Florida Department of Education
Curriculum Framework

Program Title:	Administrative Office Specialist
Program Type:	Career Preparatory
Career Cluster:	Business Management and Administration

Career Certificate Program 	
Program Number	B070330	
CIP Number	0552040103	
Grade Level	30, 31 	
Standard Length	1050 hours	
Teacher Certification	Refer to the Program Structure section.	
CTSO	PBL, BPA	
SOC Codes (all applicable) 	Assignment pending.	
CTE Program Resources 	http://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-tech-edu/program-resources.stml	
Basic Skills Level	Computation (Mathematics): 	10	Communications (Reading and Language Arts): 	10	

Purpose

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 the use of technology to develop communications skills, higher level thinking skills, and decision making skills; the performance of office procedures tasks; the production of quality work in an efficient manner using advanced features of business software applications; research of job opportunities; and the production of high quality employment portfolios and job-seeking documents.

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 four occupational completion points.  

This program is comprised of courses which have been assigned course numbers in the SCNS (Statewide Course Numbering System) in accordance with Section 1007.24 (1), F.S.  Career and Technical credit shall be awarded to the student on a transcript in accordance with Section 1001.44(3)(b), F.S.

To teach the courses listed below, instructors must hold at least one of the teacher certifications indicated for that course.

The following table illustrates the postsecondary program structure:

OCP	Course Number	Course Title	Teacher Certification	Length	SOC Code	
A	OTA0040	Information Technology Assistant 	OTA0040 Teacher Certifications	150 hours		
B	OTA0041	Front Desk Specialist	ADMIN ASST 7 G
BUS ED 1 @2
CLERICAL @7 7 G
MANAG SUPV 7 G
SECRETAR 7 G
TC COOP ED @7
VOE @7	300 hours		
C	OTA0030	Assistant Digital Production Designer		150 hours		
D	OTA0043	Administrative Office Specialist		450 hours		

Common Career Technical Core – Career Ready Practices

Career Ready Practices describe the career-ready skills that educators should seek to develop in their students.  These practices are not exclusive to a Career Pathway, program of study, discipline or level of education.  Career Ready Practices should be taught and reinforced in all career exploration and preparation programs with increasingly higher levels of complexity and expectation as a student advances through a program of study. 

1. Act as a responsible and contributing citizen and employee. 

2. Apply appropriate academic and technical skills. 

3. Attend to personal health and financial well-being. 

4. Communicate clearly, effectively and with reason. 

5. Consider the environmental, social and economic impacts of decisions. 

6. Demonstrate creativity and innovation. 

7. Employ valid and reliable research strategies. 

8. Utilize critical thinking to make sense of problems and persevere in solving them. 

9. Model integrity, ethical leadership and effective management. 

10. Plan education and career path aligned to personal goals. 

11. Use technology to enhance productivity. 

12. Work productively in teams while using cultural/global competence. 

Standards

Information Technology Assistant (OTA0040) is the first course in this and other programs within the Business Management & Administration Career Cluster.  Standards 01.0 – 15.0 are associated with this course.

