What is Computer Science Education? Kentucky defines Computer Science (CS) as an academic discipline that encompasses the study of computers and algorithmic processes, including their principles, their hardware and software designs, their applications, networks, and their impact on society.
Background: By creating more opportunities for computer science learning for Kentucky students, we will reach, keep and engage more students in learning, create a pool of more qualified people to fill existing job openings and stimulate suppressed economic regions of our state by developing a high-tech skilled workforce. Computer science and coding utilize critical thinking and problem-solving talents that benefit all career paths.
Vision: Learning through computer science can benefit all students, kindergarten through twelfth grade. The Kentucky K-12 Computer Science standards are designed to
1) Focus on "creating" content rather than simply consuming it; 2) implement and integrate into many content areas;
3) expose more learners to critical thinking, computational thinking, and problem-solving through computer science.
Goals include:
- initiating cross-curricular connections to enhance the understanding that CS Skills and concepts are not just for future CS jobs. CS Skills and concepts can help develop advanced problem-solving and critical thinking for all future jobs.
- establishing a continuum of computer science education and student competencies from elementary to high school;
- providing more opportunities for computer science learning for ALL students, especially students typically under-represented in rigorous high school courses, to engage in advanced coursework that will prepare them for future success;
- preparing students to address a critical workforce need related to computer science knowledge and skills.