Inside the New CSTA Standards: Building AI Literacy in PK-12
Sept. 22, 2026
Artificial intelligence is already reshaping how students learn, create, communicate, and make decisions. But fully preparing students for this world requires more than teaching them how to use today’s GenAI tools. What should students understand about the data, algorithms, computing systems, design choices, and human decisions behind AI?
In our next free webinar, the team behind the new 2026 CSTA PK–12 Computer Science Standards shares a vision for preparing every student for a world powered by computing.
Rather than treating AI as a stand-alone topic or a high school elective, the standards integrate age-appropriate AI learning inPK–12. In this webinar, we will connect the standards to the broader work of building student AI literacy across schools and districts, and make the case for why foundational computer science remains essential in the age of GenAI.
In this session, we will:
Provide an overview of the newly released 2026 CSTA PK–12 Computer Science Standards, with a focus on AI-related content
Explore how students progress from recognizing patterns and questioning the technologies around them to understanding data-driven systems
Examine how the standards build toward preparing students to evaluate AI-generated outputs, identify bias in outputs and societal impacts, and design computing solutions responsibly
Discuss how educators and leaders can begin translating the standards into curriculum, professional development, and classroom experiences
Can’t make the time? A recording + resources will be emailed to all registrants.
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Amanda Bickerstaff
Amanda is the Founder and CEO of AI for Education. A former high school science teacher and EdTech executive with over 20 years of experience in the education sector, she has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that AI can offer. She is a frequent consultant, speaker, and writer on the topic of AI in education, leading workshops and professional learning across both K12 and Higher Ed. Amanda is committed to helping schools and teachers maximize their potential through the ethical and equitable adoption of AI.
Jacob Koressel
Jake has served in a variety of roles in CS education including high school teacher, state computer science supervisor, pre-service CS teacher educator, and researcher. He is currently the PK-12 Standards Manager with CSTA. In this role, his work focuses on maintaining and supporting the implementation of the 2026 CSTA PK-12 Standards.
Jake holds a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Mathematics Education and Computing Education from Indiana University and a master’s degree in Instructional Systems Technology from Indiana University. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Instructional Systems Technology where is research interests center around the intersection of CS education and education policy.Bryan Twarek
Bryan Twarek (“BT”) is an experienced educator and instructional leader at the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA), working to improve the teaching and learning of K–12 CS. He manages the student and teacher standards, develops new programs and professional learning opportunities, and directs research projects. Most of his work involves equity-focused professional development for K–12 CS teachers. Prior to joining CSTA, he directed CS policy, curriculum, PD, and teacher support for universal PK-12 CS instruction in the San Francisco Unified School District. He was also a lead writer for the K-12 CS Framework and four sets of CS standards.
Jacqueline Corricelli
Jacqueline “Jacque” Corricelli has been a public school educator since August 2003. As the Computer Science (CS) Curriculum Specialist for the West Hartford Public School District, she supports her district as a CS advocate, coach, reference, and researcher. In addition, she teaches CS courses at Conard High School. At the state level, Jacque volunteers as Treasurer of the CS Teachers Association (CSTA). At the national level, she is an Advanced Placement (AP) Consultant and a member of the Development Committee for AP CS Principles. Jacque believes CS can and should be integrated in all subjects, Pre K-12. Computational thinking is a way of thinking about and solving problems and it impacts all disciplines. Jacque is happiest when she works with a team to solve problems - she loves to create and execute new ideas and learn from mistakes made. She is grateful for the support she receives from her family and community.
Jacque has a B.A. in mathematics and statistics from the University of Connecticut and an M.S.Ed. in mathematics secondary education from Westfield State University. She is certified in secondary mathematics and computer science education.