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

01.0	Demonstrate knowledge, skill, and application of information technology to accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace performance.   
02.0	Develop an awareness of microcomputers.   
03.0	Demonstrate an understanding of networks.   
04.0	Use word processing applications to enhance the effectiveness of various types of documents and communication.  
05.0	Use presentation applications to enhance communication skills.   
06.0	Use spreadsheet applications to enhance communication skills.  
07.0	Use database applications to store and organize data.  
08.0	Use electronic mail to enhance communication skills.  
09.0	Investigate individual assessment and job/career exploration and individual career planning that reflect the transition from school to work, lifelong learning, and personal and professional goals.   
10.0	Incorporate appropriate leadership and supervision techniques, customer service strategies, and standards of personal ethics to accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace performance.   
11.0	Demonstrate competence using computer networks, internet and online databases to facilitate collaborative or individual learning and communication.   
12.0	Develop awareness of computer languages, web-based & software applications, and emerging technologies.   
13.0	Demonstrate an understanding of basic html by creating a simple web page.  
14.0	Demonstrate comprehension and communication skills.   
15.0	Use social media to enhance online communication and develop an awareness of a digital footprint.  
16.0	Demonstrate knowledge, skill, and application of information systems to accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace of performance in order to apply ergonomic principles applicable to the configuration of computer workstations.
17.0	Demonstrate language arts knowledge and skills. 
18.0	Apply professional oral and written communication skills in in a courteous, concise, and correct manner. 
19.0	Solve problems using critical thinking skills, creativity and innovation and by interpreting information and ideas. 
20.0	Practice quality performance incorporating customer service strategies in the learning environment and the workplace. 
21.0	Apply appropriate supervision techniques, standards of personal ethics, and knowledge of workplace regulatory practices to accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace performance.
22.0	Demonstrate human relations/interpersonal skills appropriate for the workplace.
23.0	Describe the importance of professional ethics and legal responsibilities.
24.0	Use information technology tools.
25.0	Demonstrate proficiency in computer skills.
26.0	Demonstrate knowledge of digital publishing concepts.
27.0	Perform decision–making activities.
28.0	Demonstrate proficiency in digital imaging.
29.0	Demonstrate proficiency in the safe and ethical use of the Internet to locate information. 
30.0	Demonstrate the ability to set project requirements, engage in project planning, and utilize the design process. 
31.0	Perform layout, project design, and measurement activities associated with digital publishing.
32.0	Develop an awareness of the emergent technologies associated with digital design. 
33.0	Apply communication skills (reading, writing speaking, listening and viewing) in a courteous, concise, and correct manner on personal and professional levels.
34.0	Use information to accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace performance.
35.0	Incorporate appropriate leadership and supervision techniques, customer service strategies, and standards of personal ethics to accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace performance.
36.0	Perform administrative office functions and responsibilities to accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace performance.
37.0	Participate in simulated work-based learning experiences.
38.0	Describe the roles within teams, work units, departments, organizations, inter-organizational systems, and the larger environment.
39.0	Demonstrate the importance of health, safety, and environmental management in organizations and their importance to organizational performance and regulatory compliance.
40.0	Use technology to increase administrative office support productivity and enhance workplace performance.
41.0	Explain the importance of employability skill and entrepreneurship skills.
42.0	Incorporate knowledge gained from individual assessment and job/career exploration to design an individual career plan that reflects the transition from school to work, lifelong learning, and personal and professional goals.
43.0	Demonstrate personal money-management concepts, procedures, and strategies.
44.0	Apply accounting principles and concepts to the performance of accounting activities.
45.0	

Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Program Title: 	Administrative Office Specialist 
Career Certificate Program Number: 	B070330

Course Number:  OTA0040 
Occupational Completion Point:  A 
Information Technology Assistant – 150 Hours	
Information Technology Assistant (OTA0040) is part of several programs across the various CTE career clusters.  To ensure consistency, the standards and benchmarks for this course (01.0 – 15.0) have been placed in a separate document.   To access this document, visit: Information Technology Assistant (OTA0040)	

