by David Trussell
Computer Science Director
As most everyone should know by now, the most significant rule change affecting the Computer Science contest goes into effect not this year, but next year, in 2003-04. Of course that change is the transition from C++ to Java. There will be much more to say about the language change in the months ahead, but with this spring’s district meets fast approaching, there are a number of important rule changes to keep in mind that are currently in effect.
First, the scoring system for UIL Computer Science has changed. On the written test, correct answers now receive SIX points instead of five, and there are now TWO points deducted for an incorrect answer instead of one. No points are deducted for unanswered questions. Contestants need to be aware the new system carries a more severe guess penalty. Random guessing will definitely work to your disadvantage not only in initial scoring, but also if the tiebreaker (highest percentage of correct answers) comes into play.
Scoring for the hands-on portion of the contest at region and state has also changed this year, with all problems now worth six points instead of the variable point system used in the past. Hands-on problem sets will still include problems of varying difficulty — some easy, some medium difficulty and some hard. Determining a problem’s degree of difficulty will now be part of the challenge of the contest. Teams will have to select problems to solve based on their content rather than their point value, which should enhance the educational value of the contest.
Another important change that impacts primarily the written portion of the contest deals with calculators. For this spring’s contests, only basic four-function calculators may be used. These are the simple calculators that can be found for a few dollars at any discount store. Most people probably have a couple lying around the house. They are typically solar-powered, not battery-powered. They can add, subtract, multiply and divide, and may have simple memory (M+ and M–). In some cases they may have a square root and/or percent key. Common sense should be all you need to help you determine if your calculator is acceptable. Does it have more than 25 keys? Does it do base conversions? Does it have a built-in GPS receiver? If the answers to any of these questions are “yes,” chances are it’s not acceptable for the contest.
This calculator rule interpretation is intended to aid contest directors in determining what calculators are acceptable, and also to begin steering contestants away from calculator usage. Calculators will be prohibited altogether beginning in 2003-04. One additional note: the calculator rules apply to the hands-on portion of the contest as well, but since contestants have access to their computer’s calculation functions it’s not much of an issue.
A couple of changes affecting team advancement are also in effect this year for Computer Science as well as other academic contests with a team component. All four members of first-place teams now advance from district to region and region to state. Team scoring remains the same, with only the top three scores being counted toward the team score. Only three team members of the computer science team will participate in the hands-on portion of the contest at region and state. The coach makes the decision on which three, and must notify the contest director prior to the beginning of the contest.
The wild card system that was piloted statewide last spring is now fully and officially a part of the Spring Meet process. District Directors — please be sure to report your team scores as well as places in timely fashion so those teams will be eligible for wild card consideration.
Finally, a clarification regarding the returning of district contest materials. It is critical that TESTS from the first district week not be released until after the second district week is completed.
Contestant answer sheets and answer keys may be released anytime after March 22 for District 1 meets, and anytime after March 29 for District 2. For both district weeks, the actual tests may not be released until after March 29. Confidentiality of contest materials is vital to ensuring fair competition for all participants. A few final reminders:
1. Practice, practice, practice.
One of the best ways to prepare students for district competition is to attend UIL invitational meets offered at schools in your area. Not all hosting schools send information to the UIL office, but for those that do we publish meet listings in the Leaguer and on the UIL website.
There are a number of excellent third party test writers around the state, and any well-organized meet is good practice for potential district contestants. However, it’s a good idea to make a point of attending at least one meet where official UIL Invitational materials will be used. The UIL Set A and Set B Computer Science materials are written by the same experts who write the district contests, and thus provide students with an excellent guide for what they can expect at district and beyond.
2. Know the contest rules.
Rules pertaining to contest materials, procedures and scoring are detailed in the UIL Constitution and Contest Rules. If you don’t have access to a printed copy, the complete C&CR is available on the UIL web site.
3. Always plan to attend your verification period and awards presentation.
The verification period serves as your opportunity to check your students’ test papers for grading or tabulation errors, or to seek clarification for individual questions before official results are announced. And don’t rely on secondhand information to find out what those results are — plan to attend the awards presentation if at all possible.
4. Relax and have fun.
Every student who participates in UIL competition is a winner, regardless of whether they take home a medal. Knowledge gained and memories made will mean far more than medals long after the high school years fly by.