NURBAYA MOHD ROSLI UNIVERSITI KEBANGSAAN MALAYSIA
In the global sprint to equip the workforce for digital transformation, vocational education must pivot towards future-centric competencies, especially programming and computational thinking (CT). CodeSCORE introduces a groundbreaking innovation that redefines the screening process for potential IT students at vocational institutions by integrating the SCORE Analysis Model, which focuses on Strengths, Challenges, Options, Response, and Effectiveness as its strategic backbone. This innovation addresses a pressing gap in current admission systems, the absence of psychometrically sound tools to evaluate programming and CT readiness among applicants. Leveraging the Strengths of existing assessment theories and data-driven education practices, CodeSCORE identifies key Challenges such as inconsistent student preparedness, assessment validity, and curriculum misalignment. It proposes bold, actionable Options involve adaptive testing methods by using digital platforms for assessment and industry-linked evaluation for relevance and support. Through a systematic Response phase, this innovation outlines the development of a scalable, validated screening test tailored to Malaysia’s vocational IT landscape. The Effectiveness of CodeSCORE is projected through measurable outcomes, including accurate talent matching, improved student performance, and alignment with Industry 4.0 demands. CodeSCORE is not just a framework; it is an innovation blueprint to transform vocational admissions into a smart, data-informed system for detecting future-ready technical talent, empowering the next generation of technical professionals.