Tools, Themes, and Competencies framework for organizing a CT/CS pathway¶
Theory · All theories
Evidence · no claims cited
Description¶
The presentation distinguishes three layers of a CT pathway. Tools are "Curricula, technology, languages" (e.g., Scratch, Code.org, PLTW, ECS) which "Changes over time (especially as programs mature)". Themes are "Topics, integration approaches" such as "innovation, maker learning, STEAM, digital literacy" which "Remains consistent (may shift grade bands)". Competencies are "Student knowledge + abilities" such as "algorithms, data, simulations, etc." which "may reveal student outcomes that are uneven". The framework is used to fit together coding, computer science, and computational thinking, where CT is "a problem-solving process that is central to CS, and also applies to learning in any discipline".
Design Implications¶
Context¶
Requirements¶
- Districts must track how tools change over time while keeping themes consistent and monitoring competency outcomes
Constraints¶
- Implementation of tools may be uneven and competency outcomes may be uneven, per the presentation's own annotations
Target Learners¶
- K-8 students
Target Learning Objectives¶
- computational thinking competencies such as algorithms, data, and simulations
Claims¶
Related Theories¶
- Distinguishing computing, computer science, computational thinking, and programming
- Three-stage model of developing district computational thinking pathways: Getting Started, Getting Going, Getting Better
- Culturally sustaining pedagogy as a fourth 'C' in computing education pathways
- Kentucky K-8 computing framework: five key concepts of CS and seven big ideas of technology
Examples¶
- CT Pathways Toolkit for district design of K-12 CS/CT pathways
- South Fayette School District CS/STEAM pathway
- Three-step district pathway design sequence: Why, What, How
Key Sources¶
- Computing in Rural America: Developing K-8 Coding Pathways for Kentucky Appalachia. (2020). Presentation slides, December 2nd 2020. https://digitalpromise.dspacedirect.org/items/0c77d3c7-12c8-4a9b-8583-040137f0fd3c
Page metadata
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
type |
theory |
title |
Tools, Themes, and Competencies framework for organizing a CT/CS pathway |
description |
The presentation distinguishes three layers of a CT pathway. |
status |
review |
generated |
by process:wiki-ingest on 2026-10-09 |
trust |
unverified — no one has confirmed this page's content |
sources |
1 — computing-in-rural-america-developing-k-8-coding-pathways-for-kentucky-appalachia-2020 |
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