Course Information

2026-2027 Academic Year

DRAFT CMS until August 14, 2026.

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CS20 Computer Science I

Course Code	CS20
Course Title	Computer Science I
Course Description	Explore how data is stored, transmitted, and used by computers. Investigate the benefits and harms of quickly advancing technology on society. Produce unique and interactive computer programs. Gain the knowledge and skills for careers in the Computer Science Principles pathway.
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	Standard
Course Type	Adopted
POL (Proof of Learning)	PBM (Performance-based Measurement)
Credential as POL	N/A
Curriculum Date	Summer 2022
Hours of Instruction	135-150
Recommended Maximum Enrollment	30
Course Credit	1
Inherently Honors	No
Meets Computer Science (CS) Graduation Requirement	Yes*
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)	Adobe Video Design (AVID) - Supplemental Technical Computer Science Principles (CSPR) - Prerequisite
Aligned Credential(s) or Certification(s)	N/A
CTSO(s) (Career and Technical Student Organization)	Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) SkillsUSA Technology Student Association (TSA)
SOC Code(s) (Standard Occupational Classification Code)	Computer Network Support Specialists (15-1231) Computer Programmers (15-1251) Information Security Analysts (15-1212) Software Developers (15-1252) Statisticians (15-2041) Web and Digital Interface Designers (15-1255) Web Developers (15-1254)

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