Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts A Campus of the University of Arkansas System Greetings, With the passage of Act 187 during the 90th General Assembly, all Arkansas high schools will be required to offer a computer science course beginning this fall. Though this is an exciting prospect for students interested in coding, hardware engineering and mobile app development, a shortage of qualified teachers, new courses to offer and limited resources mean the requirement will pose a challenge for many districts. The Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts is excited to lend our support to districts seeking unique ways to meet this new requirement while also inspiring and engaging students in computer programming. Most of all, we are pleased to be able to offer our services at no cost to districts as part of our commitment to enhancing learning for all Arkansas students. ASMSA is ADE approved to offer the new “Essentials of Computer Programming” course this fall through a blended-learning format that meets ADE’s requirements for digital learning. ASMSA’s nationally acclaimed computer science education specialist will serve as the primary instructor for the course and provide instruction three days per week. We are seeking districts that have faculty members interested in computer science education, who are considering the computer science PRAXIS, or who are simply enthusiastic about exploring new content areas as local support for the class. Faculty will provide direct student support two additional days per week as learners experience the hands-on, practical components of computer science. To prepare teachers for this support role, ASMSA will offer a one-week, residential professional development program in late July 2015. Housing in ASMSA’s Student Center and meals will be provided at no cost to participating districts. Teachers will benefit from a professional learning community of others who will be working to introduce this subject. With more than twenty years of experience in computer science education, ASMSA is thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with districts and educators to help code the future of our state. You can learn more about ASMSA’s expertise in computer science area via the following online brochure at asmsa.me/codingARfuture. Space for the program is limited, so I hope we can connect soon. To learn more about this opportunity visit our webpage at asmsa.org/outreach/digital-learning or contact me at 501-622-5434 or [email protected]. Sincerely, W. David Slaymaker Assistant Dean for Outreach 200 Whittington Avenue • Hot Springs, AR 71901-3408 • asmsa.org • 501.622.5100 • 1.800.345.2767 • FAX 501.622-5109