Board approves computer science and advanced computer applications adoptions for K–12

Edmond Public Schools on July 10 approved two curriculum adoptions: a K–5 computer science adoption from SkillStruck at a three-year cost of $228,000, and an advanced high-school computer applications curriculum from Against the Clock at $18,598.10.

Shelby Smittle, the district's pre-K–12 STEM instructional facilitator, briefed the board on the SkillStruck adoption and explained Oklahoma's review cycle for technology-based curricula occurs every three years to account for rapid change. Smittle said the SkillStruck purchase covers three years and districtwide use for the K–5 grade band.

Smittle also described the advanced computer applications adoption as an elective expected to run at Edmond Santa Fe and Edmond Memorial high schools initially; the licenses purchased are interchangeable and could cover Edmond North or the new Boulevard campus if student demand and staffing change. The advanced-computer-apps purchase also covers three years.

Board members discussed middle-school and high-school pathways, interchangeability of licenses, and whether funding would be available if additional licenses were needed later. Staff said district administrators had accounted for potential funding needs and would revisit purchases if enrollments required additional licenses.

Both motions — to approve SkillStruck for K–5 and Against the Clock for advanced computer applications — passed on recorded roll-call votes with all present members voting yes.