K-12 Computer Science Standards in Alabama

The Alabama Digital Literacy and Computer Science document provides the framework for the study of computer science and technology from Kindergarten through Grade 12 in Alabama’s schools. The framework provides an overview and learning goals for each grade, then outlines minimum standards for each grade. When developing local curricula, school systems are encouraged to include additional content standards to reflect local philosophies, and may add implementation guidelines, resources, and activities. Code With Us provides full-year grade specific K-12 Computer Science curriculum that aligns with the Alabama K-12 Computer Science standards.

Standards

Alabama K-12 Computer Science Standards (pdf)

Alabama K-12 Computer Science Programming Guidelines

Kindergarten

Demonstrate use of input devices. 

1st Grade

Construct elements of a simple computer program in collaboration with others. 

2nd Grade

1 - Construct elements of a simple computer program using basic commands. 

2 - Identify bugs in basic programming.

3rd Grade

1 - Test and debug a given program in a block-based visual programming environment using arithmetic operators, conditionals, and repetition in programs, in collaboration with others. 

4th Grade

1 - Create a working program in a block-based visual programming environment using arithmetic operators, conditionals, and repetition in programs, in collaboration with others. 

5th Grade

1 - Create a working program in a block-based visual programming environment using arithmetic operators, conditionals, and repetition in programs. 

2 - Identify variables. 

3 - Demonstrate that programs require known starting values that may need to be updated appropriately during the execution of programs. 

6th Grade

1 - Identify steps in developing solutions to complex problems using computational thinking. 

2 - Describe how automation works to increase efficiency. 

3 - Create a program that initializes a variable. 

7th Grade

1 - Solve a complex problem using computational thinking. 

2 - Create and organize algorithms in order to automate a process efficiently. 

3 - Create a program that updates the value of a variable in the program. 

4 - Formulate a narrative for each step of a process and its intended result, given pseudocode or code. 

8th Grade

1 - Discuss the efficiency of an algorithm or technology used to solve complex problems. 

2 - Describe how algorithmic processes and automation increase efficiency. 

3 - Create a program that includes selection, iteration, or abstraction, and initializes, and updates, at least two variables. 

9th to 12th Grades (High School)

1 - Design and iteratively develop computational artifacts for practical intent, personal expression, or to address a societal issue by using current events. 

2 - Decompose problems into smaller components through systematic analysis, using constructs such as procedures, modules, and/or objects, with parameters, and which return a result. 

3 - Compare and contrast fundamental data structures and their uses. 

4 - Demonstrate code reuse by creating programming solutions using libraries and Application Programming Interfaces. 

5 - Demonstrate the ability to verify the correctness of a program. 

6 - Develop and use a series of test cases to verify that a program performs according to its design specifications. 

7 - Collaborate in a code review process to identify correctness, efficiency, scalability and readability of program code. 

8 - Resolve or debug errors encountered during testing using iterative design process.