Computer Science Department Goals and Competencies

CS1 - EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATOR

We communicate effectively using the platforms, tools, styles, formats and digital media appropriate to their goals.

CS1-a. I communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively by creating or using a variety of digital objects such as visualizations, models, or simulations. [ISTE]

CS1-b. I publish or present content that customizes the message and medium for my intended audience.

CS1-c. I construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others. [K12CS]

CS1-d. I can choose the appropriate platform and tools to effectively communicate ideas and creations

CS1-e. I can create original works or responsibly repurpose or remix digital resources into new creations [ISTE]

CS1-f. I communicate with diverse audiences about the use and effects of computation and the appropriateness of computational choices.

CS2 - COLLABORATIVE LEARNER

We understand and can demonstrate the power of teamwork, value diverse perspectives, and exchange respectful feedback.

CS2-a. I can identify ways that teamwork and collaboration can support problem solving and innovation.

CS2-b. I participate in collaborative problem-solving activities for the purpose of developing solutions or products.

CS2-c. I integrate the ideas of others, and am open to multiple perspectives.

CS2-d. I can collaboratively design, develop, publish, and present products using technology resources that demonstrate and communicate concepts.

CS2-e. I can emphasize points of agreement and express disagreement constructively.

CS2-f. I can provide assistance, information, or support to build and/or maintain relationships.

CS2-g. I can give, receive, and integrate feedback from others to help me understand multiple perspectives.

CS3 - COMPUTATIONAL THINKER

We exercise computational thinking to solve problems through decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithm design.

CS3-a. I can interpret data and articulate information. [K12CS]

CS3-b. I can create an algorithm to accomplish a specific task.

CS3-c. I can break large problems down into smaller problems thus simplifying my solution.

CS3-d. I can read a problem and extract key pieces of information.

CS3-e. I understand there are no right answers, just optimal solutions

CS3-f. I can identify patterns and commonalities to create generalizations.

CS3-g. I can design, model, test, debug, and refine a solution.

CS4 - CREATIVE INNOVATOR

We demonstrate a propensity to tinker, think outside the box, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes.

CS4-a. I can engage in discovery and inquiry-based learning to construct new ideas.

CS4-b. I brainstorm to generate ideas and ways of solving problems.

CS4-c. I consider ideas that offer a unique perspective or solution.

CS4-d. I can connect seemingly unrelated questions, problems, or ideas.

CS4-e. I work within design constraints and take calculated risks.

CS4-f. I develop, test and refine prototypes. [ISTE]

CS4-g. I exhibit a tolerance for ambiguity. [ISTE]

CS4-h. I can create original works or responsibly repurpose or remix digital resources into new creations. [ISTE]

CS5 - GLOBAL CITIZEN

We recognize the rights, responsibilities, and opportunities for living, learning and working in an interconnected digital world, and they act and model in ways that are safe, legal and ethical [ISTE]

CS5-a. I can demonstrate an understanding of and respect for the rights and obligations of using and sharing intellectual property.[ISTE]

CS5-b. I cultivate and manage my digital identity and reputation and am aware of the permanence of my actions in the digital world

CS5-c. I use digital tools to connect with learners from a variety of backgrounds and cultures, engaging with them in ways that broaden mutual understanding and learning.

CS5-d. I explore local and global issues and use collaborative technologies to work with others to investigate solutions from multiple viewpoints.

CS5-e. I use collaborative technologies to work with others, including peers, experts or community members, to examine issues and problems

CS6 - RISK TAKER

We deal confidently with complexity, enjoy challenges, will persist when working with difficult problems, and are comfortable with ambiguity.

CS6-a. I take on [embrace] a difficult problem and exhibit persistence.

CS6-b. I demonstrate resilience when a setback occurs.

CS6-c. I volunteer new ideas, even if they prove not to be successful.

CS6-d. I experiment with new ideas, methodologies, and procedures.

CS6-e. I can view my failures and missteps as essential to the innovation process.

CS6-f. I can find ways to turn the ideal into reality.