Computer Science and Technology

Communication and Information Systems Career Field Area provides opportunities for students to deepen their understanding of topics in areas such as computer science, information technology, e-commerce, advertising, public relations, commercial photography, journalism, graphic design, broadcasting, scriptwriting, radio/TV production, business technology applications, web design, interactive media, and networking.

Computer Science & Technology Education Act Guidance (Updated August 2024)

Nebraska Revised Statute 79-3301 to 79-3305, known and cited as the Computer Science and Technology Education Act, outlines the requirements for instruction in computer science and technology. Additionally, 79-729 specifies the computer science and technology requirement for high school graduation.

Academic Year 2025-2026 Each school district shall include computer science and technology education aligned to the academic content standards in the instructional program of its elementary, middle, and high schools.
On or Before December 1, 2026
And, On or Before Dec. 1 of each year thereafter
Each school district shall provide an annual computer science and technology education status report to its school board and the State Department of Education, including, but not limited to,
student progress on the computer science and technology courses and other district-determined measures of computer science and technology education progress from the previous school year.
Academic Year 2027-2028 Each school district shall require each student to complete at least five high school credit hours in computer science and technology education prior to graduation (through a single course or a combination of courses that cover the computer science and technology academic standards).
  • A single course or multiple courses may be utilized to meet the Computer Science and Technology Education Act graduation requirement.
    • Content must be aligned to the Computer Science and Technology Content Standards.
    • If a district chooses to cover the required elements across multiple courses, all students must earn credit for each of those courses in order to meet the graduation requirement.
    • Standards-related content taught during non-credit advisory or homeroom classes may not apply to the graduation requirement.
    • A new course titled “Introduction to Computer Science and Technology” (course code: 270415) which aligns with the Computer Science and Technology standards will be available beginning in the 2024-2025 school year. Appropriate endorsements include BMIT (0304), IT Supplemental (2701), and Math (1100)
  • Middle school courses may count towards the high school graduation requirement if conditions are met.
    • 92 NAC Rule 10 (section 003.05B) states that school systems may adopt a policy allowing high school credit to be awarded to students enrolled in a middle grades course if the course content and requirements are equivalent to a course offered in that school system’s high school.
  • Courses may be taught virtually to meet the graduation requirement.
    • 92 NAC Rule 10 (section 004.04D) provides information on multi-site and distance learning options for providing high school courses, including synchronous and asynchronous course options.

Nebraska Computer Science and Technology Strategic Direction:

General Computer Science Resources:

  • K-12 Technology Scope and Sequence – The Nebraska K-12 Technology Scope and Sequence was developed to provide school districts with a guide for when to teach technology knowledge and skills included within an instructional program. This document is broken up into different areas to make sure students leave high school with basic technology knowledge and skills. These standards do not replace the 7-12 grade technology standards found in the Communication and Information Systems courses.
  • Nebraska Microsoft IT Initiative – Through the Nebraska Microsoft IT Initiative, teachers and students will receive software training, online resources, and earn Microsoft Office Specialist, Microsoft Technology Associate, and/or Microsoft Certified Educator certifications.
  • Common Sense Media – Digital Citizenship and Common Sense Media – AI Literacy
  • Code.org – Free K-12 computer science curriculum
  • CodeHS – Over 100 free middle and high school computer science courses
  • Computer Science Resources by grade band level

Resources aligned to the new Computer Science and Technology content standards:

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Professional Development Opportunities

Nebraska FBLA

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is a national career and technical student association for students in middle school and high school who are interested in business administration, business education, management, finance, and information technology careers. The benefits of FBLA membership are leadership development, career preparation, community service, networking with business and community leaders, and challenging competitions.

SkillsUSA Nebraska

SkillsUSA is a national partnership of students, teachers and industry representatives working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA is an individual membership organization serving middle school, high school and college/postsecondary students who are preparing for careers in technical, skilled and service occupations, including health occupations. SkillsUSA Inc. is a national nonprofit and tax-exempt organization.

Contact Us

Shaun Young

Computer Science & Technology Education Specialist

(402) 326-7304
shaun.young@nebraska.gov

Updated May 5, 2025 9:55am