2016 – 2017
Florida Department of Education
Curriculum Framework 

Program Title:	Office Specialist
Career Cluster:	Business Management and Administration

CCC	
CIP Number	0552040704	
Program Type	College Credit Certificate (CCC)	
Program Length	18 credit hours	
CTSO	Phi Beta Lambda, BPA	
SOC Codes 	43-6011 – Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants	
CTE Program Resources 	http://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-tech-edu/program-resources.stml	

Purpose

This certificate program is part of the Office Administration (60) AS degree program (1552020401).  

A College Credit Certificate consists of a program of instruction of less than sixty (60) credits of college-level courses, which is part of an AS or AAS degree program and prepares students for entry into employment (Rule 6A-14.030, F.A.C.).

This program offers a sequence of courses that provides coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in the Business Management and Administration career cluster; provides technical skill proficiency, and includes competency-based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills, and knowledge of all aspects of the Business Management and Administration career cluster. 

The content includes but is not limited to expediting and facilitating the maintenance and production of correspondence and records; to telecommunicate; maintain office budget; planning; preparing correspondence and resolutions; filing and maintaining documents; and assisting in the administration of policy.

Additional Information relevant to this Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is provided at the end of this document.

Standards

After successfully completing this program, the student will be able to perform the following:

Professional Skills:
01.0	Demonstrate effective business communication skills.
02.0	Manage business information using appropriate software.
03.0	Perform accounting activities.
04.0	Demonstrate employability and workplace skills.
05.0	Perform information processing activities.
06.0	Develop leadership skills.
07.0	Develop strategic organizational skills.

In addition to the above core outcomes, students may complete the outcomes in one of the following specializations:

Legal Office Specialization:
08.0	Perform legal office activities.
09.0	Demonstrate knowledge of U.S. and Florida court systems.

Medical Office Specialization:
08.0	Perform medical office activities.

2016 – 2017
Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Program Title:	Office Specialist
CIP Number:		0552040704
Program Length:	18 credit hours
SOC Code(s):		43-6011

