Pennsylvania K-12 Computer Science Standards

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.

CSTA Standards

Pennsylvania follows the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) Computer Science standards. CSTA acknowledges the complexities of teaching computer science, and places emphasis on creating a strong, supportive environment for K-12 educators. The CSTA community is led by K-12 computer science teachers that share the latest practices and provides access to courses and tools that will help enhance teaching.

The CSTA K–12 Computer Science Standards lay out a core set of learning objectives designed to provide the foundation for a complete computer science curriculum and its implementation at the K–12 level. The CSTA Standards organizes the standards by following five core concepts with corresponding subcategories:

CSTA STANDARDS & SUBCATEGORIES:

• Computing Systems

  • Devices

  • Hardware & Software

  • Troubleshooting

• Networks and the Internet

  • Network Communication & Organization

  • Cybersecurity

• Data Analysis

  • Storage

  • Collection, Visualization, & Transformation

  • Inference & Models

• Algorithms & Programming

  • Algorithms

  • Variables

  • Control

  • Modularity

  • Program Development

• Impacts and Computing

  • Culture

  • Social Interactions

  • Safety, Law, & Ethics

The K–12 Computer Science Framework provides overarching, high-level guidance per grade band, while the standards provide detailed, measurable student performance expectations. These core concepts are practiced in classrooms in conjunction with these seven practices:

SEVEN PRACTICES:

1. Fostering an Inclusive Computing Culture

2. Collaborating Around Computing

3. Recognizing and Defining Computational Problems

4. Developing and Using Abstractions

5. Creating Computational Artifacts

6. Testing and Refining Computational Artifacts

7. Communicating About Computing

Pennsylvania Computer Science Teacher Certification

The PDE Computer Science Certification is for educators who wish to teach computer science in grades 7-12. After December 31, 2022, any teacher who wants to teach computer science will be required to have this certification, called the Computer Science 7-12 Certification. The new certification pathway includes subject-specific competencies student teachers are expected to master and demonstrate as they begin their careers, including algorithms and programming, data and analysis, network communication, and cybersecurity. Certified educators can also add on the Computer Science 7-12 certification by test and application, providing an immediate impact on the number of new computer science certified educators available in the workforce.

The PA DOE website also explains certificate clarifications that impact educators teaching computer science prior to December 31, 2022, educators who plan on teaching computer science after December 31, 2022, and educators who teach computer science in grades K-6. The PA teacher certification tests provide a common framework for current instructors to teach computer science education in Pennsylvania schools.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Pennsylvania computer science teacher certification, explore this page about certifications on the PA Department of Education website for more specific information. All PDE-approved certifications can be found on the PA DOE website.

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. This is especially true in Pennsylvania, where more than 300,000 jobs statewide require STEM-related skills – at least 13,000 if which are unfilled computer science occupations. 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. 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.

Computer Science Education Requirements

Now that you have explored the PA computer science standards and certification requirements, 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 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 the PA computer science standards, 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.

Title I

If you are a Title I school in Pennsylvania, 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.

A Model Curriculum For K–12 Computer Science

Ellipsis Education provides full-year K-12 computer science curriculum that aligns with the PA 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 Education Degree

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 Pennsylvania, including Carnegie Mellon, University of Pennsylvania, Haverford College, and Trinity College 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.