Computer Science Principles

During this AP Computer Science Principles APSI, you’ll explore the course Computational Thinking Practices and the components of the curriculum framework, including the big ideas, enduring understandings, learning objectives, and essential knowledge statements. You’ll also learn about completing the digital activation process at the start of the school year that will help ensure that your students can register for AP Exams by the new fall deadlines. After attending this APSI, you’ll be able to understand the skills students will need to demonstrate to be successful in the AP Computer Science Principles course and exam; incorporate the components of the curriculum framework, including the big ideas, enduring understandings, learning objectives, and essential knowledge, when building your curriculum; and use activities that organize the course content to develop students’ proficiencies in the skills identified in the curriculum framework.

Instructor: Perla Weaver

Perla Weaver is an associate professor of computer science and information systems at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, Kansas where she teaches a variety of programming courses, manages high school dual enrollment for CS courses, and is the sponsor for the Computer Club. Perla is active in outreach and participates in activities with organizations such as CSTA, KC STEM Alliance, PLTW, NCWIT, and Girls Who Code and has been working on increasing diversity, inclusion and belonging initiatives for both the CSIS department and JCCC.

Perla Weaver received a Master of Science in Computer Science from Kansas State University. She worked as a software engineer in the semiconductor and telecommunications industry for 15 years before transitioning to education. From 2011 to 2016, she taught computer science, engineering, and robotics at Wyandotte High School in the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools. Perla was a pilot for AP Computer Science Principles for three years prior to its official launch in 2016. She has been an APSI Consultant for AP Computer Science Principles since 2016 and has served in the AP CSP Reading in a variety of leadership roles. Participating in the annual reading allows her to meet teachers, stay connected to the AP CSP community and keep up with the course and performance tasks.