CS Sequence

In elementary grades, CS may be taught by a specialist (Technology, STEM, or related fields) or integrated into other subject areas. ALL students should receive CS instruction during elementary grades; however, it does not need to be year-round, every year. Instruction may be spread out throughout the year (Example: a CS unit may be used as one of the projects in a class, or technology class may be rotated with other specialty classes.)

For middle school grades, it is recommended that ALL students receive at least 1 semester of CS class sometime during grades 6-8 to prepare for more advanced CS in high school.

Recommended Curricula

• Grades K-2: Coding As Another Language (Scratch Jr) The Coding as Another Language (CAL) approach understands the learning of computer science as a new literacy for the 21st century that supports young learners in developing new ways of thinking, new ways of expressing themselves and new opportunities to make the world a better place and themselves better human beings. It is recommended that the curriculum is taught by a classroom teacher and integrated into the class Literacy block. Each grade level's curriculum consists of 24 lessons designed for 18 hours of instruction.

• Grades 3-5: Elementary Computing for All (Scratch) The ECforALL Team has developed an introductory Scratch curriculum that is designed to teach computational thinking to English language learners and culturally and linguistically diverse students in upper elementary grades. The curriculum consists of 23 50-minute lessons organized into 5 units (more coming soon!). Each unit ends with an open-ended project that allows students to express themselves. This curriculum may be taught by a Technology or STEM specialist, or integrated into other subject areas, and units may be spread out over multiple years. 

• Grades 6-8: Code.org CS Discoveries CS Discoveries by Code.org is an introductory computer science course designed for grades 6-10 that empowers students to create authentic artifacts and engage with computer science as a medium for creativity, communication, problem solving, and fun. The full-year curriculum consists of 7 units of varying topics; shorter implementation is possible by only implementing some of the units. 

• Alternative option for Grade 6 in K-6 schools: As an alternative to CS Discoveries, 6th graders in K-6 may continue learning more advanced features in Scratch, with or without physical computing tools such as micro:bit.  

It is recommended that ALL students receive at least two semesters of computer science class sometime in grades 7-10, then have access to advanced CS course in grades 11/12. The introductory course(s) will prepare students for more advanced courses as well as help develop confidence and interest in CS.

Recommended Curricula

• Grades 7-8: Code.org CS Discoveries CS Discoveries by Code.org is an introductory computer science course designed for grades 6-10 that empowers students to create authentic artifacts and engage with computer science as a medium for creativity, communication, problem solving, and fun. The full-year curriculum consists of 7 units of varying topics; shorter implementation is possible by only implementing some of the units. 

• Grades 9-10: Exploring Computer Science* Exploring Computer Science (ECS) is a high school introductory course to introduce students to the world of computer science and problem solving and prepare them for more advanced CS courses. ECS is a yearlong course consisting of 6 units, approximately 6 weeks each.

• Grades 11-12: Advanced computer science elective (such as AP CS Principles* or AP CS A*)  In grades 11-12, students should have access to advanced CS electives. Dual-enrollment and CTE courses may also be considered.

* AP Computer Science Principles, Computer Science Principles, and Exploring Computer Science may be substituted for either a laboratory science course or mathematics course for MassCore. Currently, no other computer science courses are approved for substitution.