The United States has fallen behind in it's integration of computer science concepts in the K-12 curriculum. Many other countries worldwide have developed and/or integrated computer science into their K-12 curriculum. In an effort to jump-start the movement here in the United States, the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM) has produced a report, A Model Curriculum for K-12 Computer Science, which assists in providing a framework for school districts to develop their computer science programs.
Currently, very few K-12 schools offer computer science as part of their curriculum. Two of the largest factors preventing computer science from being established as part of the standard curriculum are budgetary restraints and the need to improve the level of public understanding of computer science as an academic and professional field.
ACM proposes a four-level framework for computer science education. The first level would be introduced in grades K-8, and would involve integrating basic skills in technology with simple ideas about algorithmic thinking. These tasks could easily be integrated into existing lessons in math, science and social science. Level II would be offered as part of a year course for 9th or 10th grade students. This level would include a coherent and broad understanding of the principles, methodologies, and applications of computer science in the modern world.
Levels III and IV, would be offered to 10th through 12th graders as semester electives for those students who wanted to expand on their knowledge of computer science. A level II course would be required as a pre-requisite for these courses. In a level III course, students would explore in more depth the scientific and engineering aspects of computer science, such as mathematical principles, algorithmic problem solving, software and hardware design, and networks. A level IV course would provide a depth of study in one particular area of computer science and may include earning a professional certification or AP credit.
While ACM has provided a framework to begin the process of including computer science in K-12 schools, there are still many obstacles that most be overcome to implement a computer science curriculum. They recognize that this is not going to be an overnight fix, but hope their recommendations can initiate a long-term evolution of computer science curriculum in K-12 schools. In order to get this process started, state agencies must recognize the discipline of computer science so appropriate standards for teacher certification can be established. Additionally, state standards must be designed so that they ensure a distinction between teaching IT skills and computer science. Once state standards are established, then teachers, university faculty and professional organizations can come together to design an appropriate curriculum.
Computer science is a discipline used across the world and it is vital that it be integrated into our school's curriculum here in the United States. The ACM report provides the framework K-12 schools need to implement the programs into their schools. It is time, now, that our schools take the initiative to put these plans into action and make computer science available to our students.
Reference:
Tucker, A. (2004). A New K-12 Computer Science Curriculum. Learning and Leading with Technology, 31, 16-19.
When I finished reading the post about incorporating computer science into the K-12 curriculum, I was left wondering why our students need to learn computer science in elementary school. I didn't read the article, only the post, so maybe the author touched on the need. Is it not good enough that American students can take computer science classes in college? What's the push? I'm not a big tech person, and I understand it's nice to keep up with the latest technology, but why do we have to teach kids how to use an iTouch as soon as they come out of the womb? Also in the post, it was mentioned that many other countries worldwide have developed and/or integrated computer science into their K-12 curriculum. I'd be curious as to how those countries have been successful and why America has fallen behind.
ReplyDeleteI believe that computer science can be beneficial to learn for students in grades K-12. If computer science was introduced at a sense of where it is age appropriate then I am all for it. Science is already a crucial part of a childs learning because it touches base on the many aspects of the Earth. The computer can take science to a new level with activities and games for children to engage in.
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