Designing Computer Science Competency Statements
Alison Clear, Tony Clear, Abhijat Vichare, Thea Charles, Stephen Frezza, Mirela Gutica, Barry M. Lunt, Francesco Maiorana, Arnold Pears, François Pitt, Charles Riedesel, Justyna Szynkiewicz
Abstract
The broadly influential document Computing Curricula 2005 (CC2005) is in the process of being updated through a project called Computing Curricula 2020 (CC2020). CC2020 provides a vision for the future of computing education, including a comprehensive report that contrasts curricular guidelines, and contextualizing those guidelines within the broader landscape of computing education. In the process, a framework of competency-based educational principles has been developed which is closely aligned with other skills and qualifications frameworks. This working group report demonstrates one way in which the transition from current learning-outcomes-based practices to the competency-based practices can be approached. Further, the paper discusses the challenges and insights that have emerged as the learning outcomes for various Knowledge Areas in the CS2013 report were re-expressed in terms of competencies.