the moon with all of the curriculum and programs. Very well designed! I absolutely loved all the activities! They were helpful in that I get to experience what students will be doing.
Jim Parsons, Fallon Middle School, Dublin USD

The C-STEM P.D. day made me see how technology could be implemented into our middle school. This could help students career. Instead of abstract book work students will be able to apply what they have learned in a meaningful way.
Viet Dinh, Fallon Middle, Dublin USD

I learned that I love computer programming and if you can get me to love this than you must be doing something right! If I love it then it will be so much easier to inspire my students.
Amber Rafferty at Cambridge Elementary

I am overwhelmed by how you accommodated our group. I have never experienced a PD that was so concerned with the feedback of their attendees, thank you so much for all your hard work, it was truly amazing to be a part of this workshop!

Thank you thank you thank you thank! I never thought the phrase “computer programming” and my name would ever be in the same sentence and now I just sit on my couch and program for fun. I am so excited to bring this to my classroom.
Kelly Matson, 6th/7th/8th Grade Math & US History

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: I am going to enroll in a teaching credential program this year. Am I eligible to take these courses?

A: Yes. You can take these courses. But UC Riverside Extension cannot file for the Supplementary CS Teaching Credential for you until you earned a preliminary Multi-subject or Single Subject teaching credential.