The development and implementation of a context-based curricular framework for computer science education in high schools

Abstract

In this paper, we describe a computer science curricular framework for creating innovative, four-year computer science programs for high school computer science courses. Based on a suggested set of great principles of computing by Peter Denning, the framework is structured as a stack of four curricular layers. The result is a framework design that provides a high degree of curricular and pedagogical flexibility, particularly suited for the rapidly changing discipline of computer science. This report describes the computer science curricular framework, the implementation of the framework and the deployment of a four-year curriculum from the implemented framework. Initial classroom experiences are reported.