Course Number:  OTA0041 
Occupational Completion Point:  B 
Front Desk Specialist – 300 Hours	
16.0	Demonstrate knowledge, skill, and application of information systems to accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace of performance in order to apply ergonomic principles applicable to the configuration of computer workstations.  The student will be able to:	
16.01	Enhance proficiency with touch keyboarding skills (speed and accuracy to enter and manipulate data). 	
16.02	Use communications and networking to perform tasks and solve problems in business environments. 	
16.03	Apply knowledge of ergonomic principles to the configuration of computer workstations in order to enhance workplace performance.	
16.04	Use technology to research, compile, create, and deliver an oral presentation.	
16.05	Perform proofreading skills including electronic reference tools.	
16.06	Create documents using advanced features in word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, electronic mail, and multimedia software.	
16.07	Access, process, and transmit information through all mediums.	
16.08	Perform basic care of workstations, computers, and peripherals.	
17.0	Demonstrate language arts knowledge and skills.  The student will be able to:	
17.01	Locate, comprehend and evaluate key elements of oral and written information.	
17.02	Draft, revise, and edit written documents using correct grammar, punctuation and vocabulary.	
18.0	Apply professional oral and written communication skills in a courteous, concise, and correct manner.  The student will be able to:	
18.01	Select and employ appropriate communication concepts and strategies to enhance oral and written communication in the workplace.	
18.02	Locate, organize and reference written information from various sources.	
18.03	Design, develop and deliver information formally and informally for specific purposes using appropriate media to engage and inform diverse audiences.	
18.04	Apply active listening skills to obtain and clarify information.	
18.05	Exhibit public relations skills that aid in achieving customer and/or client satisfaction	
18.06	Integrate all forms of communication.	
18.07	Discuss the need to use professional demeanor in all business communications.	
19.0	Solve problems using critical thinking skills, creativity and innovation and by interpreting information and ideas.  The student will be able to:	
19.01	Employ critical thinking skills independently and in teams to solve problems and make decisions.	
19.02	Employ critical thinking and interpersonal skills to resolve conflicts.	
19.03	Identify and document workplace performance goals and monitor progress toward those goals.	
19.04	Conduct technical research to gather information necessary for decision-making.	
19.05	Interpret verbal and nonverbal cues/behaviors that enhance communication.	
19.06	Develop and interpret tables and charts.	
19.07	Identify the benefits of working as a team for a client.	
20.0	Practice quality performance incorporating customer service strategies in the learning environment and the workplace.  The student will be able to:	
20.01	Discuss performance evaluation methods and instruments used to assess employee progress and performance. 	
20.02	Analyze the integral value of a customer and/or client and practice skills to provide excellent customer/client service.	
20.03	Develop and implement a plan for maintaining quality service and production in a workplace, business, or learning environment.	
21.0	Apply appropriate supervision techniques, standards of personal ethics, and knowledge of workplace regulatory practices to accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace performance.  The student will be able to:	
21.01	Facilitate discussions regarding service, supervision, and ethical considerations that impact the workplace.	
21.02	Identify the main causes of accidents in the office and preventive measures. 	
21.03	Discuss the responsibilities organizations have to their employees.	
21.04	Describe the role of confidentiality in business.	
22.0	Demonstrate human relations/interpersonal skills appropriate for the workplace.  The student will be able to:	
22.01	Develop professional workplace relationship skills both internally and externally to include team building and group dynamics.  	
22.02	Understand how individual personalities fit the team.	
22.03	Develop initiative and problem-solving skills to effectively deal with conflict resolution.	
23.0	Describe the importance of professional ethics and legal responsibilities.  The student will be able to:	
