Competency #2: The CS Framework

The second AEA module — and thinking about concepts versus practices.

Summary

In this activity you will complete the second of four modules prepared by the state of Iowa Board of Education and Iowa's AEAs to help teachers better understand CS and how to apply the CS Framework and Standards when designing lessons for students. [My big thank you to the state of Iowa for making these available for use in our program.]

Your activities for this Competency are:

Module #2

Please complete the following module:

Plan for 90–120 minutes depending on how closely you read the material and how much time you spend on the reflection questions.

Deliverable, Part 1 — Module Reflections

As you work through the module, take notes on what you experience. You will also be asked to complete Reflection Journal Activities at several points; make sure you engage with those as they come up.

When you are done, word process your responses to the following questions:

  1. What did you write for each of the in-module Reflection Journal Activities?
    • Reflection #4 — Journal about where you envision the subconcepts fitting in to a lesson. Your students are probably doing the practices throughout the day. Do you see it happening in the lesson you journaled about just a moment ago? If not, can you think of a lesson where both a subconcept and a practice exists? How can this support your summative assessment?
    • Reflection #5 — Thinking about equity, journal about the lessons in your classroom. Are they equitable? What shifts could you make to ensure equity?
  2. What was the main point of this training module?
  3. How did this material fit in with what you have learned in your CSEd program so far?
  4. Identify and discuss at least one item or topic in the training that added to what you had previously learned. How did it improve your knowledge?
  5. Identify and discuss at least one item or topic in the training that was a completely new idea for you. How did it improve your knowledge?

Additional Readings

The second AEA module introduced you to the CS Framework. It is worth taking some additional time to explore the Framework documents directly — you will also use these materials at next week's Community of Practice event.

Deliverable, Part 2 — Why Start with a Framework?

In what ways does — or perhaps should — the K–12 Computer Science Framework guide the development of curriculum for students and professional development for teachers? Discuss your thinking.

Deliverable, Part 3 — Concepts vs. Practices

The K–12 CS Framework is organized around five concepts and seven practices. What are the differences between these two categories, and what purpose does each serve? Are there certain concepts you see as more relevant in your grade band? What about practices? [Please clearly identify which grade band you are writing about.]

Evaluation