Mississippi seeks approval for new AP Computer Science A teacher endorsement requirements

In a pivotal meeting held on March 7, 2025, the Mississippi Licensure Commission gathered to discuss a significant proposal aimed at enhancing the state's educational framework for advanced placement courses. The focus of the discussion was the introduction of a supplemental endorsement for Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science A, a move that seeks to bolster the quality of computer science education in Mississippi schools.

Ms. Clemens, representing the Office of Secondary Education, presented the request to establish this new licensure criterion. She highlighted the current landscape of AP Computer Science A instruction, noting that only ten school districts currently offer the course, with approximately 114 students enrolled. Alarmingly, many of the teachers leading these classes lack the necessary endorsements, with only one teacher fully qualified under the existing requirements.

The proposed endorsement would require teachers to hold a secondary mathematics, biology, chemistry, or physics endorsement alongside the new AP Computer Science A endorsement. This change aims to ensure that educators possess a robust foundation in relevant subjects, thereby enhancing the learning experience for students. Ms. Clemens emphasized the importance of rigorous training, stating that the endorsement could be earned through an approved Advanced Placement Summer Institute, which would be financially accessible for current teachers.

The commission's discussions also touched on the performance of students in AP Computer Science A, revealing that only three of the ten schools tested students during the previous year's AP administration, and just two achieved scores of three or higher. This data underscores the need for improved teacher training and resources to elevate student performance in this critical subject area.

If approved, the new endorsement is set to take effect in the 2026-2027 school year, allowing current teachers time to obtain the necessary qualifications. The initiative has garnered support from educational leaders, including Shelley Hollis from Mississippi State University, who has committed to assisting in the training of teachers without incurring out-of-pocket expenses.

As the commission moves forward with the Administrative Procedures Act process, the proposed changes signal a commitment to enhancing educational standards in Mississippi, particularly in the rapidly evolving field of computer science. The outcome of this initiative could significantly impact the state's ability to prepare students for future opportunities in technology and related fields.