Massachusetts K-12 Computer Science Standards

Ellipsis Education computer science curriculum is grade-level differentiated, aligns with Massachusetts state curriculum standards 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.

DESE Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Department of Education and Secondary Education (DESE) collaborated with the Massachusetts Computing Attainment Network (MassCAN) to develop the current Digital Literacy and Computer Science Standards. These standards are essential to prepare students for life inside and outside of the classroom, and to inspire students to create and innovate in the future. The following Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks provide teachers, students and families with clear and shared expectations for what all students should know and be able to do at the end of each year.The Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) standards are organized by grade band: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. Within each grade band, there are 4 main categories of standards, each with their own subcategories:

1. Computing and Society

   1. Safety and Security

   2. Ethics and Laws

   3. Interpersonal and Societal Impact

2. Digital Tools and Collaboration

   1. Digital Tools

   2. Collaboration and Communication

   3. Research

3. Computing Systems

   1. Computing Devices

   2. Human and Computer Partnerships

   3. Networks

   4. Services

4. Computational Thinking

   1. Abstraction

   2. Algorithm

   3. Data

   4. Programming and Development

   5. Modeling and Simulation

DESE Massachusetts also notes that the main practices to use in conjunction with the above standards are: connecting, creating, abstracting, analyzing, communicating, collaborating, and research. Visit the DLCS page on the DESE Massachusetts website for learning standards, curriculum planning, instructional resources, and contact information. If you’re looking for additional information about standards beyond Massachusetts Common Core Standards has information about all 50 states.

What Is Computer Science Education

The importance of computer science in education 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. Additionally, the Massachusetts DOE predicts that STEM jobs will grow at a quicker rate this decade than any other occupation. Given this, shouldn’t we equip our students with these skills starting at a young age?

Currently, computer science standards span from K-12; computer science education begins with the Massachusetts state standards kindergarten and goes all the way until AP Computer Science in high school. Most of these courses consist of a coding component, where students learn programming skills. The basic building blocks of coding such as loops, functions, and conditionals can be taught in elementary school and applied to more complex languages as students progress in their K-12 journey. As students attempt more advanced projects, such as developing websites, programs, and games, they are motivated to connect with their world and empowered to expand their skills.

Computer science education, however, is not only about coding. K 12 computer science also focuses on developing 21st century skills, such as the 4 C’s (communication, collaboration, computational thinking, and creativity). A strong foundation in these computer science skills will serve them well for years to come, regardless of the path they decide to pursue. The Massachusetts computer science standards are designed to encourage multidisciplinary learning. For example, computer science standards can be integrated into other core subject areas, like the Massachusetts DESE math standards and DESE social studies standards.

Title I

If you are a Title I school in Massachusetts, you may consider using your federal funds to purchase computer science curriculum.

WHAT IS TITLE I FUNDING?

Title I funds programming for low-income students. The money must go toward helping these students meet academic state standards. The amount of Title I funding distributed across the nation is available through the DOE website (most recently updated in 2017).

WHAT CAN TITLE I FUNDS BE SPENT ON?

Title I usage is based on the makeup of your student body. If 40% or more of your school’s students come from low-income families, Title I funds must be used on school-wide initiatives. These are known as Title I schools. If less than 40% of your school’s students come from low-income families, Title I funds must be used for programming that targets low-income students. It is important to note that Title I funds must go directly to low-income students, and the programs/materials cannot have been used in other classrooms first.

K 12 Computer Science Curriculum

Ellipsis Education provides full-year K-12 computer science curriculum that aligns with the Massachusetts computer science standards. 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 in K-12.

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 k-12 computer science education course offering on our courses page. If any of these course options interest you, schedule a 30 minute call with one of our curriculum experts. Find the curriculum that will support every teacher as they inspire every student.

Computer Science Careers

After being introduced to computer science curriculum in K-12, students may be inspired to continue their computer science education. On a professional level, companies are recruiting for computer science degree jobs 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. you don’t necessarily need a degree in computer science; 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 a computer science degree in college. The top computer science colleges in Massachusetts, including Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard, Tufts, and Northeastern University offer concentrations in various areas of computer science, like computer information systems, information technology, computer software and applications, and computer systems networking. The reality is, though, students do not need to attend a university to pursue these computer science majors. Even non-STEM majors, like business, biology, and English use computer science skills to communicate ideas.

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 series. 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.