Teaching AP® Computer Science A

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.

Course Overview

Here is an outline of the course modules:

Welcome

This introductory module provides an overview of the Teaching AP® CSA professional development course. Students learn about the big ideas behind the course, key principles for teaching AP® CSA, access and equity in computer science, and goal planning and pacing.

How CodeHS Works

In this module students will gain an understanding of what CodeHS is bringing to your classroom, and learn how to use the CodeHS website effectively.

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.

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.

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 pegagogical strategies they can use in their classroom.

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.

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.

After the AP® Exam

This brief module explores how teachers can effectively use the planning and instructional time after the AP® Exam.

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.

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.


Course Format

This CodeHS professional development course is offered online and takes approximately 30-40 hours to complete. The course consists of learning modules containing video tutorials, example programs, quizzes, programming exercises, and short answer questions. Each module addresses a different aspect of leading a computer science class, from pedagogical approaches to helping students fix broken programs to preparing for the AP® exam.

College Board Endorsed

CodeHS is an ondorsed provider by the College Board for AP computer science courses and PD. This endorsement affirms only the components of Endorsed Provider's offerings alligned to all the AP Curriculum Framework standards and the AP CS assessments.