2013 – 2014
Florida Department of Education
Curriculum Framework 

Program Title:	Technical Writing – Publications Technology
Career Cluster:	Arts, A/V Technology and Communication

	AS	
CIP Number	1623130300	
Program Type	College Credit	
Standard Length	65 credit hours	
CTSO	SkillsUSA	
SOC Codes (all applicable)	27-3042 – Technical Writers	
Targeted Occupation List	http://www.labormarketinfo.com/wec/TargetOccupationList.htm 	
Perkins Technical Skill Attainment Inventory	http://www.fldoe.org/workforce/perkins/perkins_resources.asp 	
Statewide Articulation	http://www.fldoe.org/workforce/dwdframe/artic_frame.asp 	

Purpose 

The purpose of this program is to prepare students for initial employment with occupational titles as technical publications writers, or to provide supplemental training for persons previously or currently employed in these occupations.

The content should include, but not be limited to, communication skills, leadership skills, human relations and employability skills, safe and efficient work practices, and revising, editing, and writing materials for technical and administrative publications concerned with work methods and procedures, and installation, operation, and maintenance of machinery and other equipment.

This program focuses on broad, transferable skills and stresses understanding and demonstration of the following elements of the Technical Writing - Publications industry; planning, management, finance, technical and product skills, underlying principles of technology, labor issues, community issues and health, safety, and environmental issues.

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 Arts, A/V Technology and Communication 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 Arts, A/V Technology and Communication career cluster. 

Program Structure

This program is a planned sequence of instruction consisting of 65 credit hours. 

Laboratory Activities

Laboratory activities are an integral part of this program.  These activities include instruction in the use of safety procedures, tools, equipment, materials, and processes related to these occupations.  Equipment and supplies should be provided to enhance hands-on experiences for students. 

Special Notes

Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO)

SkillsUSA is the appropriate career and technical student organization for 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.  The activities of such organizations are defined as part of the curriculum in accordance with Rule 6A-6.065, F.A.C.

Accommodations

Federal and state legislation requires the provision of accommodations for students with disabilities as identified on the secondary student’s IEP or 504 plan or postsecondary student’s accommodations’ plan 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 postsecondary service provider.  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.

Articulation

To be transferable statewide between institutions, this program must have been reviewed, and a “transfer value” assigned the curriculum content by the appropriate Statewide Course Numbering System discipline committee.  This does not preclude institutions from developing specific articulation agreements with each other. 

For details on articulation agreements which correlate to programs and industry certifications refer to http://www.fldoe.org/workforce/dwdframe/artic_frame.asp.

Program Length

The AS degree requires the inclusion of a minimum of 15 credits of general education coursework according to SACS, and it must be transferable according to Rule 6A-14.030 (2), F.A.C.  The standard length of this program is 65 credit hours according to Rule 6A-14.030, F.A.C.

Standards 

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

01.0	Demonstrate understanding of procedures.
02.0	Develop and write material.
03.0	Edit technical material.
04.0	Perform research.
05.0	Interpret blueprints and schematics.
06.0	Revise printed materials.
07.0	Lay out work to be printed.
08.0	Demonstrate appropriate communication skills.
09.0	Demonstrate appropriate math skills.
10.0	Demonstrate appropriate understanding of basic science.
11.0	Demonstrate employability skills.
12.0	Demonstrate an understanding of entrepreneurship.

2013 – 2014
Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Program Title:	Technical Writing - Publications Technology
CIP Number:	1623130300
Program Length:	65 credit hours
SOC Code(s):	27-3042

The AS degree requires the inclusion of a minimum of 15 credits of general education coursework according to SACS, and it must be transferable according to Rule 6A-14.030 (2), F.A.C.  At the completion of this program, the student will be able to:
 
01.0	Demonstrate understanding of procedures--The student will be able to:

01.01	Apply school and class rules and procedures.
01.02	Apply rules and procedures used in business and industry for the occupation.

