2018 – 2019
Florida Department of Education
Curriculum Framework 

Program Title:	Financial Services
Career Cluster:	Finance

AS	
CIP Number	1252080100	
Program Type	College Credit	
Standard Length	60 credit hours	
CTSO	Collegiate DECA, Phi Beta Lambda	
SOC Codes (all applicable) 	11-3031 – Financial Managers	
CTE Program Resources 	http://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-tech-edu/program-resources.stml	

Purpose

The purpose of this program is to prepare students for employment as financial planners, register representatives, financial analysts, loan counselors, and loan officers working throughout the financial services industry.  The main concepts or duties include assisting in developing financial plans, analyzing client information, and providing client services in all areas of financial planning.

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 Finance 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 Finance career cluster. 

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

Program Structure

This program is a planned sequence of instruction consisting of 60 credit hours.

Standards

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

01.0	Demonstrate comprehension and communication skills.
02.0	Demonstrate effective customer services skills.
03.0	Demonstrate human relations skills necessary for workplace success.
04.0	Demonstrate proficiency in using microcomputer and electronic skills to perform job functions.
05.0	Perform general organizational workplace competencies.
06.0	Demonstrate sales and marketing fundamentals.
07.0	Demonstrate employability skills.
08.0	Manage career development.
09.0	Manage client relationships.
10.0	Apply mathematics skills to enhance financial services opportunities.
11.0	Demonstrate proficiency in macroeconomic principles.
12.0	Demonstrate knowledge of basic functions of financial institutions.
13.0	Understand terminology unique to the financial services and credit industry.
14.0	Demonstrate proficiency in money and finance, and accounting.
15.0	Demonstrate knowledge of rules and regulations.
16.0	Understand and practice legal and ethical behavior.
17.0	Compile and analyze business plan.

2018 – 2019
Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Program Title:	Financial Services
CIP Number:	1252080100
Program Length:	60 credit hours
SOC Code(s):		11-3031