23.01	Identify the importance of making decisions that are based on ethical reasoning.	
23.02	Identify and discuss personal and long-term consequences of unethical choices in the workplace.	
23.03	Understand and explain written organizational policies and procedures.	
23.04	Evaluate alternative responses to workplace situations based on personal, professional, ethical, legal responsibilities, and employer policies.	
23.05	Identify ways companies can help their communities.	

Course Number:  OTA0030 
Occupational Completion Point:  C 
Assistant Digital Production Designer– 150 Hours	
24.0	Use information technology tools.  The student will be able to:	
24.01	Employ digital tools to expedite workflow.	
24.02	Employ computer operations applications to access, create, manage, integrate, and store information.	
24.03	Employ collaborative/groupware applications to facilitate group work.	
25.0	Demonstrate proficiency in computer skills.  The student will be able to:	
25.01	Utilize appropriate font management techniques.	
25.02	Perform storage management.	
26.0	Demonstrate knowledge of digital publishing concepts.  The student will be able to:	
26.01	Identify the skills required of a digital designer.	
26.02	Define the terms commonly used in graphic communications. 	
26.03	Identify the characteristics of paper.	
26.04	Identify the software used in digital publishing.  	
27.0	Perform decision-making activities.  The student will be able to:	
27.01	Determine work priorities.  	
27.02	Use critical thinking skills to evaluate information and select relevant material.  	
27.03	Determine the audience.  	
28.0	Demonstrate proficiency in digital imaging.  The student will be able to:	
28.01	Demonstrate proper use of various input devices.	
28.02	Capture digital images.	
29.0	Demonstrate proficiency in the safe and ethical use of the Internet to locate information.  The student will be able to:	
29.01	Identify and use web-related terminology.	
29.02	Define Universal Resource Locator (URL) and associated protocols. 	
29.03	Compare and contrast the various types of Internet domains. 	
29.04	Demonstrate proficiency using search engines, including Boolean search techniques.	
29.05	Apply the rules for properly citing works or other information obtained from the Internet.	
29.06	Identify and apply Copyright Fair Use guidelines.	
29.07	Evaluate web-based information for credibility and quality using basic guidelines and indicators. 	
29.08	Research and explain internet safety and ethics.	
30.0	Demonstrate the ability to set project requirements, engage in project planning, and utilize the design process.  The student will be able to:	
30.01	Identify the purpose, audience, and the needs of the audience for the preparation of design projects.	
30.02	Research and describe the implications of audience, purpose/message, and time constraints relative to a design project.	
30.03	Make decisions based on specifications.	
30.04	Research current applications and perspectives related to a project.	
30.05	Explain the relationship between design criteria and design constraints.	
31.0	Perform layout, project design, and measurement activities associated with digital publishing.  The student will be able to:	
31.01	Apply the elements and principles of design used for, and associated with, digital publishing.	
31.02	Determine the appropriate type of basic layout for a specified project.	
31.03	Determine the activities and implications of content preparation and editing/proofreading.	
31.04	Develop and apply specifications for projects.	
31.05	Demonstrate basic technical skills using a desktop or digital publishing application.	
31.06	Demonstrate appropriate use of typography.	
31.07	Compare and contrast methods of measurement used in desktop publishing.	
31.08	Produce a variety of designs using digital publishing applications.	
31.09	Incorporate clip art, images, borders, and other special effects into a layout. 	
31.10	Select the appropriate color format and resolution for a variety of purposes.	
31.11	Understand and comply with the legalities of using preexisting images.	
31.12	Apply character and line spacing to business publications	
31.13	Compare and contrast the techniques of typographic communication relative to appropriateness and effectiveness.	
32.0	Develop an awareness of the emergent technologies associated with digital design.  The student will be able to:	
32.01	Compare and contrast emerging technologies relative to their role in digital design.	
32.02	Describe the emergent and evolving nature of software applications used in interactive design.	

