Standards are identified for kindergarten through grade eight, with an optional selection of electives modules at the middle school level, and a sequence of high school courses. The standards are organized into the following content strands: Computing Systems, Networks and the Internet, Cybersecurity, Data and Analysis, Algorithms and Programming, and Impacts of Computing. The Standards of Learning within each strand progress in complexity throughout the grade levels and into high school course content .
The K - 8 standards were designed to be integrated into instruction in multiple subject areas including mathematics, science, history, English, fine arts, and career and technology courses. The middle school and high school electives are separate courses and modules, but where appropriate, connections are made to content in other disciplines. The high school standards are designed to provide flexibility in application of core ideas to various contexts.
What is Computer Science?
The Computer Science standards integrate computer literacy, educational technology, digital citizenship, information technology, and computer science. Computer literacy, educational technology, digital citizenship, and information technology are concepts that students are also exposed to in the Computer Technology Standards of Learning. As the foundation for all computing, computer science is “the study of computers and algorithmic processes, including their principles, their hardware and software designs, their applications, and their impact on society” (Tucker et. al, 2006, p. 2).
Computer science builds upon the concepts of computer literacy, educational technology, digital citizenship, and information technology. The differences and relationship with computer science are described below.
- Computer literacy refers to the general use of computers and programs, such as productivity software. Examples include performing an Internet search and creating a digital presentation.
- Educational technology applies computer literacy to school subjects. For example, students in an English class can use a web-based application to collaboratively create, edit, and store an essay online.
- Digital citizenship refers to the appropriate and responsible use of technology, such as choosing an appropriate password and keeping it secure.
- Information technology often overlaps with computer science but is mainly focused on industrial applications of computer science, such as installing software rather than creating it. Information technology professionals often have a background in computer science.
- Computational thinking is an approach to solving problems in a way that can be implemented with a computer.
- Collaborative computing is the process of performing a computational task by working in pairs and on teams. Students should use collaborative tools to effectively work together and to create complex artifacts.
- Computational artifacts embraces both creative expression and the exploration of ideas to create prototypes and solve computational problems. Computational artifacts can be created by combining and modifying existing artifacts or by developing new artifacts. Testing and refinement is the deliberate and iterative process of improving a computational artifact.
Organization of the Computer Science Standards of Learning
The Computer Science standards for kindergarten through grade twelve are organized into six strands: Algorithms and Programming, Computing Systems, Cybersecurity, Data and Analysis, Impacts of Computing, and Networks and the Internet. The vertically aligned standards are intended to reflect a comprehensive instructional program and document a progression of expected achievement in each of the strands. This organization of standards also reflects the gradual progression in the development of skills.
- Algorithms and Programming involves the use of algorithms. An algorithm is a sequence of steps designed to accomplish a specific task.
- Computing Systems involves the interaction that people have with a wide variety of computing devices that collect, store, analyze, and act upon information in ways that can affect human capabilities both positively and negatively.
- Cybersecurity, also known as information technology security, involves the protection of computers, networks, programs, and data from unauthorized or unintentional access, manipulation, or destruction .
- Data and Analysis involves the data that exist and the computing systems that exist to process that data.
- Impacts of Computing involves the affect that computing has on daily life .
- Networks and the Internet involves the networks that connect computing systems