This certificate program is part of the Office Administration (60) AS degree program (1552020401).  At the completion of this program, the student will be able to:	
Professional Skills:	
01.0	Demonstrate effective business communication skills – the student will be able to:	
01.01	Demonstrate understanding of current communications technology.	
01.02	Select and employ appropriate communication concepts and strategies to enhance oral and written communication in the workplace.  Give, follow and interpret oral and written communications.	
01.03	Discuss the importance of using the appropriate tone and professional demeanor in business communications, including e-mails, correspondence, conference calls, and conversation.  Demonstrate effective listening skills.	
01.04	Compose business correspondence and related documents and demonstrate correct spelling, grammar, punctuation and word choice.	
01.05	Demonstrate ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations.	
01.06	Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate spelling, grammar, punctuation, and word choice.	
01.07	Proofread and edit documents using proofreaders’ marks.	
01.08	Prepare and use technology enhanced materials to deliver an oral presentation.	
02.0	Manage business information using appropriate software – the student will be able to:	
02.01	Identify formatting principles.	
02.02	Perform computer activities using data base, spreadsheet, and graphics presentation, word processing, e-mail/scheduling, and utility software applications.	
02.03	Produce business documents.	
02.04	Prepare documents from rough draft copy using proofreaders’ marks.	
02.05	Identify and use the appropriate software in a business environment.	
02.06	Demonstrate proficiency in the use of word processing, spreadsheet, and other office software commonly used in business.	
02.07	Demonstrate proficiency in the use of business software to create, maintain and manage documents and produce reports.	
03.0	Perform accounting activities – the student will be able to:	
03.01	Prepare and process expense reports.	
03.02	Prepare payroll records, including time sheets.	
04.0	Demonstrate employability and workplace skills – the student will be able to:	
04.01	Identify sources of employment opportunities.	
04.02	Describe the job search process.	
04.03	Complete a resume and a cover letter.	
04.04	Demonstrate effective job interview techniques and identify different types of interviews.	
04.05	Prepare a thank you note for an interview.	
04.06	Identify and demonstrate acceptable work habits.	
04.07	Identify and demonstrate positive interpersonal skills.	
04.08	Demonstrate ability to work with diverse populations.	
04.09	Demonstrate ability to work as a team member.	
04.10	Identify methods for securing an employment reference.	
05.0	Perform information processing activities – the student will be able to:	
05.01	Demonstrate ability to manage files electronically.	
05.02	Define differences between operating systems and software applications.	
05.03	Identify and understand terms commonly used in information technology.	
05.04	Identify business systems, equipment components, and electronic media.	
05.05	Create and edit documents from handwritten, dictated and typed material using current technology. 	
05.06	Input numeric data.	
05.07	Describe ways to identify computer viruses.	
05.08	Demonstrate knowledge of the importance of continuing education and technology updates.	
06.0	Develop leadership skills – the student will be able to:	
06.01	List principles of group dynamics.	
07.0	Develop strategic organizational skills – the student will be able to:	
07.01	Choose appropriate action in situations requiring application of business ethics.	
07.02	Determine preventive actions for office communication problems.	
In addition to the above core outcomes, students may complete the outcomes in one of the following specializations:	
Legal Office Specialization:	
08.0	Perform legal office activities – the student will be able to:	
08.01	Define, understand, and spell legal terminology.	
08.02	Identify terms and procedures related to the legal process.	
08.03	Identify the court in which legal documents should be filed.	
08.04	Identify sources of legal reference.	
08.05	Demonstrate knowledge of the confidential fiduciary relationship between client and attorney.	
08.06	Demonstrate knowledge of computer security in the confidential environment.	
08.07	Identify and use printed and electronic sources of legal information.	
08.08	Maintain an appointment book.	
08.09	Maintain a tickler file for docket control.	
08.10	Demonstrate knowledge of document formats required by the court systems and other agencies.	
08.11	Create legal templates.	
08.12	Key information using legal templates.	
09.0	Demonstrate knowledge of U.S. and Florida court systems – the student will be able to:	
09.01	Describe the courts of Florida and the jurisdiction of each.	
09.02	Describe the courts of the Federal System and other agencies and the jurisdiction of each.	
Medical Office Specialization:	
08.0	Perform medical office activities – the student will be able to:	
08.01	Select, complete, verify and submit insurance forms.	
08.02	Schedule appointments and activities.	
08.03	Define and spell medical terms.	
08.04	Use medical references.	
08.05	Demonstrate a compliance with all federal and state healthcare regulations.	
08.06	Describe functions in a medical office.	
08.07	Demonstrate correct techniques in transcribing medical information.	

Additional Information

Laboratory Activities

Laboratory investigations that include scientific inquiry, research, measurement, problem solving, emerging technologies, tools and equipment, as well as, experimental, quality, and safety procedures are an integral part of this career and technical program/course. Laboratory investigations benefit all students by developing an understanding of the complexity and ambiguity of empirical work, as well as the skills required to manage, operate, calibrate and troubleshoot equipment/tools used to make observations. Students understand measurement error; and have the skills to aggregate, interpret, and present the resulting data. Equipment and supplies should be provided to enhance hands-on experiences for students.

Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO)

Phi Beta Lambda and Business Professionals of America (BPA) are the intercurricular career and technical student organizations providing leadership training and reinforcing specific career and technical skills.  Career and Technical Student Organizations provide activities for students as an integral part of the instruction offered.  

Accommodations

Federal and state legislation requires the provision of accommodations for students with disabilities to meet individual needs and ensure equal access. Postsecondary students with disabilities must self-identify, present documentation, request accommodations if needed, and develop a plan with their counselor and/or instructors. Accommodations received in postsecondary education may differ from those received in secondary education. Accommodations change the way the student is instructed. Students with disabilities may need accommodations in such areas as instructional methods and materials, assignments and assessments, time demands and schedules, learning environment, assistive technology and special communication systems. Documentation of the accommodations requested and provided should be maintained in a confidential file.

Additional Resources

For additional information regarding articulation agreements, Bright Futures Scholarships, Fine Arts/Practical Arts Credit and Equivalent Mathematics and Equally Rigorous Science Courses please refer to:
http://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-tech-edu/program-resources.stml.