Course Information

2026-2027 Academic Year

DRAFT CMS until August 14, 2026.

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CY90 Exploring Computer Science

Course Code	CY90
Course Title	Exploring Computer Science
Course Description	Design and code interactive projects that solve real problems and express creative ideas. Analyze and visualize data to discover patterns and make informed decisions. Practice safe, responsible, and ethical technology use while collaborating to design inclusive digital solutions. Gain the knowledge and skills for careers in the Digital Technology and Computer Science Career Cluster.
Cluster Grouping	Connecting and Supporting Success
Career Cluster	Digital Technology and Computer Science (DTCS)
Course Lead Consultant	Michelle Pierce michelle.pierce@dpi.nc.gov
Course Status	Pilot
Course Type	Adopted
POL (Proof of Learning)	Local
Credential as POL	N/A
Curriculum Date	Summer 2026
Hours of Instruction	45
Recommended Maximum Enrollment	25
Course Credit	0
Inherently Honors	No
Meets Computer Science (CS) Graduation Requirement	No
Math Option Credit	No
Prerequisites	None
Cluster Grouping(s)	Creating and Experiencing Connecting and Supporting Success
Career Cluster(s)	Arts, Entertainment, and Design (ARED) Digital Technology and Computer Science (DTCS)
Pathway Level(s)	3D Modeling and Animation (TDMA) - Middle Grades Exploration Adobe Graphic Design (AGFX) - Middle Grades Exploration Adobe Video Design (AVID) - Middle Grades Exploration AP Computer Science (APCS) - Middle Grades Exploration Cisco Network Engineering (CNEN) - Middle Grades Exploration Computer Engineering (COEN) - Middle Grades Exploration Computer Science Principles (CSPR) - Middle Grades Exploration Data Science (DTSC) - Middle Grades Exploration Game Art Design (GAAR) - Middle Grades Exploration Network Administration (NEAD) - Middle Grades Exploration Network Security (NESE) - Middle Grades Exploration Python Programming (PYPR) - Middle Grades Exploration Robotics (ROBO) - Middle Grades Exploration Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UMAS) - Middle Grades Exploration
Aligned Credential(s) or Certification(s)	N/A
CTSO(s) (Career and Technical Student Organization)	An Association for Marketing Education Students (DECA) Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) SkillsUSA Technology Student Association (TSA)
SOC Code(s) (Standard Occupational Classification Code)	Computer and Information Systems Managers (11-3021) Computer Network Support Specialists (15-1231) Computer Systems Analysts (15-1211) Computer User Support Specialists (15-1232) Data Scientists (15-2051) Information Security Analysts (15-1212) Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists (13-1161)

Proof of Learning (POL) Specifications

CTE State Assessment: The post-assessment will be a 100-item multiple choice test administered through the NC Instructional Management System.
Credential: Please work with the specified vendor(s) to coordinate and schedule.
Performance-based Measurement (PBM): Please follow the PBM guidelines set forth in the Performance-based Measurement Guide for the specified course.

Recommended Maximum Enrollment
Indicates the recommended maximum number of students who should be enrolled in a course based on best educational practice.

Meets Computer Science (CS) Graduation Requirement

Yes: The course meets the Computer Science graduation requirement.
Yes*: The course can be offered in both middle and high school and meets the Computer Science graduation requirement.
No: The course does not meet the Computer Science graduation requirement.

Refer to the DPI website for more detailed Computer Science graduation requirement information.

Math Option Credit
Refer to the Math Options Charts on the DPI website for more detailed math options information.

Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO)
Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO) are an integral part of this curriculum.

CTSOs incorporate strategies used to teach course content, develop leadership, citizenship, responsibility, and proficiencies related to workplace needs.

Work-based Learning (WBL)
Work-based Learning (WBL) is an integral educational strategy within the North Carolina Career and Technical Education (CTE) system. It provides students with real-world work experiences, allowing them to apply academic and technical skills while developing crucial durable employability skills. These experiences occur at employer worksites, coordinated with school-based activities to illustrate the practical relevance of academic learning.

Work-based learning strategies, integral to all CTE career clusters in North Carolina, encompass the four phases of the Career Development Continuum: career awareness, exploration, preparation, and participation as noted in the image below. Learn more at Career Development and Work-based Learning | NC DPI.

WBL Courses with Academic Credit:

CTE Advanced Studies
CTE Cooperative Education
CTE Entrepreneurial Experience
CTE Internship
CTE Pre-apprenticeship
CTE Apprenticeship

WBL Activities without Academic Credit:

Guest speaker
Career fair
Job fair
Transition fair
Field trip (workplace tour)
Job shadowing
Workplace challenge/Industry-sponsored project