Update 1: Members can now apply for the SOCE in Computer Science. The application was
previously not available in TEACH.
Update 2: This Fact Sheet has been updated to reflect SED adding Computer Science as a Career &
Technical Education subject and what this means regarding possible teaching assignments.
The NYS Board of Regents adopted regulations in March 2018 (Attachment A) that created a
classroom teaching certificate in computer science and a corresponding tenure area. The
regulations designate the computer science certificate as part of the ‘special subjects’ tenure area.
The regulations also identified multiple pathways to obtain the computer science certificate that
include course work, course work and/or work experience, and a ‘grandfathering’ provision for
those teachers currently teaching computer science courses. Teachers who are currently teaching
computer science courses can apply for a Statement of Continuing Eligibility (SOCE) up to
September 1, 2024.
What Is Computer Science?
As per the March 2018 Regents item: “Through these concepts, students [will] engage in a variety of
activities including: creating prototypes that use algorithms to solve computational programs;
comparing interactions between application software, system software, and hardware layers; refining
computational models based on data; evaluating the ways that computing impacts social and
economic practices; and comparing various security measures of a computing system. These types of
activities immerse students in creative problem solving where they learn how to identify and present
problems that computers can solve and how computers can solve them.”
The Computer Science and Digital Fluency Learning Standards (nysed.gov) were approved by the
NYS Board of Regents in December 2020 and focus on five concepts: Impacts of Computing;
Computational Thinking; Networks & Systems Design; Cybersecurity; and Digital Literacy. The
standards are grouped into grade-bands: K-1, 2-3, 4-6, 7-8, and 9-12.
Transition to the Computer Science Certificate
SED policy regarding the teaching of computer literacy (computer science) prior to these new
regulations has been that teachers holding a valid teaching certificate could teach computer science
courses based on local determinations regarding their expertise in computer science. The new
regulations outline a process for “grandfathering” teachers currently teaching computer science
courses, as well as those who begin teaching computer science courses between now and September
1, 2024.
Computer Science Statement of Continued Eligibility (SOCE)
Currently certified teachers who are or will be teaching computer science courses within the 7 years
prior to September 1, 2024, can apply using TEACH for the Statement of Continuing Eligibility
(SOCE) in Computer Science. The SOCE allows the teacher to continue to teach computer science
courses in the same school district, board of cooperative educational services, or other school that
employed such individual when the statement of continued eligibility was issued. The SOCE is valid
for a period of 10 years from the date it is issued. Applications for the Statement of Continued
Eligibility must be submitted on TEACH on or before September 1, 2024. Applicants must possess
a valid professional or permanent teaching certificate to obtain the SOCE.
The computer science certificate does not prevent teachers who hold other certificates from
teaching aspects of these concepts in other subject area courses and in elementary schools.
Computer Science as a Career & Technology Education (CTE) Subject
SED added Computer Science as a CTE Subject in October 2022 in an effort to provide flexibility
in how computer science courses could be used to meet diploma and program requirements. This
flexibility includes:
- Computer science in grades 5-8 could be used to meet the middle-level 1.75-unit CTE
requirement.
- Considering the shortage of CTE teachers in nearly all areas, adding computer science as an
eligible CTE subject to meet the middle-level requirement would help schools, especially our
high-need schools, by expanding the pool of eligible teachers to deliver the 1.75-unit middle level
requirement.
- Computer science in grades 9-12 could be used as CTE coursework to meet career
development and occupational studies (CDOS) commencement credential and CDOS +1
pathway requirements, increasing graduation options for students.
- Computer science in grades 9-12 could be used towards a five-unit CTE sequence in CTE
leading to a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation.
- Districts would have the ability to apply for NYSED CTE program approval for computer
science programs in grades 9-12, opening opportunities for LEAs and BOCES to offer
programs in a high-skill, high-wage, high-demand field leading to various industry credentials
as well as the technical endorsement for students.
- Eligible schools and BOCES with Department-approved CTE programs could utilize Carl
D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act funding to improve computer science
instruction.
- As CTE teachers, computer science teachers would be eligible to teach career and financial
management and obtain the extension of Coordinator of Work-Based Learning Programs
for Career Development. Computer science teachers would also be better able to connect
the classroom to the real world with this flexibility.
This regulatory change would not impact existing computer science offerings leading to math or
science credit, or elective credit. It would simply add the flexibility of utilizing computer science
courses to meet requirements in CTE where appropriate.
Pathways to Computer Science Certification (other than SOCE)
For individuals who seek an initial certificate in computer science other than the SOCE, the following pathways are available:
- Approved program pathway: an individual pursuing a bachelor’s degree in an educator preparation program leading to an initial certificate in computer science or a master’s degree in an educator preparation program leading to an initial computer science certificate.
- Individual evaluation pathway: an individual with a bachelor’s degree or higher and at least 12 credits of coursework in computer science may pursue this pathway upon meeting pedagogy and student teaching requirements.
- Industry experience: individuals who already have a bachelor’s degree or higher and also have had three or more years of experience working in a position that requires the skills of a computer scientist may pursue this pathway and would need to complete specific pedagogical coursework.
- Additional certificate pathway: individuals who already hold a teaching certificate may pursue an additional certificate in computer science by meeting specific computer science coursework.
Changes to Part 30 Tenure Rules
Computer science will be considered a “special subject” across all grades. After September 1, 2023,
an educator who was previously appointed tenure in a different tenure area may choose to continue
to receive credit toward tenure and seniority rights in their previous tenure area while devoting a
substantial portion of their time to teaching computer science courses, or they may choose to
change their tenure area to receive credit and accrue seniority rights in the special subject tenure area
of computer science
For educators assigned/appointed on or after September 1, 2023, who are devoting a substantial
portion (40% or more) of their time teaching computer science, probationary appointments and
appointments in tenure will be made in accordance with normal tenure rules. Specifically, these
teachers must be appointed tenure in the special subject tenure area: computer science.
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