Princess Choi-Carlson
​has taught mathematics and computer science at Perris High School since 2009 and began teaching AP Computer Science Principles in its inaugural year in 2016. As the sole CS teacher on her campus, she understands the challenges educators face in building strong computer science programs.

Princess has served as an AP Reader and Table Leader since 2017, a Code.org facilitator since 2018, and a NMSI coach from 2020 to 2024. She currently works as a College Board Consultant, providing APSI sessions and mentoring CSP and CSA teachers. Her sessions emphasize collaboration, practical strategies, and inclusive teaching practices that empower educators to help all students thrive in computer science.

PRINCESS CHOI-CARLSON
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This APSI workshop equips teachers with the tools, strategies, and confidence to deliver an effective AP Computer Science Principles (AP CSP) course. Participants will explore how computational thinking practices and essential knowledge statements connect to both the multiple-choice section and the performance task. They will also apply scoring guidelines to student samples, discuss instructional implications, and design lessons that align with the AP course framework.

Through guided discussions and hands-on activities, teachers will:
  • Explore each section of the AP CSP Course and Exam Description (CED) and make connections to the course’s curricular requirements.
  • Examine formative and summative assessments to identify the targeted content and skills, and design lessons that strengthen those connections.
  • Practice applying scoring guidelines from the most recent AP Exam to student work to calibrate expectations and deepen understanding of performance standards.
  • Analyze AP Classroom data and Instructional Planning Reports to identify student strengths and areas for growth.
  • Develop a pacing guide and model lessons using evidence-based strategies, inclusive pedagogy, and ready-to-use classroom resources that promote student success on both the exam and the performance task.

AGENDA


Day 1 – Course Foundations and Big Picture
  • Welcome and Introductions
  • AP CSP Course and Exam Description (CED) – overview and guided discussion
  • Understanding the AP Exam – structure of the multiple-choice section and performance task
  • AP Course Audit – process and requirements for course authorization
  • Curriculum Providers – overview and discussion of approved resources
  • Model Lesson #1: Variables – introducing variable concepts using pseudocode (AP CSP Exam Reference Sheet)
  • Access and Inclusion – strategies for broadening participation and fostering equity
  • Group Assignments for Lesson Presentations – form teams and choose presentation topics
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Day 2 – Curriculum, Skills, and Student Work
  • Curricular Requirements Deep Dive – reading, discussion, and presentation on key course elements
  • Model Lesson #2: Conditionals – teaching decision-making with IF/ELSE pseudocode
  • Understanding Written Response Categories – learning objectives and computational-thinking practices tested in each free-response type
  • Student Samples Analysis (Question #1) – reading and scoring practice with discussion
  • Teacher Lesson Presentation #1 – participant-led presentations and feedback
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Day 3 – Instructional Approaches, Planning, and Practice
  • Instructional Approaches – discussion and share-out of evidence-based classroom strategies
  • Model Lesson #3: Functions – teaching abstraction and modularization using pseudocode
  • Exploring AP Classroom – guided walkthrough of digital resources and features
  • Pacing Guide Development – participants create pacing guides aligned with their curriculum provider and district calendar
  • Student Samples Analysis (Question #2) – reading, discussion, and scoring calibration
  • Teacher Lesson Presentations #2 – additional participant-led sessions
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Day 4 – Integration, Data, and Reflection
  • Model Lesson #4: Lists and Loops – exploring iteration and data manipulation using pseudocode
  • Finish Student Sample Analysis (if needed) – wrap-up discussions from Question #2
  • Interpreting Data Using Instructional Planning Reports (IPR) – analyzing data to guide instruction
  • Teacher Lesson Presentations #3 – final participant presentations and peer feedback
  • Reflection and Next Steps – planning for classroom implementation, resource sharing, and Q&A