02.0	Develop and write materials--The student will be able to:

02.01	Apply rules of grammar and word usage.
02.02	Use sentences and paragraphs effectively.
02.03	Spell words correctly.
02.04	Write paragraphs exemplifying the qualities of unity and coherence, and using emphasis effectively.
02.05	Identify the need for a publication.
02.06	Define the audience to read a publication.
02.07	Select and rank the topics as appropriate.
02.08	Define the scope of the publication.
02.09	Develop the time frame for development.
02.10	Prepare a budget as necessary.
02.11	Apply standards.
02.12	Review existing literature.
02.13	Determine and consider resources.
02.14	Coordinate the project by maintaining monitoring, and reporting progress.
02.15	Schedule editorial and support services.
02.16	Choose vendors.
02.17	Receive and file source data.
02.18	Develop, revise, and edit drafts.
02.19	Group information into working units.
02.20	Prepare and revise an outline.
02.21	Utilize word processing system.
02.22	Develop a format for a publication.
02.23	Define and standardize terminology.
02.24	Comply with standards and specifications.
02.25	Match the level of vocabulary with the targeted audience.
02.26	Make notes for illustrations.
02.27	Specify types and styles for illustrations.
02.28	Prepare sketches as needed.
02.29	Write figures titles and photograph captions.
02.30	Prepare tables and charts.
02.31	Provide artists with source data.

03.0	Edit technical material--The student will be able to:

03.01	Evaluate material for readability and correctness.
03.02	Validate the data.
03.03	Validate the data in illustrations.
03.04	Review and edit illustrations.
03.05	Conduct meetings for feedback, conflict resolution, and evaluation of suggested changes.

04.0	Perform research--The student will be able to:

04.01	Interview sources of information.
04.02	Study relevant literature.
04.03	Participate in hands-on experiences, if applicable.
04.04	Observe or walk through the process(es).
04.05	Use and evaluate models.
04.06	Simulate audience's situation.

05.0	Interpret blueprints and schematics--The student will be able to:

05.01	Apply math skills.
05.02	Read scales and measuring instruments.
05.03	Read and interpret multi-view drawings.
05.04	Read and interpret section views and details.
05.05	Read and interpret auxiliary views.
05.06	Read and interpret types of dimensions.
05.07	Read and interpret pictorial drawings.
05.08	Read and interpret supplementary information.
05.09	Read and interpret removable fastener drawings.
05.10	Read and interpret welding drawings.
05.11	Read and interpret geometric tolerances.
05.12	Read and interpret cam drawings.
05.13	Read and interpret gear drawings.
05.14	Read and interpret assembly and subassembly drawings.
05.15	Read and interpret detail drawings.
05.16	Read and interpret surface developments.
05.17	Read and interpret bearing drawings.
05.18	Read and interpret spring drawings.
05.19	Read and interpret casting drawings.
05.20	Read and interpret forging drawings.
05.21	Read and interpret tool drawings.
05.22	Read and interpret stamping drawings.
05.23	Read and interpret numerical control drawings.
05.24	Read and interpret computer aided drawings.
05.25	Read and interpret plot plans.
05.26	Read and interpret foundation plan drawings.
05.27	Read and interpret floor plan drawings.
05.28	Read and interpret elevation drawings.
05.29	Read and interpret schedules.
05.30	Read and interpret stair details.
05.31	Read and interpret fireplace details.
05.32	Read and interpret truss drawings.
05.33	Read and interpret roof framing plans.
05.34	Read and interpret electrical plans.
05.35	Read and interpret plumbing drawings.
05.36	Read and interpret heating/cooling plans.
05.37	Read and interpret landscape layout drawings.
05.38	Read and interpret specifications.
05.39	Read and interpret erection plans.
05.40	Read and interpret structural steel design drawings.
05.41	Read and interpret structural steel drawings.
05.42	Read and interpret concrete engineering drawings.
05.43	Read and interpret placing drawings.
05.44	Read and interpret schematic drawings.
05.45	Read and interpret printed circuit board drawings.
05.46	Read and interpret package drawings.
05.47	Read and interpret connection drawings.
05.48	Read and interpret interconnection drawings.
05.49	Read and interpret wiring lists.
05.50	Read and interpret cable drawings.
05.51	Read and interpret harness drawings.
05.52	Read and interpret component drawings.
05.53	Read and interpret logic diagrams.
05.54	Read and interpret block diagrams.
05.55	Read and interpret cutaway diagrams.
05.56	Read and interpret graphic diagrams.
05.57	Read and interpret combination diagrams.
05.58	Read and interpret traverse drawings.
05.59	Read and interpret plat drawings.
05.60	Read and interpret street layout drawings.
05.61	Read and interpret map drawings.
05.62	Read and interpret topographic drawings.
05.63	Identify construction codes and standards.
05.64	Identify mechanical standards.
05.65	Identify electronic standards.