Refer to Rule 6A-14.030 (4) F.A.C., for the minimum amount of general education coursework required in the Associate of Science (AS) degree.  At the completion of this program, the student will be able to:	
01.0	Demonstrate comprehension and communication skills – the student will be able to:	
01.01	Follow written and oral technical instructions.	
01.02	Take notes, organize, summarize, and paraphrase ideas and details.	
01.03	Apply active listening and observation skills to obtain and clarify information transmitted through verbal and non-verbal behaviors.	
01.04	Gather, read, discuss, evaluate and critique work from professional journals related to the course content.	
01.05	Read trade journals and magazines to stay current in the industry.	
01.06	Reflect on what has been learned through reading, recognizing assumptions and implications, and formulating ideas, opinions, and personal responses.	
01.07	Use reference sources such as books, magazines, and electronic databases to gather and critically evaluate materials.	
01.08	Submit final drafts using correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling.	
01.09	Read and comprehend both technical and non-technical text accurately.	
01.10	Write reports, summaries, and descriptive essays.	
01.11	Write clear and well-organized research papers, integrating a variety of information.	
01.12	Correctly cite or attribute sources.	
01.13	Read and understand graphs, charts, diagrams and tables commonly used in this industry/occupation.	
01.14	Organize, prepare and deliver formal and informal effective presentations.	
01.15	Participate in group discussions both as a member and as a leader.	
02.0	Demonstrate effective customer service skills – the student will be able to:	
02.01	Use appropriate communication skills, telephone etiquette, courtesy, and manners when dealing with customers.	
02.02	Identify and evaluate customer needs.	
02.03	Respond to client inquiries in a timely matter.	
02.04	Access and maintain client records.	
02.05	Provide timely accurate information to meet customer needs.	
02.06	Utilize available techniques to effectively serve customers. 	
02.07	Utilize a process to assist clients, including difficult customers, with problem resolution.	
02.08	Operate within grant of authority to provide service to customers.	
02.09	Build client relationships.	
03.0	Demonstrate human relations skills necessary for workplace success – the student will be able to:	
03.01	Exhibit interest and enthusiasm.	
03.02	Demonstrate a positive mental attitude.	
03.03	Demonstrate traits of being industrious and cooperative.	
03.04	Demonstrate sincerity, patience, courtesy, and tact.	
03.05	Exhibit punctuality, attendance and dependability.	
03.06	Willingness to receive and accept feedback and use it constructively.	
03.07	Demonstrate willingness to assume job responsibilities.	
03.08	Develop ability to handle difficult customer/co-worker situations.	
03.09	Develop ability to exhibit friendliness, combined with a professional businesslike approach.	
03.10	Demonstrate willingness to assume the responsibility for one’s actions.	
03.11	Demonstrate problem solving and critical thinking skills.	
03.12	Foster teamwork to improve quality of work.	
03.13	Use group consensus strategies.	
04.0	Demonstrate proficiency in using microcomputer and electronic skills to perform job functions – the student will be able to:	
04.01	Apply the following tools to increase work efficiency: telephone systems, word processing, database, spreadsheet programs, presentation programs, email systems and the internet.	
04.02	Utilize computer technology to access, analyze and interpret business information.	
04.03	Cite Internet-based resources correctly using proper format.	
04.04	Research industry trends on the Internet.	
05.0	Perform general organizational workplace competencies – the student will be able to:	
05.01	Demonstrate self-motivation and responsibility to complete an assigned task.	
05.02	Identify problem solving techniques.	
05.03	Choose appropriate action in situations requiring effective time management.	
05.04	Apply techniques for organizing and planning time and resources to complete an assigned task.	
05.05	Apply principles and techniques for being a productive, contributing member of a team.	
05.06	Communicate effectively with individuals lacking a technical background.	
05.07	Evaluate detailed technical oral instructions for clarity.	
05.08	Participate in group discussion as both a member and a leader.	
05.09	Encourage and build mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.	
05.10	Assimilate new knowledge into project solutions and decisions.	
05.11	Employ techniques such as brainstorming to generate ideas and suggestions to achieve a task.	
05.12	Evaluate alternatives, costs and benefits in determining the best solution.	
05.13	Identify strategies to improve and maximize productivity in the workplace.	
06.0	Demonstrate sales and marketing fundamentals – the student will be able to:	
06.01	Demonstrate knowledge of services and/or products offered.	
06.02	Recognize consumer motivation, including demographic, geographic and socioeconomic data in buying behaviors.	
06.03	Explain the importance of and demonstrate the procedures of cross selling.	
06.04	Identify the opportunities for cross selling.	
06.05	Follow effective procedures for closing a sale.	
06.06	Demonstrate the ability to sell a variety of services and/or products.	
07.0	Demonstrate employability skills – the student will be able to:	
07.01	Identify personal interest and aptitudes; skills, knowledge; strength and weaknesses.	
07.02	Identify and apply sources of job search including networking, internet, job fairs, employment agencies and others.	
07.03	Conduct a job search.	
07.04	Research information about specific job.	
07.05	Identify documents that may be required when applying for a job.	
07.06	Create an appropriate application portfolio including letter of applications, resumes, thank you letters and available references.	
07.07	Identify methods for requesting and obtaining employment references.	
07.08	Complete a job application and employment form correctly.	
07.09	Identify, understand and demonstrate the job interview process.	
07.10	Demonstrate verbal and non-verbal communication skills, appropriate business attire and hygiene. 	
07.11	Discuss employer expectations regarding attendance, punctuality, initiative, teamwork, etc.	
07.12	Understand and apply the process of accepting and declining job offers.	
07.13	Apply personal skills and talents to enhance work performance.	
07.14	Apply skills to meet and exceed employer expectations.	
07.15	Demonstrate appropriate responses to feedback from employer, supervisor, co-workers and customers.	
07.16	Apply principles and techniques for working productively with people of diverse cultures and backgrounds.	
07.17	Identify and use acceptable strategies for resolving conflict in the workplace.	
07.18	Identify and apply stress management techniques, employee wellness and safety guidelines.	
07.19	Participate in job-enhancing activities to achieve career success.	
07.20	Compose and produce a letter of resignation.	
08.0	Manage career development – the student will be able to:	
08.01	Enhance personal business skills.	
08.02	Formulate a career plan for post-graduation.	
08.03	Comply with continuing education needs/requirements.	
