Computer Science in Education

Ellipsis Education computer science curriculum is grade-level differentiated, aligns with all state and national computer science standards, and is continually updated to reflect changes in computer science. Since computer science is more than just coding, Ellipsis Education courses include coding, unplugged, digital citizenship, and STEM career lessons as well as hardware integrations.

The importance of computer science in school curriculum is clear as technology continues to advance. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 11% from 2019 to 2029. Given this, shouldn’t we equip our students with these skills starting at a young age?

Currently, computer science programs are serving students as young as kindergarten all the way to high school. You may ask, “Why teach computer science in elementary school?”. The answer is simple: the earlier students discover computer science, the more skills they will be able to apply in the future. There are many benefits of teaching computer science in primary school. Sure, students can learn programming skills; basic building blocks of coding such as loops, functions, and conditional can be applied to more complex languages. The advantages of computer science, however, extend beyond programming. Students practice the communication, collaboration, computational thinking, and creative skills students will need to be successful. As students progress to more advanced projects, such as developing websites, programs, and games, they are motivated to connect with their world and empowered to expand their skills. Regardless of the path students decide to pursue, a strong foundation in computer science will serve them well for years to come.

Computer science is a part of our daily lives. As a result, students are challenged to navigate a complicated technological landscape that requires very specific skills. On a professional level, companies are recruiting for computer science careers in cloud computing, app development, and statistical analysis. On an individual level, computational thinking, problem solving, and relationship building are all deeply influenced by computer science. This understanding of computer science jobs leads to much broader applications. Anyone that uses technology to solve problems can be considered a computer scientist!

Introducing computer science in the K-12 experience opens doors for students to pursue computer science majors in college. Beyond the obvious concentration in computer science, there are many related areas of study like computer information systems, information technology, computer software and applications, and computer systems networking. Even non-STEM majors, like business, biology, and English use technology constantly to communicate ideas. In fact, listen to this My STEM Career interview to learn about how an entrepreneur might use computer science.

Likewise, computer science skills taught in K-12 can be applied directly to any career students pursue after high school. Computational thinking, problem solving, and teamwork can be applied in trades (like electrician, plumber, and HVAC) and other positions (like retail, restaurants, and reception).

Ellipsis Education spotlights the many forms of computer science careers in our My STEM Career podcast. In these interviews, hear from professionals, students, and teachers as they share how they built confidence in their computer science skills. Two particularly interesting interviews include Will Muto, a Product Technical Director at Industrial Light and Magic, who worked on Star Wars films, and Alia Enos, Software Developer II at 343 Industries, who works on the Halo video game series.

With the adoption of new standards across the nation, it can be difficult to ensure ongoing alignment with computer science education requirements. Computer science high school requirements are generally well established (especially around AP Computer Science), but now many states with computer science standards have adopted standards all the way from K to 12. State requirements vary greatly; some states build their own standards while some adopt or modify national standards.

Two of the most well-known national standards bodies are the ISTE computer science standards and the CSTA K 12 computer science standards. Both sets of standards outline the skills and knowledge students need to grow and thrive in the digital world. The ISTE standards provide guidelines for learning, teaching, and leading in STEM. There are many different ISTE standards bodies (educators, administrators, leaders, and coaches), but the ISTE computer science standards for students are the most well known. The CSTA standards are developed by the Computer Science Teachers Association, who consider student as well as teacher needs in computer science. In addition to the standards, they offer CSTA resources such as a glossary of vocabulary as well as a list of approved professional development opportunities.

Ellipsis Education computer science curriculum is aligned to the local, state, or national computer science standards adopted by each school or district. Ellipsis Education also assures that the curriculum meets the needs of the school or district’s unique instructional strategy for computer science integration. As a part of this process, all courses are delivered with standards alignment maps customized to the instructional cadence and standards of your district. This documentation saves you valuable time and enables teachers to quickly identify when and where each standard is addressed within the curriculum. To preview curriculum features, we offer free computer science lesson plans for each grade band (K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12). This  includes a free coding lesson using Scratch.

Since the need and significance of teaching computer science is well established, many organizations have created free online computer science resources. Most computer science education online provides vehicles for students to discover foundational computer science, which comes with pros and cons.

