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"The abilities to effectively use and create technology to solve complex problems are the new and essential literacy skills of the twenty-first century. " - MA Digital Literacy and Computer Science Framework, June 2016
"The abilities to effectively use and create technology to solve complex problems are the new and essential literacy skills of the twenty-first century. " - MA Digital Literacy and Computer Science Framework, June 2016
What is Computer Science?
What is Computer Science?
Computer Science (CS) is the study of computers including software, hardware, and how humans interact with them. In K12 education, the words "coding" or "programming" are sometimes used synonymously, although those are just subsets of CS topics.
Massachusetts adopted the Digital Literacy & Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Frameworks in 2016 to outline what students should know and be able to do in the areas of digital literacy, digital citizenship, and computer science in grades K-12. While students’ technology use and skills have increased dramatically over the past year, computer science (CS) instruction has still not been widely implemented in our schools.
Why is Computer Science important?
Why is Computer Science important?
Our students are under-represented in CS careers. There is a lack of diversity in the field of technology and computer science. Increasing access to computer science courses in BPS is essential so that our students are not excluded from pursuing high-paying technology and computer science careers.
Our students should have equitable access to CS learning opportunities. Across the US, students who are Native American, Black, Latinx, and from lower socioeconomic backgrounds have the least access to computer science courses (k12cs.org).
Our students will develop critical and computational thinking skills. Computer Science engages students in authentic problem solving and challenges them to become creators and designers.
Early exposure is crucial. Research has shown that students who engage in CS early on are more likely to pursue opportunities in CS in high school and higher education (Code.org, 2020). It is crucial that we provide CS opportunities starting in early grades to help students develop an interest and confidence to pursue computing and technology, and provide access to advanced CS courses to all high school students so that they can be competitive in the technology job market.
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