08.04	Attend seminars, workshops, and tradeshows.	
08.05	Respond to changing business environment.	
08.06	Identify updated industry information.	
08.07	Explain the importance of having a written job description.	
08.08	Pursue industry designations/licensing/degrees.	
08.09	Reassess career plan.	
08.10	Demonstrate knowledge of how to make job changes appropriately.	
08.11	Understand employment benefits packages.	
08.12	Build mentor relationships.	
08.13	Volunteer in community service organizations.	
08.14	Network with industry professionals.	
08.15	Maintain professional contact for future projects.	
08.16	Identify corporate strategies and policies.	
08.17	Anticipate future industry trends and identify various industry career paths.	
09.0	Manage client relationships – the student will be able to:	
09.01	Respond to client inquiries.	
09.02	Access client records.	
09.03	Process administrative changes.	
09.04	Assist clients with problem resolution.	
09.05	Perform client reviews as needed.	
09.06	Maintain client contact system.	
09.07	Maintain client files.	
09.08	Monitor compliance procedures.	
09.09	Build and maintain client relationships.	
09.10	Use appropriate communication skills, telephone etiquette, courtesy and manners when dealing with clients.	
10.0	Apply mathematics skills to enhance financial services opportunities – the student will be able to:	
10.01	Recognize relationships among numbers.	
10.02	Apply operations correctly.	
10.03	Calculate computations successfully.	
10.04	Employ numbers and operations to solve mathematical problems.	
10.05	Predict reasonable estimations.	
10.06	Apply statistical methods in data analysis.	
10.07	Analyze data to assure proper business decisions.	
11.0	Demonstrate proficiency in macroeconomic principles – the student will be able to:	
11.01	Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental concepts of supply and demand.	
11.02	Describe the causes of inflation and recession, their effects and ways they are measured.	
11.03	Understand both the monetary and fiscal policies and their relation to the business cycle.	
11.04	Describe the causes and results of fluctuations in the business cycle on business organizations.	
11.05	Explain production, consumption, GDP, and business cycles.	
11.06	Demonstrate knowledge of how the Federal Reserve System operates.	
11.07	Describe the functions and operations of the financial markets.	
11.08	Demonstrate knowledge of the documents and language of financial institutions.	
11.09	Differentiate among corporations and other forms of business.	
11.10	Describe the principle of international trade.	
11.11	Demonstrate an understanding of the implications of global events on financial institutions.	
12.0	Demonstrate knowledge of basic functions of financial institutions – the student will be able to:	
12.01	Identify the major types and functions of financial institutions.	
12.02	Identify the major operating areas for each type of financial institution.	
12.03	Explain the interaction among the different financial institutions.	
12.04	Explain current trends in financial services deregulation and diversified financial services.	
13.0	Understand terminology unique to the financial services and credit industry – the student will be able to:	
13.01	Understand and use terminology as it applies to the finance and credit industry.	
13.02	Demonstrate the ability to communicate financial information in a way the customer understands.	
14.0	Demonstrate proficiency in money and finance – the student will be able to:	
14.01	Define money and its function and describe measures of money.	
14.02	Demonstrate the ability to use the concept of the time value of money.	
14.03	Demonstrate knowledge of commercial banking.	
14.04	Understand the Federal Reserve System and commercial bank interrelationships.	
14.05	Comprehend the various means of acquiring capital and subsequent equity and debt functions.	
14.06	Exhibit knowledge of securities markets and SEC regulations.	
14.07	Demonstrate knowledge about business failure, reorganization, dissolutions, and liquidation.	
14.08	Define and explain items in a financial statement.	
14.09	Explain the purpose of statement analysis.	
14.10	Demonstrate the ability to record transactions and prepare financial statements.	
14.11	Demonstrate the ability to interpret and analyze a financial statement.	
15.0	Demonstrate knowledge of rules and regulations – the student will be able to:	
15.01	Understand federal and state regulations of financial institutions.	
15.02	Understand the process of examination of depository institutions and the support needed from the financial institution.	
15.03	Understand business law as it applies to the financial services industry.	
15.04	Understand how internal audit procedures relate to the examination process.	
16.0	Understand and practice legal and ethical behavior – the student will be able to:	
16.01	Understand the standards of ethical behavior.	
16.02	Exhibit professional conduct and respect for others.	
16.03	Apply ethical practices to business operations.	
16.04	Accept responsibility for your own actions.	
16.05	Demonstrate honesty and integrity.	
16.06	Practice identifying ethical issues in operational situations.	
16.07	Explain the difference between an ethical business practice and a legal responsibility.	
16.08	Explain alternative strategies to address unethical and illegal actions.	
16.09	Discuss the types of works that are protected by intellectual property laws including copyrights, patents, trademarks and trade secrets.	
16.10	Discuss the basic elements of a contract.	
16.11	Describe customer and employee privacy issues and safeguards.	
16.12	Compare organizational codes of ethics.	
16.13	Research industry standards and codes of conduct for professionals.	
16.14	Discuss employee rights regarding privacy, discrimination, due process, safety, etc.	
17.0	Compile and analyze business plan – the student will be able to:	
17.01	Determine licensing requirements.	
17.02	Obtain appropriate licensing and appointments.	
17.03	Define target market.	
17.04	Set income objectives and sales goals.	
17.05	Select prospecting activity.	
17.06	Determine selling systems to be implemented.	
17.07	Acquire product knowledge.	
17.08	Determine office support equipment needs.	
17.09	Determine software systems and training needs.	
17.10	Determine expense and tax reporting.	
17.11	Monitor expense and tax reporting.	

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)

Collegiate DECA and Phi Beta Lambda 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 as identified on the secondary student’s Individual Educational Plan (IEP) or 504 plan or postsecondary student’s accommodations’ plan to meet individual needs and ensure equal access.  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.

Certificate Programs

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 AS degree program includes the following College Credit Certificates:

Financial Para-planner – Financial Services (0252080102) - 12 credit hours
Mortgage Finance Management – Financial Services (0252080103) - 31 credit hours
Mortgage Finance Specialist – Financial Services (0252080105) - 12 credit hours

Standards for the above certificate programs are contained in separate curriculum frameworks.

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.