Teaching AP® Computer Science A
- Level High School
- Contact Hours 40
Learn how to lead a successful AP® Computer Science A class with CodeHS. The Teaching AP® Computer Science A professional development course prepares teachers to teach AP® Computer Science A with a focus on the Java programming language. Teachers will practice the skills they need to teach tricky concepts, debug programs, answer questions, and lead a blended classroom.
No programming experience required
Flexible self-paced timeframe
In-course support with an instructor
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Welcome
This introductory module provides an overview of the CodeHS professional development experience. Educators will explore key goals for the course, examine strategies for planning and pacing their teaching, and reflect on access and equity in computer science education. This module also sets the foundation for goal-setting and long-term success in teaching computer science. |
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How CodeHS Works
In this module, educators will gain familiarity with the CodeHS platform. You’ll learn how to navigate the teacher and student views, explore course structure, and effectively use tools for assigning content, grading student work, and monitoring progress. |
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What is AP® CSA?
Teachers learn about the 2025 AP® Computer Science A course and College Board curriculum framework, how to go through the AP® Course Audit, specific details about the new AP® examination, and an overview of the CodeHS AP® CSA curriculum. |
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Tools and Resources for Teaching AP® CSA
This module covers all of the tools and resources on CodeHS and through the College Board for supporting AP CSA teachers. Major resources include the FRQ Center, practice exams, the review course, Java practice problems, AP classroom, how to use College Board reader summaries and rubrics, and more. |
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Planning Your First Month of AP CSA
In this module, teachers will take a deep dive into the first unit of AP CSA. They'll learn key programming concepts that they will introduce to their students as well as pedagogical strategies they can use in their classroom. |
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Spotlight Lessons in AP® CSA
This module focuses on key lessons throughout the remainder of the course. Teachers will get a deeper understanding of these pivotal lessons, learn about common student misconceptions, and discover ways to better support their students through these lessons and concepts. |
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Debugging in Java
Finding and fixing errors in programs is a fundamental skill for new and experienced programmers to develop. This module introduces debugging, the art and science of fixing broken programs. Students learn techniques for finding common code errors and effective debugging strategies to share with students. |
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After the AP® Exam
This brief module explores how teachers can effectively use the planning and instructional time after the AP Exam. |
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Collaboration in Computer Science
In this module, teachers will learn what collaboration in the computer science classroom looks like, explore the various ideas and techniques for student collaboration and learn how to foster a collaborative setting in their classrooms. Teachers will learn about the challenges they may face and how to overcome those obstacles. They will also be introduced to the CodeHS tools that help to support a collaborative setting. |
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Effective Use of AI
In this module, teachers will learn the essential skills needed to effectively use AI as an instructional aide. Teachers will learn about the various AI tools available in the marketplace, explore how they can use AI in the CodeHS platform and identify techniques to use AI outside of CodeHS for coding assistance, differentiated instruction, and more. |
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Course Wrap Up
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CodeHS online PD courses are made up of a series of learning modules covering the pedagogy and instructional strategy for teaching CS in a blended classroom.
Teachers work through these on their own time while receiving personalized support and feedback every step of the way.
Short, digestible video tutorials covering programming topics and concepts in the upcoming lesson
Program examples to give teachers the opportunity to explore how the code works in the fully loaded IDE
Engaging exercises that allow teachers to design and build programs based on new concepts
Engaging exercises that allow teachers to design and build programs based on new concepts
CodeHS is an endorsed provider by the College Board for AP computer science courses and PD. This endorsement affirms only the components of Endorsed Provider's offerings aligned to all the AP Curriculum Framework standards and the AP CS assessments.
