West Virginia K-12 Computer Science Standards

Codelicious Computer Science Curriculum is grade-level differentiated, aligns with West Virginia state and national computer science standards, and is continually updated to reflect changes in computer science. Since computer science is more than just coding, Codelicious courses include coding, unplugged, digital citizenship, and STEM career lessons as well as hardware integrations.

West Virginia Computer Science Standards

The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) created a computer science K-12 pathway to promote college and career readiness for all students. As outlined in WVDE policies 2510 and 2520.14, high quality computer science WVDE content standards must be taught in all K-12 schools. The WVDE standards found on the WV content standards pdf are broken down into two categories: technology and computer science. Each category is organized by grade bands K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12.

• 1. Empowered Learner – Students leverage technology to take an active role in choosing, achieving and demonstrating competency in their learning goals, informed by the learning sciences.

  2. Digital Citizen – Students recognize the rights, responsibilities and opportunities of living, learning and working in an interconnected digital world, and they act and model in ways that are safe, legal and ethical.

  3. Knowledge Constructor – Students critically curate a variety of resources using digital tools to construct knowledge, produce creative artifacts and make meaningful learning experiences for themselves and others.

  4. Innovative Designer – Students use a variety of technologies within a design process to identify and solve problems by creating new, useful or imaginative solutions.

  5. Computational Thinker – Students develop and employ strategies for understanding and solving problems in ways that leverage the power of technological methods to develop and test solutions.

  6. Creative Communicator – Students communicate clearly and express themselves creatively for a variety of purposes using the platforms, tools, styles, formats and digital media appropriate to their goals.

  7. Global Collaborator – Students use digital tools to broaden their perspectives and enrich their learning by collaborating with others and working effectively in teams locally and globally.

  The West Virginia computer science standards were adapted from the CSTA standards. The 5 clusters taught in grades K-12 are:

  1. Computing Systems and Computational Thinking – Students develop an understanding of computer systems and employ strategies for understanding and solving problems in ways that leverage the power of technological methods to develop and test solutions.

  2. Networks and Cyber Infrastructure – Students build their understanding of how computers work, how network design contributes to speed and functionality, and how network infrastructure and filtering within a system contributes to securing a system from cyber attacks.

  3. Data and Information – Students collect, store, analyze, and present data in a meaningful way.

  4. Programming and Algorithms – Students develop coding skills through text and visual based programming.  Within a design process, students identify and solve problems leading to developing lifelong logical and critical thinking skills.

  5. Impacts of Computing – Students understand and practice ethical and responsible use of computer systems and networks, particularly as they impact their community and the world at large

  The technology standards and the computer science standards work in tandem to bring challenging, rigorous, and developmentally appropriate instruction to prepare students for the digital world.

  WVDE CTE Content Standards

  In addition to the West Virginia technology and computer science standards, students in grades 9-12 have the opportunity to engage in the WV CTE program. As stated in the WVDE policy 2510 guidance document, all high schools across the state are required to provide CTE education.

  The CTE (Career and Technical Education) Learning Standards are designed to prepare students of all ages for the world of work. The West Virginia CTE program is organized into career clusters that include a wide variety of professions, from agriculture to health science to IT. Each cluster-specific program includes occupation, industry, and career specific knowledge, alongside opportunities for further career exploration. Specific standards and pathways for each career cluster can be found on the Advance CTE website. Teachers and students can access the WV dept of education CTE on the WVDE CTE portal.

  To assist in implementing CTE across all West Virginia high schools, schools can apply for the WVDE modernization grant. This grant is an opportunity for high school state approved CTE programs to request funding to upgrade current program environments, equipment, and/or instruction in order to comply with policy 2510 WVDE. The application for the grant opens yearly and can be found on the WVDE Funding & Accountability website under “Finance.”

  To introduce students to various STEM careers found within CTE clusters, consider listening to our My STEM Career podcast. For example, In this My STEM Career interview, learn about an Entertainment and Technology Manager who oversees the costume database for Disney Parks.

  Computer Science Education Requirements

  Now that you have explored the West Virginia technology and computer science standards and understand the basics of computer science education, 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! Luckily, 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, Codelicious offers free professional development webinars 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 West Virginia K-12 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.

  K 12 Computer Science Curriculum

  Codelicious provides full-year K-12 computer science curriculum that aligns with the WV K-12 computer science standards. In addition, all Codelicious courses have been awarded the ISTE Seal of Alignment. This seal means Codelicious aligns with the ISTE standards and provides a high-quality, standards-aligned learning experience that enhances students’ digital age skills. 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. Codelicious 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 the West Virginia science standards for technology and CS.

  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 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 West Virginia, including West Virginia University, West Virginia Wesleyan College, and Marshall 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 top 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).

  Codelicious 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. In addition, Codelicious offers free STEM career lessons, including this one that aligns with WV standards elementary.