Course Number:  OTA0043 
Occupational Completion Point:  D 
Administrative Office Specialist – 450 Hours	
33.0	Apply communication skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing) in a courteous, concise, and correct manner on personal and professional levels.  The student will be able to:	
33.01	Deliver impromptu and planned speeches.	
33.02	Synthesize information from multiple speakers in a group and respond in an effective manner.	
33.03	Communicate in a diverse environment.  	
33.04	Discuss various communication methods and explain how to overcome barriers to the communication process.	
34.0	Use information to accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace performance.  The student will be able to:	
34.01	Gather and compile data for supervisors and for company reports.	
34.02	Assemble information to use as a personal or shared resource to enhance workplace performance.	
35.0	Incorporate appropriate leadership and supervision techniques, customer service strategies, and standards of personal ethics to accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace performance.  The student will be able to:	
35.01	Serve as interviewer, interviewee, and liaison in public relations, civic, media, community, and employment situations.	
35.02	Demonstrate leadership behavior to include delegation of duties.	
35.03	Train and assist others in business behavior, procedures, and skills.	
36.0	Perform administrative office functions and responsibilities to accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace performance.  The student will be able to:	
36.01	Organize and conduct a meeting using parliamentary procedures.	
36.02	Articulate various ways to hold a meeting through web conferencing.	
36.03	Plan and arrange business functions.	
36.04	Analyze equipment specifications to meet required needs and make purchase recommendations.	
36.05	Access and maintain digital resources.	
36.06	Perform specialized office procedures.	
36.07	Apply the use of information management tools to develop and coordinate distribution of work.	
36.08	Maintain equipment and supplies.	
36.09	Perform specialized records management functions.	
36.10	Determine the most efficient method of sending business documents and materials.	
36.11	Develop 10-key calculator skills	
36.12	Identify various means to scan, store and manage electronic documents and understand how to use.	
37.0	Participate in simulated work-based learning experiences.  The student will be able to:	
37.01	Identify the use of technology in an administrative office environment.	
37.02	Compare and contrast the software applications used in an administrative office environment.	
37.03	Discuss the changing role of administrative support in today’s business environment and the ways to manage stress related to these changes.	
37.04	Discuss the management/supervisory skills needed in an administrative office environment.	
37.05	Perform specialized records management functions.	
37.06	Determine the most efficient method of sending business documents and materials.	
38.0	Describe the roles within teams, work units, departments, organizations, inter-organizational systems, and the larger environment.  The student will be able to:	
38.01	Describe the nature and types of business organizations.	
38.02	Explain the effect of key organizational systems on performance, quality and excellent customer service. 	
38.03	List and describe quality control systems and/or practices common to the workplace.	
38.04	Discuss organizational networks or charts and describe the relationships between positions and responsibilities.	
39.0	Demonstrate the importance of health, safety, and environmental management systems in organizations and their importance to organizational performance and regulatory compliance.  The student will be able to:	
39.01	Describe personal and jobsite safety rules and regulations that maintain safe and healthy work environments.	
39.02	Explain emergency procedures to follow in response to workplace accidents.	
40.0	Use technology to increase administrative office support productivity and enhance workplace performance.  The student will be able to:	
40.01	Key with speed and accuracy to meet industry standards. 	
40.02	Create documents using advanced features in word processing, database, spreadsheet, presentation, and multimedia software.	
40.03	Perform integrated functions using various software applications.	
40.04	Discuss how to and where access is possible install/ download and update software for current office use.	
41.0	Explain the importance of employability skills and entrepreneurship skills.  The student will be able to:	
41.01	Identify and demonstrate positive work attitude, appearance, and behaviors needed to be employable.	
41.02	Examine licensing, certification, and industry credentialing requirements.	
41.03	Maintain a career portfolio to document knowledge, skills, and experience.	
41.04	Identify and exhibit traits for retaining employment.	
41.05	Identify opportunities and research requirements for career advancement.	
41.06	Research the benefits of ongoing professional development.	
41.07	Practice employability skills using online resources to prepare for interviews in the administrative field.	
42.0	Incorporate knowledge gained from individual assessment and job/career exploration to design an individual career plan that reflects the transition from school to work, lifelong learning, and personal and professional goals.  The student will be able to:	
42.01	Plan ethical strategies to achieve goals and advance careers.	
42.02	Discuss the role of and understand how to use professional networking resources, including web-based resources.	
42.03	Develop a personal career plan that includes goals, objectives, and strategies.	
42.04	Evaluate and compare employment opportunities that match career goals.	
43.0	Demonstrate personal money-management concepts, procedures, and strategies.  The student will be able to:	
43.01	Identify and describe the services and legal responsibilities of financial institutions.	
43.02	Describe the effect of money management on career goals.	
43.03	Develop a personal budget and long-term financial goals.	
43.04	Complete financial documents for making deposits and withdrawals.	
43.05	Maintain financial records.	
43.06	Read and reconcile financial statements.	
43.07	Examine and analyze investment opportunities.	
43.08	Discuss the importance of demonstrating ethical conduct in financial matters.	
43.09	Explain factors that affect credit worthiness and determine one’s credit score.	
43.10	Identify ways to avoid or correct credit problems.	
43.11	Locate and understand sources of assistance if one experiences credit problems.	
43.12	Develop an awareness of effective credit management.	
43.13	Identify and explain the various types of benefits in compensation packages offered to employees.	
43.14	Identify tax forms (e.g., personal, payroll, sales) necessary for compliance with local, state and federal agencies.	
43.15	Develop a working knowledge of individual income tax procedures and requirements to comply with tax laws and regulations.	
44.0	Apply accounting principles and concepts to the performance of accounting activities.	
44.01	Demonstrate proficiency in cash control procedures. 	
44.02	Use source documents to prepare and analyze transactions.	
44.03	Demonstrate proficiency in the use of spreadsheet and accounting software to maintain accounting records to include creating and manipulating both data and formulas, formatting data, securing data and presenting results visually (including charts and graphs).	
44.04	Analyze financial statements.	

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 (PBL) 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.  

Cooperative Training – OJT

On-the-job training is appropriate but not required for this program.  Whenever offered, the rules, guidelines, and requirements specified in the OJT framework apply. 

Basic Skills 

In Career Certificate programs offered for 450 hours or more, in accordance with Rule 6A-10.040, F.A.C., the minimum basic skills grade levels required for postsecondary adult career and technical students to complete this program are:  Computation (Mathematics) and Communications (Reading and Language). These grade level numbers correspond to a grade equivalent score obtained on a state designated basic skills examination.  

Adult students with disabilities, as defined in Section 1004.02, Florida Statutes, may be exempted from meeting the Basic Skills requirements (Rule 6A-10.040).  Students served in exceptional student education (except gifted) as defined in s. 1003.01, F.S., may also be exempted from meeting the Basic Skills requirement.  Each school district and Florida College System Institution must adopt a policy addressing procedures for exempting eligible students with disabilities from the Basic Skills requirement as permitted in Section 1004.91, F.S.

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.

Note: postsecondary curriculum and regulated secondary programs cannot be modified.

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.