Study Guide
Field 181: Computer Science
Test Design and Framework
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The test design below describes general assessment information. The framework that follows is a detailed outline that explains the knowledge and skills that this test measures.
Test Design
*Does not include 15-minute C B T tutorial
Test Framework
Pie chart of approximate test weighting outlined in the table below.
| subareas | range of competencies | approximate percentage of test | |
|---|---|---|---|
| selected-response | |||
| roman numeral 1 | computer system concepts | 0001–0002 | 17 percent |
| roman numeral 2 | computational thinking and algorithm design | 0003–0004 | 20 percent |
| roman numeral 3 | programming and program development | 0005–0008 | 30 percent |
| roman numeral 4 | learning environments and social impacts of computing | 0009–0010 | 18 percent |
| this cell intentionally left blank. | 85 percent | ||
| subareas | range of competencies | approximate percentage of test | |
|---|---|---|---|
| constructed-response | |||
| roman numeral 5 | pedagogy | 0011 | 15 percent |
Subarea roman numeral 1–Computer System Concepts
Competency 0001–Apply concepts related to computer systems and computing devices.
start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics
- Apply knowledge of data representation (e.g., floating point, integer, character).
- Analyze characteristics, functions, and interactions of computer hardware components (e.g., CPU, RAM, peripherals, instruction cycle).
- Apply knowledge of the purpose and functions of operating systems (e.g., resource management, scheduling).
- Apply knowledge of a variety of application software (e.g., browser, word processor, apps).
- Apply knowledge of software and processes used to collect, transform, and analyze data (e.g., spreadsheets, database software, queries).
- Apply knowledge of Web development and design tools (e.g., HTML, scripting languages, style sheets).
Competency 0002–Apply knowledge of characteristics of computer networks and the Internet.
start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics
- Apply knowledge of network medium technologies (e.g., copper, fiber, radio).
- Apply knowledge of network architecture (e.g., peer to peer, client server) and network hardware components (e.g., modem, router, switch).
- Apply network communication concepts (e.g., IP/MAC address, communication protocols, packet switching).
- Apply knowledge of the basic structure and operation of the Internet (e.g., network of networks).
- Apply knowledge of security and privacy issues related to networks and the Internet (e.g., firewalls, data encryption, phishing, malware).
Subarea roman numeral 2–Computational Thinking and Algorithm Design
Competency 0003–Apply knowledge of the problem-solving process and algorithm design.
start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics
- Demonstrate knowledge of the general characteristics and the role of algorithms in computing.
- Apply knowledge of the problem-solving process and algorithm design.
- Apply principles of abstraction and decomposition to manage problem complexity.
- Analyze how information (e.g., texts, graphics, sounds) is represented.
- Apply concepts of sequence, selection, and iteration to develop algorithms.
- Analyze pseudocode segments and block-based visual programming segments.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the use of modeling and simulation to solve problems.
Competency 0004–Analyze types and characteristics of algorithms.
start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics
- Evaluate the output of a given algorithm.
- Select or modify an algorithm to solve a problem.
- Analyze characteristics and uses of search algorithms (e.g., linear, binary).
- Analyze characteristics and uses of sorting algorithms (e.g., selection, insertion).
- Analyze characteristics related to algorithm correctness and efficiency (e.g., time-and-space trade-offs).
- Demonstrate knowledge that there are computational problems that cannot be solved in a reasonable amount of time.
Subarea roman numeral 3–Programming and Program Development
Competency 0005–Apply knowledge of principles and procedures for program development.
start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics
- Apply knowledge of the software development cycle.
- Apply knowledge of characteristics of high-level programming languages (e.g., syntax, semantics).
- Identify common programming errors.
- Apply knowledge of tools and procedures for locating errors in computer programs (e.g., hand tracing code, use of a debugger).
- Apply principles of appropriate program documentation.
Competency 0006–Apply knowledge of characteristics and applications of data types.
start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics
- Analyze the use of primitive data types (e.g., integer, floating-point number, character, Boolean) in various situations.
- Apply properties of strings and string methods and operations (e.g., length, substring, concatenate).
- Apply knowledge of characteristics and uses of constants, variables, and classes.
- Apply properties of lists and arrays in a variety of applications (e.g., loop through a list, populate an array).
Competency 0007–Apply knowledge of types and characteristics of statements, operators, and control structures.
start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics
- Interpret comparison operators in various contexts.
- Interpret logical operators in various contexts.
- Apply knowledge of characteristics and uses of statements (e.g., assignment, input/output, declaration).
- Analyze the use of conditional control structures (e.g., if, if-else) to solve problems.
- Analyze the use of repetitive control structures (e.g., while, for) to solve problems.
- Analyze characteristics of methods, parameters, and parameter-passing techniques.
Competency 0008–Apply knowledge of object-oriented programming.
start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics
- Apply characteristics of objects and classes in various contexts.
- Apply principles of data encapsulation.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of inheritance.
- Apply knowledge of characteristics and uses of constructors.
- Apply knowledge of characteristics and uses of libraries and predefined classes.
Subarea roman numeral 4–Learning Environments and Social Impacts of Computing
Competency 0009–Apply knowledge of effective teaching strategies and learning environments.
start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics
- Apply knowledge of a variety of tools for creating digital artifacts (e.g., multimedia content, smart phone apps).
- Apply knowledge of strategies that foster innovative thinking, creative problem solving, and collaboration.
- Apply knowledge of developmentally appropriate instructional strategies, tools, and technologies to support the diverse needs of all learners.
- Apply knowledge of multiple forms of assessment and the use of data to shape classroom instruction.
- Apply knowledge of issues related to diversity, gender, and equitable access to technology resources.
- Apply knowledge of appropriate practices to address problematic concepts and constructs in computer science.
- Apply knowledge of issues related to the safe and effective use of technology tools, including online safety and privacy of electronic student information.
Competency 0010–Apply knowledge of the social aspects of computing and the role computer science plays in society on a local, national, and global level.
start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics
- Demonstrate awareness of the social issues related to the use of computers and computer artifacts in society (e.g., health and safety, rapid change, limits of computing).
- Analyze issues related to the legal and ethical use of computer technology, including cybersecurity and security policies.
- Demonstrate knowledge of issues related to privacy and intellectual property rights when dealing with electronic data and information.
- Apply knowledge of issues related to cultural diversity and equitable access to technology (e.g., digital divide).
- Analyze the influence of computer technologies on science, culture, and commerce and the effects of science, culture, and commerce on technological innovation.
- Analyze the positive and negative impacts of collecting data and information from online users (e.g., data mining, targeted advertising, collecting personal information).
- Analyze significant historical events and trends related to computing.
Subarea roman numeral 5–Pedagogy
Competency 0011–Analyze lesson plans for a computer science topic or project, including student work or assessment data. Describe subsequent activities that are evident from your analysis and address the needs of all students.
start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics
- Apply knowledge of standards-based learning goals for computer science content.
- Analyze results of student learning or samples of student work for a computer science lesson or project.
- Explain how specific instructional strategies and activities promote student learning for a computer science topic or concept for diverse learners.
- Describe how this analysis of assessment data or student work can be used to inform future instruction in this content area of computer science.