06.0	Revise printed materials--The student will be able to:

06.01	Determine the requirements of the job.
06.02	Estimate the time to complete the job.
06.03	Calculate costs.
06.04	Make changes and rewrite the draft in the required format.

07.0	Lay out work to be printed--The student will be able to:

07.01	Specify typography.
07.02	Prepare dummy copy.
07.03	Paginate the text.
07.04	Paste-up camera-ready copy.
07.05	Make Photostats of art (i.e., PMT, Velox, Photostat).
07.06	Crop and size illustrations.
07.07	Strip and opaque negatives.
07.08	Proofread copy at each stage of production.
07.09	Secure final approvals.
07.10	Prepare a printer's dummy or approval copy.
07.11	Secure estimates from printers.
07.12	Evaluate estimates and prepare a contract.
07.13	Send camera-ready copy to the printer.
07.14	Secure and inspect negatives.
07.15	Inspect printer's work (blue lines, press proofs, or first page).
07.16	Solve problems with the printer.
07.17	Receive, check, and approve for payment the shipment from a printer.
07.18	Coordinate the distribution of print material.

08.0	Demonstrate appropriate communication skills--The student will be able to:

08.01	Write logical and understandable statements, or phrases, to accurately fill out forms/invoices commonly used in business and industry.
08.02	Read and understand graphs, charts, diagrams, and tables commonly used in this industry/occupation area.
08.03	Read and follow written and oral instructions.
08.04	Answer and ask questions coherently and concisely.
08.05	Read critically by recognizing assumptions and implications and by evaluating ideas.
08.06	Demonstrate appropriate telephone/communication skills.

09.0	Demonstrate appropriate math skills--The student will be able to:

09.01	Solve problems for volume, weight, area, circumference and perimeter measurements for rectangles, squares, and cylinders.
09.02	Measure tolerance(s) on horizontal and vertical surfaces using millimeters, centimeters, feet and inches.
09.03	Add, subtract, multiply and divide using fractions, decimals, and whole numbers.
09.04	Determine the correct purchase price, to include sales tax for a materials list containing a minimum of six items.
09.05	Demonstrate an understanding of federal, state and local taxes and their computation.

10.0	Demonstrate appropriate understanding of basic science--The student will be able to:

10.01	Understand molecular action as a result of temperature extremes, chemical reaction, and moisture content.
10.02	Draw conclusions or make inferences from data.
10.03	Identify health related problems which may result from exposure to work related chemicals and hazardous materials, and know the proper precautions required for handling such materials.
10.04	Understand pressure measurement in terms of PSI, inches of mercury, and KPA.

11.0	Demonstrate employability skills--The student will be able to:

11.01	Conduct a job search.
11.02	Secure information about a job.
11.03	Identify documents which may be required when applying for a job interview.
11.04	Complete a job application form correctly.
11.05	Demonstrate competence in job interview techniques.
11.06	Identify or demonstrate appropriate responses to criticism from employer, supervisor or other employees.
11.07	Identify acceptable work habits.
11.08	Demonstrate knowledge of how to make job changes appropriately.
11.09	Demonstrate acceptable employee health habits.
11.10	Demonstrate knowledge of the "Florida Right-To-Know Law" as recorded in Florida Statutes Chapter 442.

12.0	Demonstrate an understanding of entrepreneurship--The student will be able to:

12.01	Define entrepreneurship.
12.02	Describe the importance of entrepreneurship to the American economy.
12.03	List the advantages and disadvantages of business ownership.
12.04	Identify the risks involved in ownership of a business.
12.05	Identify the necessary personal characteristics of a successful entrepreneur.
12.06	Identify the business skills needed to operate a small business efficiently and effectively.