The CS Framework and Reimagining CS Pathways

Introduction

Last week I asked you to complete module 2 from AEA Online training which introduced the concept of the CS Framework which was the precursor to the CS Standards. In this activity we want to have you explore and analyze that Framework with your peers and identify ways in which it aligns with the principles and recommendations of the Reimagining CS Pathways project.

CS Framework Hunt

[20 minutes with small groups, 10 minute discussion]

• Navigating the Practices
• Navigating the Concepts
• K–12 CS Framework grade-band statements

In a small group, complete a scavenger hunt in the K-12 CS Framework by looking for specific ideas/examples within the gradeband most appropriate to you. Use the "Framework Statements by Grade Band" page for your hunt but feel free to reference other pages to help clarify any questions you have.

• Consider the 7 practices. These are listed at the top of the page in relation to "by the end of grade 12" but they are practices to be developed at all gradebands. Each of the 7 are important, but how each is handled and emphasized differently at different grade bands.
  • Find one or more practices that emphasize "process."
    • Write down the practice(s) and describe how they could be used in a group project within your gradeband.
  • Find one or more practices that emphasize "creation."
    • Write down the practice(s) and describe how they could be used in a group project within your gradeband.
  • Find one or more practices that emphasize "collaboration."
    • Write down the practice(s) and describe how they could be used in a group project within your gradeband.
  • Identify two practices your group feels are most relevant to students in your gradeband. Why?

• Consider the 5 concepts. These are already broken out by gradebands. Jump to the section most appropriate for your gradeband.
  • Choose a statement within the "Computing Systems" or "Network and the Internet" concepts for your gradeband
    • Discuss how you learned about this in your FCCS course.
    • Write down an idea for how this statement could be taught at your gradeband
  • Choose a statement from the "Data & Analysis" or "Algorithms & Programming" concept for your gradeband.
    • Discuss and write a lesson idea for how this could be embedded in a math or science lesson
  • Choose a statement from the "Impacts of Computing" concept that connects to a current event or societal issue.
    • Explain the connection

CS Pathways

[20 minutes with small groups, 10 minute discussion]

In this activity you will use Reimagining CS Pathways. In particular:

• Exploring Foundational Content
• Pathways beyond the Foundation

In a small group, discuss the key elements of the CS Pathways materials.

• The CS Pathways is centered on five "Topic Areas"
  • Consider these five topics (click the "Read More" link for each)
    • Notice that each has drawn out learning outcomes for different levels of Bloom's Taxonomy.
  • Consider how you could use these outcomes to plan instruction at your gradeband.
• The CS Pathways discusses four "Pillars" (practices, methods, and approaches) that are designed to be "intentionally embedded" within each of the Topic Areas.
  • Reflect on these four pillars (click on the plus next to each label on the left hand side of the page)
  • For each, discuss what these pillars mean within your gradeband.
• The CS Pathways introduces seven "Dispositions"
  • Review these seven dispositions (use the tool on the right side of the page to view the explanation for each)
  • Pick two of these dispositions and consider how they fit into existing curriculum (both CS and non-CS subjects) for your gradeband.

Connections

[20 minutes]

As a large group, discuss the places and ways in which the original CS Framework document is woven into the Reimagining CS Principles document.

You might consider creating an integration map to visualize these connections