What is Computer Science Education?  Kentucky defines Computer Science (CS) as an academic discipline that encompasses the study of computers and algorithmic processes, including their principles, their hardware and software designs, their applications, networks, and their impact on society. 

Background: By creating more opportunities for computer science learning for Kentucky students, we will reach, keep and engage more students in learning, create a pool of more qualified people to fill existing job openings and stimulate suppressed economic regions of our state by developing a high-tech skilled workforce. Computer science and coding utilize critical thinking and problem-solving talents that benefit all career paths.

Vision: Learning through computer science can benefit all students, kindergarten through twelfth grade. The Kentucky K-12 Computer Science standards are designed to 1) Focus on “creating” content rather than simply consuming it; 2) implement and integrate into many content areas; 3) expose more learners to critical thinking, computational thinking, and problem-solving through computer science.

Goals include:

  • initiating cross-curricular connections to enhance the understanding that CS Skills and concepts are not just for future CS jobs. CS Skills and concepts can help develop advanced problem-solving and critical thinking for all future jobs.
  • establishing a continuum of computer science education and student competencies from elementary to high school;
  • providing more opportunities for computer science learning for ALL students, especially students typically under-represented in rigorous high school courses, to engage in advanced coursework that will prepare them for future success;
  • preparing students to address a critical workforce need related to computer science knowledge and skills.

Interact with Your KAS for Computer Science

Decorative Image - Interactive animation

  • KAS for Computer Science Progression Chart (Click or Tap to Download)
    *Note: To access an accessible version of this progression chart, see the appendix of the full KAS for Computer Science standards document.

1  EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT CABINET

2  Kentucky Board of Education

3  Kentucky Department of Education

4  (New Administrative Regulation)

5  704 KAR 8:010. Kentucky Academic Standards for Computer Science Elective.

6  RELATES TO: KRS 156.070, 156.160, 158.645, 158.6451, 160.290, 156.850, 704 KAR 3:305

7  STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 156.070, 156.160

8  NECESSITY, FUNCTION, AND CONFORMITY: KRS 156.160 requires the Kentucky Board

9  of Education to establish courses of study for the different grades and kinds of common schools,

10  with the courses of study to comply with the expected goals, outcomes, and assessment strategies

11  developed under KRS 158.645 and 158.6451. KRS 156.070(1) requires the Kentucky Board of

12  Education to manage and control the common schools and all programs operated in the schools.

13  KRS 160.290 authorizes local boards of education to provide for courses and other services for

14  students consistent with the administrative regulations of the Kentucky Board of Education. KRS

15  156.850 requires compliance with federal provisions and acts relating to vocational education.

16  This administrative regulation incorporates by reference the Kentucky Academic Standards for

17  Computer Science contain the general courses of study and academic content standards of

18  Computer Science for use in Kentucky’s common schools.

19  Section 1. Public schools offering a computer science course or program shall meet the minimum

20  content requirements established in the Kentucky Academic Standards for Computer Science

21  Elective.

22  Section 2. Incorporation by Reference. (1) The “Kentucky Academic Standards for Computer

23  Science Elective”, June 2018, is incorporated by reference.

24  (2) This material may be inspected, copied, or obtained, subject to applicable copyright law, at

25  the Department of Education, 5th floor, 300 Sower Boulevard, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601,

26  Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.