Computer Science, IT, and Technology Education
Computer Science, IT, and Technology Education (CSITT) is a content area discipline focused on the understanding and creation of information and technological systems to be a digital age learner. As part of the CSITT pathway of study, students can experience:
- Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
- Computing Systems and Applications
- Cybersecurity and Privacy
- Data Analytics
- Design Thinking
- Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing
- Impacts of Technology
- Information Processing
- Networks and the Internet
- Programming and Algorithms
- STEM
The overall goal of Computer Science, IT, and Technology Education is to provide opportunities for all North Carolina students to learn computer science and gain the skills needed to: (1) create and contribute, not just use and consume, in the digital economy; and (2) actively engage as informed citizens in our complex, technology-driven world. Through collaboration and communication with multiple stakeholders, a coordinated statewide computer science initiative will strengthen pathways from kindergarten to career, address equity gaps, leverage successful programs, and encourage cross-sector partnerships throughout the state.
The Computer Science, IT, and Technology Education section of the Office of Career and Technical Education (CTE) manages the K–12 Computer Science Standards and content delivery at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.
CSITT in grades K–8 is a component of the North Carolina Standard Course of Study by integration into the core academic areas (English Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science) to support teaching and learning.
CSITT content is delivered through individual courses on the middle and high school level. Middle grades and high school courses are delivered through the CTE, Mathematics, and College and Career Promise academic areas.
Contact Information
For more information, please email CSITT@dpi.nc.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) empowers students to understand complex problems and prepares our next generation of innovators. The purpose of STEM Education and Leadership is to support K–12 educators and leaders with integrated approaches to STEM teaching and learning. STEM connects educational stakeholders including Public School Units (PSUs), postsecondary education, policymakers, business/industry, and other state agencies to current STEM initiatives.
STEM is one of the CSITT pathways of study that students can experience as part of the NC Standard Course of Study or CSITT courses.
As it relates to the K–12 Computer Science Initiative for NC is guided by the Report to Expand Computer Science Opportunities to All Students in North Carolina K–12 Schools. The Framework outlined in the report summarizes the importance of computer science for all students, provides high-level guidance on the foundational concepts and practices appropriate for K–12 students, including computational thinking (formulating problems and developing solutions with sufficient specificity that they can be carried out by computers), coding (translating the steps of solving problems into a language computers can understand), computer systems (e.g., how the Internet works), and the societal implications of advances in digital technologies (e.g., privacy, security, and social and economic impacts). The recommendations also consider the Code.org Nine Policy Ideas to Make Computer Science Fundamental in K–12 Education and are designed to move North Carolina forward in implementing each of those ideas to become a leading state in computer science education.
In this report, computer science education is viewed as part of the North Carolina digital-age learning model as described in NC K–12 Digital Learning Plan, and as such should incorporate the approach that includes: personalized learning and flexible resources; advancement based on content mastery and competency; anywhere, anytime learning; student-centered learning with teachers as instructional leaders; digital content; assessments built-in to activities; and project based learning. The following recommendations also build upon the foundation provided by the ongoing implementation of the NC Digital Learning Plan, which involves preparing district leaders, school leaders, and classroom teachers to implement digital-age teaching and learning and providing the technology infrastructure necessary to support computer science education in K–12 schools.