Alignment to Iowa's Computer Science Standards

The Iowa Core Computer Standards are the Computer Science Technology Association Standards. Computer Science instruction will be completely aligned to many of the CSTA Standards. The East Union Technology Team has approved the following measurable instructional goals with alignment to the CSTA Standards noted:

Strand 1: Computational Thinking

• Grades TK-2: The learner will recognize that software is created to control computer operations by completing age-appropriate projects that demonstrate understanding of ordering, sorting, and solving problems. (L1:3.CT 3 and 4)

• Grades 3-5: The learner will master computer programming skills, such as understanding instructions, data, and syntax that guide programming. (L1:6.CT 1, 2, and 3)

• Grades TK-5: The learner will understand connections between programming and careers. (L1:6.CT 6)

Strand 2: Collaboration

• Grades TK-2: The learner will work with peers, teachers, and others to use technology to gather information. (L1:3.CL 1 and 2)

• Grades 3-5: The learner will work collaboratively to use productivity technology (word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software) to create programs and products that support creative thinking and problem solving. (L1:6.CL 1, 2, and 3)

Strand 3: Computing Practice and Programming

• Grades TK-2: The learner will construct sets of statements that can be acted out to accomplish a relevant task. (L1:3.CPP 4)

• Grades 3-5: The learner will use online programming resources to create projects that incorporate content area standards (Science and/or Social Studies). (L1:6.CPP 5 and 6)

• Grades TK-5: The learner will identify a wide range of jobs that require knowledge of programming. (L1:3.CPP 5 and L1:6.CPP 9)

Strand 4: Computers and Communication Devices

• Grades TK-5: The learner will demonstrate age-appropriate proficiency with keyboarding. (L1:3.CD 1 and L1:6.CD 1)

Strand 5: Community, Global, and Ethical Impacts

• Grades TK-5: The learner will demonstrate age-appropriate understanding of ethical, responsible, and secure use of technology and information. (L1:3.CI 1 and 2 and L1:6.CI 1 and 2)

• Grades 3-5: The learner will evaluate the accuracy, relevance, appropriateness, comprehensiveness, and biases that occur in electronic information sources. (L1:6.CI 3)

Computer Science Team members are being compensated for creating fourth and fifth grade Computer Science unit plans (including assessments) using the online Rubicon Atlas Curriculum Mapping Program. The units guide daily lesson planning for the Computer Science teacher. Teaching resources for keyboarding and coding have been researched and selected: For more information, please visit the Curriculum Selection and Refinement page: Curriculum and Materials Selection and Refinement. Community partners, including but not limited to those identified in the Computer Science is Elementary award application, are being contacted and plans have been initiated for integration of college and career exploration. Related employability skills, as defined by 21st Century Core Standards, will be identified in curriculum maps. Partners within East Union’s high school, also identified in the award application may be included in curriculum development, with compensation available for their time as CS instruction is expanded to the secondary grade levels. It is expected that time will be allotted during contracted days for continuous curriculum refinement as the program is developed. The Loess Hills Elementary Blueprint may be used as a guide for this process.