NICE Framework Alignment Matrix
Competency Mapping for Curriculum Approval
Detailed alignment between activities and NIST SP 800-181 Rev 1 (NICE Framework) competencies
Overview
This document provides a detailed mapping between our Human-AI Partnership activities and the NICE Framework (NIST SP 800-181 Rev 1, Version 2.0.0) Task, Knowledge, and Skill (TKS) statements. These alignments support curriculum approval processes for K-12 cybersecurity education programs and demonstrate how classroom activities develop authentic workforce competencies.
NoteFor Curriculum Administrators
This matrix demonstrates standards alignment for state/district cybersecurity curriculum approval. All TKS codes reference the official NICE Framework available at niccs.cisa.gov.
TKS Cross-Reference Matrix
This matrix shows at a glance which NICE Framework competencies each activity addresses. Use the search and filter features (HTML) or scan the checkmarks to quickly identify coverage patterns.
TipHow to Read This Matrix
- ✓ (Checkmark): Activity addresses this competency
- – (Dash): Activity does not specifically address this competency
- Grouped by: Tasks (T), Knowledge (K), and Skills (S)
Coverage Summary
Quick Reference: Activity-to-Work-Role Mapping
Activity 1: Security Detective Teams
Competency Alignment
Students practice foundational skills aligned with Defensive Cybersecurity and Vulnerability Analysis work roles.
Tasks Practiced
Knowledge Developed
Skills Practiced
Activity 2: Ethics in Automated Security
Competency Alignment
Students practice foundational skills aligned with Cybersecurity Policy and Privacy work areas.
Tasks Practiced
Knowledge Developed
Skills Practiced
Activity 3: AI-Assisted Incident Response
Competency Alignment
Students practice foundational skills aligned with Incident Response and Cyber Defense work areas.
Tasks Practiced
Knowledge Developed
Skills Practiced
Grade-Band Progression
Each activity introduces NICE Framework competencies at developmentally appropriate levels, building complexity as students advance through grade bands:
Cross-Cutting Competencies
All three activities develop these foundational competencies:
Human-AI Collaboration Skills
Professional Communication
Using This Matrix
For Curriculum Approval
When preparing curriculum approval documentation, reference specific TKS codes to demonstrate standards alignment. Map activity learning objectives to corresponding NICE competencies, and document how grade-band progressions build systematically toward workforce readiness.
For Assessment Design
Use TKS statements to create competency-based rubric criteria that align assessment evidence with specific skill demonstrations. This approach enables educators to track student progression across competency areas over time.
For Career Pathway Planning
Connect classroom activities to authentic workforce competencies by introducing students to cybersecurity career language. These connections build awareness of diverse cybersecurity roles and help students envision potential career pathways.