Rutherford County Schools follow the North Carolina Standard Course of Study (NCSCOS) for Computer Science and Digital Learning to help students become confident, responsible, and creative users of technology. These standards guide instruction in areas such as digital citizenship, online safety, responsible technology use, coding, problem solving, and collaboration. Students gain the skills they need to think critically, use technology effectively, and prepare for success in a digital world.

Families can support these efforts at home by encouraging safe online habits, talking with their children about responsible technology use, and exploring fun, age-appropriate digital learning tools. Helpful resources include Common Sense Media for family guides on digital citizenship, Code.org for free student-friendly coding activities, and the NC Department of Public Instruction for state standards information.

Computer Science & Digital Learning Standards for Grades K-5

Computer Science

The study of algorithmic processes and computing systems, their principles, their hardware and software designs, their applications, and their impact on society (adapted from K12cs.org).

Computational Thinking

The thought processes involved in expressing a problem and a solution in ways a machine (either human or computer) can understand and implement (adapted from k12cs.org).

Computational Artifact

Anything created with a computing device by the act or process of computational thinking, including inventions, creations, final products, and development byproducts.

Digital Learning

ISTE Standards

Empowered Learner

Students leverage technology to take an active role in choosing, achieving and demonstrating competency in their learning goals, informed by the learning sciences.

Digital Citizen

- Students recognize the responsibilities and opportunities for contributing to their digital communities.

Knowledge Constructor

Students critically curate a variety of resources using digital tools to construct knowledge, produce creative artifacts and make meaningful learning experiences for themselves and others.

Innovative Designer

- Students use a variety of technologies within a design process to identify and solve problems by creating new, useful or imaginative solutions.

Computational Thinker

- Students develop and employ strategies for understanding and solving problems in ways that leverage the power of technological methods to develop and test solutions.

Creative Communicator

- Students communicate clearly and express themselves creatively for a variety of purposes using the platforms, tools, styles, formats and digital media appropriate to their goals.

Global Collaborator

- Students use digital tools to broaden their perspectives and enrich their learning by collaborating with others and working effectively in teams locally and globally.

NCSCOS Quick

Reference Guides

Kindergarten

1st Grade

2nd Grade

3rd Grade

4th Grade

5th Grade

North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

RCSNC Elementary Common Websites & Applications

Additional Resources Used for Classroom Instruction

Rutherford County Schools provides students with access to a variety of approved online tools and educational websites that support learning anytime and anywhere. These resources offer interactive activities and materials aligned to the curriculum. Some tools require student accounts, which may involve limited sharing of basic information such as name, date of birth, or email. Parental consent is required for students to create and use these accounts, ensuring compliance with state and federal privacy regulations.

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