CSPDWeek 2026 – Cultivating Computing Mindsets Kit Landing Page
Dispositions are a key component in the structure of the updated CSTA PK-12 Standards, which will be released broadly in July 2026. These standards guide and set the approach for adoption, curriculum, and national state standard adoption.
CSTA (2026) defines dispositions as the habits of mind, attitudes, and approaches that shape how students engage with computer science. They influence how students think, persist, collaborate, and reflect beyond what they can code or recall. In CS, dispositions guide how students navigate challenges, debug with purpose, and build confidence in problem solving.
Fostering these dispositions helps students develop not only technical skills, but also the capacity to learn independently, stay motivated, and persist through complexity.
In Reimagining CS Pathways (CSTA et al., 2024), the CS education community identified seven key dispositions essential to equitable and enduring CS learning:
- Creativity: Generating original and meaningful computing ideas and projects.
- Critical thinking: Using reasoning and evidence to analyze and refine solutions.
- Curiosity: Asking questions and exploring beyond assigned work.
- Persistence: Continuing effort despite frustration or setbacks.
- Reflectiveness: Connecting past experiences to inform future learning.
- Resourcefulness: Seeking and using tools, people, and information to solve problems.
- Sense of belonging: Feeling included, respected, and recognized in the CS community.
This kit is designed to equip teachers with tools and strategies to develop and cultivate computing mindsets aligned with these key dispositions.