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Given that computational thinking (CT) is still a blurry psychological construct, its assessment remains as a thorny, unresolved issue. Hence, in recent years, several assessment tools have been developed from different approaches and operational definitions of CT. However, very little research has been conducted to study whether these instruments provide convergent measurements, and how to combine them properly in educational settings. In response, we first review a myriad of CT assessment tools and classify them according to their evaluative approach. Second, we report the results of two convergent validity studies that involve three of these CT assessment tools, which come from different perspectives: the Computational Thinking Test, the Bebras Tasks, and Dr. Scratch. Finally, we propose a comprehensive model to evaluate the development of CT within educational scenarios and interventions, which includes the aforementioned and other reviewed assessment tools. Our comprehensive model intends to assess CT along every cognitive level of Bloom's taxonomy and throughout the various stages of typical educational interventions. Furthermore, the model explicitly indicates how to harmoniously combine the different types of CT assessment tools in order to give answer to the most common research questions in the field of CT Education. Thus, this contribution may lead scholars and policy-makers to perform accurate evaluation designs of CT according to their inquiry goals.

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The introduction of computer programming in K-12 has become mainstream in the last years, as countries around the world are making coding part of their curriculum. Nevertheless, there is a lack of empirical studies that investigate how learning to program at an early age affects other school subjects. In this regard, this paper compares three quasi-experimental research designs conducted in three different schools (n=129 students from 2 nd and 6 th grade), in order to assess the impact of introducing programming with Scratch at different stages and in several subjects. While both 6 th grade experimental groups working with coding activities showed a statistically significant improvement in terms of academic performance, this was not the case in the 2 nd grade classroom. Notable disparity was also found regarding the subject in which the programming activities were included, as in social studies the effect size was double that in mathematics.Keywords: elementary education, improving classroom teaching, interdisciplinary projects, programming and programming languages, teaching/learning strategies, computer education, Scratch. IntroductionComputer programming is becoming a basic skill that allows participating effectively in a world full of digital objects (González, 2014), and in recent years we are witnessing initiatives worldwide to promote the teaching of programming in schools. However, there is little consensus about the way programming should be included in the curriculum (Grover & Pea, 2013).The European Schoolnet has elaborated a report where 20 European MinistriesMaterial published as part of this publication, either on-line or in print, is copyrighted by the Informing Science Institute. Permission to make digital or paper copy of part or all of these works for personal or classroom use is granted without fee provided that the copies are not made or distributed for profit or commercial advantage AND that copies 1) bear this notice in full and 2) give the full citation on the first page. It is permissible to abstract these works so long as credit is given. To copy in all other cases or to republish or to post on a server or to redistribute to lists requires specific permission and payment of a fee. Contact Publisher@InformingScience.org to request redistribution permission.Code to Learn: Where Does It Belong in the K-12 Curriculum? 284of Education give an overview of their current initiatives and plans regarding computer programming (Balanskat & Engelhardt, 2015). There are countries where programming is an end in itself, as the focus is on the potential benefits for those who know to program when they enter the labor market. This approach is based on studies that estimate that in the near future there will be a significant shortage of well-trained professionals in this field in Europe (Gareis et al., 2014) and in the US (Cuny, 2012). Some countries have decided to create a new specific subject, while others have included coding in the general ICT/technology course. Other governments are consideri...