Q: Where can I locate the South Carolina Department of Education 9-12 Computer Science Standards?

A: Reference the Computer Science section on the South Carolina Department of Education Standards and Learning webpage.
 
Q: What State Board of Education (SBE) regulation addresses the Computer Science Graduation requirement?

A: Defined Program, Grades 9–12 and Graduation Requirements  SBE Regulation 43-234     
 
Q: What courses can students take for the Computer Science Graduation credit?

A:  The list of courses for the Computer Science graduation credit are defined in the link to the Activity Coding System for the Student Information System located on the STATE ACCOUNTABILITY webpage.
 
Q: Can computer science courses be taken in Middle School for high school credit?

A: Yes. SBE Regulation 43-232 for Defined Program 6–8, Section I, Paragraph B specifies the requirements for offering courses to seventh and eighth grade students for high school credit.
 
Q: Can Middle School courses count for the Computer Science graduation credit?

A: No. Only High School courses may count for the Computer Science graduation credit.
 
Q: Can any student in grade 9-12 student take the ½ unit Computer Science courses (i.e., Discovering Computer Science, Fundamentals of Computing)?

A: No. Each student will have to take a full credit course. Please use the full credit course codes for student in grades 9th - 12th for the following courses: Discovering Computer Science, and Fundamentals of Computing. 
 
Q: Can any teacher teach a Computer Science course?

A:  No.  The Required Credentials for Professional Staff Members in the Instructional Programs of South Carolina’s Public Schools manual found on the Certification specifies the teacher certifications for each Computer Science course.  Some courses may require additional training or College Board AP endorsement as specified in the Required Credentials manual.  The manual specifically outlines in detail the acceptable credentials for educators working in various settings and roles as mandated by State Board of Education Regulation 43-300. 
 
Q: Who should be contacted for questions on teacher certification?

A: The Office of Educator Services at certification@ed.sc.gov or 803-896-0325 is the primary contact for questions concerning teacher certification.  The Office of Career and Technical Education (OCTE) may also be contacted for questions concerning teacher certification for CTE courses.