CS Pathways

Pennsylvania does not have an official model for a K-12 CS Pathway, ensuring that each LEA may create a Pathway that meets its specific needs.

Table of contents for subpages: 

• Pathway Considerations
• Sample Pathways from PA LEAs
• Other Sample Pathways

Explore sample CS pathways shared by LEAs across Pennsylvania.

Willing to share your CS pathway? Contact us at PAsmart@pattan.net

Early Implementation

• Early Implementation – Example 1

Developing Implementation

• Developing Implementation – Example 1
• Developing Implementation – Example 2
• Developing Implementation – Example 3
• Developing Implementation – Example 4

Deep Implementation

• Deep Implementation – Example 1

Fully Integrated - This pathway is intended to demonstrate how a Computer Science curriculum might be organized for students who will receive integrated CS learning through other disciplines, without stand-alone CS courses.

Electives Only - This pathway is intended to demonstrate how a Computer Science curriculum might be organized for students in a school with limited resources and stand-alone elective courses only.

CS-Related Field or Major - This pathway is intended to demonstrate how a Computer Science curriculum might be organized for students.

CS For All (1) - This pathway is intended to demonstrate how a Computer Science curriculum might be organized for students in a school that emphasises a full K-12 CS curriculum.

CS For All (2) - This pathway is intended to demonstrate how a Computer Science curriculum might be organized for students in a school that emphasises a full K-12 CS curriculum. Specific course suggestions are given.

Career Readiness (for STEM Careers) - This pathway is intended to demonstrate how a Computer Science curriculum might be organized for students seeking STEM careers after High School.

Career Readiness (for non-STEM Careers) - This pathway is intended to demonstrate how a Computer Science curriculum might be organized for students seeking STEM careers after High School.
 

There are many examples of CS pathways available online. These can be used to help inform your process.

Code.org – Rethinking Perkins to Expand Access to K-12 Computer Science

UC Davis – UC Davis Unveils K-12 Computer Science Program

Bellevue School District, WA – K-12 Computer Science

University of Rhode Island – Recommended Pathways

K12CS.org – Curriculum, Assessment, and Pathways

“Where does CS fit?” is a question often posed by administrators. Most often, the ways LEAs address CS can be described in these terms: 

CS is integrated into other subject area courses. Where applicable, CS concepts, practices, and standards are addressed in courses that focus on other content areas. 

For example, an early elementary class may introduce the concept of algorithms while teaching story sequencing in Language Arts. 

CS education is provided through stand-alone courses. 

For example, an LEA may offer all fourth graders a CS class as one of their specials rotation.

 

“The K-12 CS Framework.” K-12 CS Framework, pp. 157-166. (2016). 
Offers options for K-12 CS pathways with detailed examples, considerations, and separate models for elementary, middle, and high schools.

“Rethinking Perkins to Expand Access to K-12 Computer Science” (Expanding Computing Education Pathways) 
Provides recommendations for Career and Technical Education (CTE) involvement in CS pathways

 

CS Educator Toolkit CS Family Toolkit Community Practice

In order to provide the best and most current resources and information, we continually revise our CSinPA Toolkits. You can contribute to the toolkit by submitting your questions, revisions, or resources using this form.