Giving Compass' Take:

• ITSE is going to be one of the first K-12 Framework for CS Education that will help guide educators to know the standards of teaching computer science classes to students. 

• How will a framework encourage more instruction and participation within the computer science field? 

• Read about the program that will address the shortage in computer science educators. 

Computing has transformed the way we work and live. Many parents, students, teachers and administrators in the U.S. have reported that they highly value computer science (CS) education. Moreover, it’s crucial for “all students to have opportunities to become computer literate and to gain foundational computer science skills, such as computational thinking and programming … to create and innovate” (Google Gall-up, 2015).

The question that remains, however, is how do we expand access to CS education for all students? A critical part of this quest is developing and equipping all teachers to bring CS and computational thinking (CT) to their students.

With the development and release of the K-12 Framework for CS Education, there is now an overarching, high-level guidance document that outlines what students know and should be able to do in CS in designated grade bands. The framework informed the development of the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) K-12 CS Standards that delineate a core set of learning objectives designed to provide guidance for developing and implementing K-12 CS instruction.

The goal of the ISTE Standards for Computer Science Educators is to develop the next generation of CS standards that serve the field by establishing a vision for the knowledge, skills and dispositions that educators need to possess to effectively teach CS and CT to all students.

A robust and balanced approach is being taken to craft the ISTE Standards for CS Educators. The process began with an environmental scan and literature review to identify research-based practices in CS education. A diverse representation of experts across K-12, higher education, pre-service and in-service teacher preparation are included as part of the Stakeholder Advisory Council. Moreover, extensive data collection and public comment through strategic interviews, individual surveys, in-person and virtual chats, and forums are taking place throughout the process of standards development.

Read the full article about computer education by Janice Mak at Getting Smart