For example, in self-taught computer science curriculum, students navigate coding activities at their own pace. This allows students to learn at their own speed, but provides limited exposure to other modalities of conceptual scaffolding and reinforcement. Likewise, teacher-led computer science kits and activities generate interest in computer science, but do not achieve the results of a full curriculum.

You may be familiar with Code.org, an extremely popular provider of computer science courses online. Ellipsis Education completely aligns with Code.org’s mission statement that “every student in every school should have the opportunity to learn computer science“. That’s why our offerings work great together. Computer science curriculum from Ellipsis Education is a natural next step for schools who have used Code.org courses. We work with many schools who have completed the Code.org offerings and are looking for “what comes next”. They ask for advanced courses, additional lesson hours, and expanded topics.

This is where Ellipsis Education computer science curriculum comes in. Ellipsis Education courses are grade-level differentiated, align with all state and national computer science standards, and are continually updated to reflect changes in computer science. Since computer science is more than just coding, Ellipsis Education courses include coding, unplugged, digital citizenship, and STEM career lessons, as well as hardware integrations.

Ellipsis Education provides full-year computer science curriculum for K-12. The curriculum offers grade level differentiated learning pathways, aligns with all state and national computer science standards, and is continually updated to reflect changes in computer science. Ellipsis Education courses are customized to districts’ unique instructional strategy for computer science integration. This can mean incorporating computer science into an existing class period, adding to a specials rotation, or introducing a stand alone class. Courses are delivered with instructional resources teachers need to feel confident teaching computer science.

Our computer science curriculum for K-2 empowers you to engage your students with courses that fuel their interest. Coding lessons use ScratchJr, an introductory block coding language, perfect for emergent and early readers. In grades 3-5, inspire your students with courses that spark their creativity. Coding lessons use Scratch, a block based coding language, ideal for the transitional and fluent reader.

 Our computer science curriculum middle school (6-8) helps you motivate your students with courses that connect to their world. Coding lessons use line based languages JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and Java to explore programming options.

Our computer science high school curriculum (9-12) helps you empower your students with courses that expand their skills. Coding lessons use JavaScript, Java, Python, and Godot to develop websites, programs, and games.

Explore our full course offering on our courses page; you can find it underneath “Related Links”. Find the curriculum that will support every teacher as they inspire every student.

So, now that you understand the importance of computer science in schools, how can you get started? Perhaps you are new to teaching computer science and don’t know how to begin to focus your efforts. Perhaps you do have some experience and knowledge of the basics, but struggle with a curriculum progression that makes sense for your students. The pressure is on to deliver computer science knowledge to students that may know more than you! Luckly, there are a few baseline requirements that can help you create a computer science implementation plan.

The first part of your computer science implementation plan is your teachers. Finding passionate educators that will engage and learn alongside students is essential. Good news: your teachers do not have to have experience with computer science. Programming languages that come and go; there will always be something new on the horizon. One of the benefits of studying computer science is that having a strong foundation in certain concepts will be relevant for all languages and most applications going forward. Success in computer science is much more than just coding. It’s being a problem-solver, thinking critically, and having the ability to collaborate effectively with peers. Seeking growth in those essential skills is just as applicable for teachers as it is for students. There are many organizations (like ISTE and CSTA) that offer free educational events and communities for teachers interested in computer science. Furthermore, Ellipsis Education offers free professional development events that dive into different computer science subject areas.

Next, choose a curriculum that aligns with your school’s unique instructional strategy for computer science. There are multiple things to consider here.

1. Standards alignment: You want to align with a specific standards body, which includes determining which lessons cover the standards, when they will be taught, and generating the alignment documentation.

2. Pacing: You want to establish fidelity of instruction across class periods, classrooms, and grade levels. You want a consistent curriculum for your teachers and students that is tailored to your scheduling needs.

3. Assessment methods: Students learn and demonstrate knowledge differently, so you want multiple ways to gain insight into your classroom, including summative and formative assessments.

4. Lesson plans: You want to make sure that lessons within the curriculum are scaffolded and paced to deliver student outcomes, and empower teachers to create an engaging student experience.

Finally, reflect on the values of teaching computer science. Our students are the most important consideration in any new program. You want to engage them, surprise them, and teach them the skills they need for their future. It is powerful to give students the opportunity to see a project come to life before their eyes. Enjoy watching your future computer science experts discover their potential!

Underneath “Related Articles” on this page, you can find other teaching computer science articles to help you on your journey.