ACM and Partners Release Framework for Computer Science Education in US K–12 Schools

October 18, 2016

ACM is one of a committee of computer science organizations releasing a framework to inform implementation of computer science education in K-12 schools throughout the US.

ACM, Code.org, the Computer Science Teachers Association, the Cyber Innovation Center, and the National Math and Science Initiative announced the launch of the K-12 Computer Science Framework, which is intended to inform the development of standards, curriculum, and computer science pathways, and also help school systems build capacity for teaching computer science.

Developed through partnerships with states, districts, and the computer science education community, the K–12 Computer Science Framework is a significant milestone for computer science in the United States. It promotes a vision in which all students critically engage in computer science issues; approach problems in innovative ways; and create computational artifacts with a personal, practical, or community purpose.

The framework is not a set of standards; instead, it is a set of guidelines put forth by the community that can inform standards, curriculum, and many other supports for computer science education. The framework’s learning progressions describe how students’ conceptual understanding and practice of computer science grow more sophisticated over time. The concepts and practices are designed to be integrated to provide authentic, meaningful experiences for students engaging in computer science.

“The K–12 Computer Science Framework not only includes technical concepts about computing, but also stresses the importance of creating an inclusive culture in the field, promoting collaboration among students, and communicating effectively about technology,” said Mehran Sahami, the Associate Chair for Education in the Computer Science department at Stanford University. “In this regard, the framework provides skills that generalize beyond computer science while also giving students an understanding of fundamental computing concepts that will serve them well in whatever career they choose to pursue.” Sahami also co-chairs ACM’s Education Board and Education Council.