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CS Teacher Toolkit Overview

What Is Computer Science?

As the foundation for all computing, computer science (CS) is defined as 
“the study of computers and algorithmic processes, including their principles, their hardware and software designs, their [implementation], and their impact on society.” 1

CS is often confused with simply using computers and other aspects of computing.

Compare and contrast CS with other aspects of computing.

Explore the relationship between CS and computational thinking.

CS and STEM

In education, CS is also confused with STEM. 

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education is an integrated, interdisciplinary, and student-centered approach to learning that encourages curiosity, creativity, artistic expression, collaboration, computational thinking, communication, problem solving, critical thinking, and design thinking.

Typically, CS is described as:

  • one, but not the only, component of the T (technology) in STEM
  • a priority in a comprehensive STEM education plan

Why Teach Computer Science?

A Priority for PA

Over the next decade, most good paying jobs in Pennsylvania will require some form of education or training after high school, especially in the fast-growing fields of STEM and computer science.

As detailed by the PAsmart Initiative, the field of computer science is rapidly growing in Pennsylvania. On average, compared to other fields, there are more STEM and CS jobs available, with higher salaries. Notably,

  • There are over 17,000 unfilled CS jobs (4x the average in PA)
  • The average salary for a CS job is $89,590 (average salary in PA: $50,030)

Why else? 

There are many reasons for CS education, shaped by personal and shared values. 

Find your “Why” with CSforAll’s CS Visions toolkit. (The CS Visions Quiz is a great starting point.) The toolkit includes stand-alone materials adapted from CSforAll SCRIPT workshop activities. 

Go further by engaging your LEA in SCRIPT. 

Explore more:

1 “Defining Computer Science.” The K-12 Computer Science Framework, (2020). https://k12cs.org/defining-computer-science/