Florida Department of Education
Curriculum Framework 

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

Secondary – Career Preparatory	
Program Number	8306300	
CIP Number	0552040102	
Grade Level	9-12	
Standard Length	4 credits 	
Teacher Certification	Refer to the Program Structure section.	
CTSO	FBLA
BPA	
SOC Codes 	15-1151 – Computer User Support Specialists
43-1011 – First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers
43-9031 – Desktop Publishers
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 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 (4) credits.   

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 secondary program structure:

Course Number	Course Title	Teacher Certification	Length	SOC Code	Level	Graduation Requirement	
8207310	Digital Information Technology	DIT Teacher Certifications	1 credit	15-1151	2	PA	
8306310	Administrative Office Specialist 1	BUS ED 1 @2
CLERICAL @7 7 G
MANAG SUPV 7 G
SECRETAR 7 G
TC COOP ED @7
VOE @7	1 credit	43-1011	2		
8306320	Administrative Office Specialist 2		1 credit		2		
8306330	Administrative Office Specialist 3		1 credit	43-6011	2		
(Graduation Requirement Abbreviations- EQ= Equally Rigorous Science, PA= Practical Arts, EC= Economics)

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

Digital Information Technology (8207310) 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 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	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.  
23.0	Demonstrate human relations/interpersonal skills appropriate for the workplace.  
24.0	Perform administrative office functions and responsibilities to accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace performance.  
25.0	Describe the importance of professional ethics and legal responsibilities.  
26.0	Participate in simulated work-based learning experiences.  
27.0	Use technology to increase administrative office support productivity and enhance workplace performance.  
28.0	Use information technology tools.  
29.0	Participate in simulated work-based learning experiences.  
30.0	Demonstrate proficiency in the safe and ethical use of the Internet to locate information. 
31.0	Develop an awareness of emerging technologies. 
32.0	Participate in simulated work-based learning experiences.  
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	Describe the roles within teams, work units, departments, organizations, inter-organizational systems, and the larger environment.  
38.0	Demonstrate the importance of health, safety, and environmental management systems in organizations and their importance to organizational performance and regulatory compliance.  

Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Course Title: 	Digital Information Technology 
Course Number: 	8207310
Course Credit:	1

Course Description:

This core course is designed to provide a basic overview of current business and information systems and trends, and to introduce students to fundamental skills required for today's business and academic environments.  Emphasis is placed on developing fundamental computer skills.  The intention of this course is to prepare students to be successful both personally and professionally in an information-based society.  Digital Information Technology includes the exploration and use of databases, the internet, spreadsheets, presentation applications, management of personal information and email, word processing and document manipulation, HTML, web page design, and the integration of these programs using software that meets industry standards.  

Digital Information Technology (8207310) 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 Digital Information Technology (8207310).

Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Course Title: 	Administrative Office Specialist 1
Course Number: 	8306310
Course Credit:	1

Course Description:

This course is designed to assist with administrative and general office duties in a support capacity.  This course explores and expands the core competencies in the areas of personal and professional development and promotes application of higher-level office procedures tasks and communications skills through the use of technology.  

CTE Standards and Benchmarks	
16.0	Demonstrate knowledge, skill, and application of information systems to accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace 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.	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 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 formal and informal presentations 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 satisfaction.	18.06	Integrate all forms of communication.	18.07	Discuss the need to use professional demeanor in 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.	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	Discuss the integral value of a customer.	20.03	Develop and implement a plan for maintaining quality service and production in a workplace, business, or learning environment.	20.04	Practice skills to provide excellent customer service.	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	Discuss the responsibilities organizations have to their employees.	22.0	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:	22.01	Plan ethical strategies to achieve goals and advance careers.	22.02	Discuss the role and use of professional networking resources, including web-based resources.	23.0	Demonstrate human relations/interpersonal skills appropriate for the workplace.  The student will be able to:	23.01	Develop professional workplace relationship skills both internally and externally to include team building and group dynamics.  	24.0	Perform administrative office functions and responsibilities to accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace performance.  The student will be able to:	24.01	Apply the use of information management tools to develop and coordinate distribution of work. 	24.02	Maintain equipment and supplies.	24.03	Perform financial functions. 	24.04	Perform specialized records management functions. 	24.05	Determine the most efficient method of sending business documents and materials.	24.06	Produce a variety of design layouts (e.g., flyers, postcards, brochures, business cards, and letterhead).	24.07	Incorporate clip art, images, borders, and other special effects into a layout.	24.08	Select the appropriate color format and resolution for a variety of purposes (e.g., web, print).	25.0	Describe the importance of professional ethics and legal responsibilities.  The student will be able to:	25.01	Identify the importance of making decisions that are based on ethical reasoning.	25.02	Identify and discuss personal and long-term consequences of unethical choices in the workplace.	25.03	Discuss the responsibilities employees have to their organization.	26.0	Participate in simulated work-based learning experiences.  The student will be able to:	26.01	Participate in simulated work-based learning experiences in the administrative field. 	26.02	Discuss the use of technology in the administrative field. 	26.03	Compare and contrast the software applications used in the administrative field. 	26.04	Discuss organizational networks or charts and describe the relationships between positions and responsibilities. 	

Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Course Title: 		Administrative Office Specialist 2
Course Number: 	8306300
Course Credit:	1

Course Description:

This course is designed to develop proficiency in using the advanced features of software programs to perform office-related tasks.  

CTE Standards and Benchmarks	
27.0	Use technology to increase administrative office support productivity and enhance workplace performance.  The student will be able to:	27.01	Access, process, and transmit information through all mediums.	27.02	Create documents using advanced features in word processing, database, spreadsheet, presentation, and multimedia software. 	27.03	Discuss how to install/ download and update software for current office use.	27.04	Use technology to research, compile, create, and deliver an oral presentation. 	27.05	Key with speed and accuracy to meet industry standards for employment as a secretary or administrative assistant.	27.06	Perform integrated functions using various software applications. 	27.07	Perform proofreading skills including electronic reference tools. 	27.08	Explain various means to scan, store and manage electronic documents.	27.09	Articulate various ways to hold a meeting through web conferencing.	27.10	Demonstrate proper use of scanners, digital cameras, and various input devices.  	28.0	Use information technology tools.  The student will be able to:	28.01	Employ digital tools to expedite workflow.	28.02	Employ computer operations applications to access, create, manage, integrate, and store information.	28.03	Employ collaborative/groupware applications to facilitate group work.	29.0	Participate in simulated work-based learning experiences.  The student will be able to:	29.01	Participate in simulated work-based learning experiences in the administrative field. 	29.02	Compare and contrast the software applications used in the administrative field. 	29.03	Discuss organizational networks or charts and describe the relationships between positions and responsibilities. 	29.04	Create a professional portfolio.	30.0	Demonstrate proficiency in the safe and ethical use of the Internet to locate information. The student will be able to:	30.01	Understand the principles of copyright.    	30.02	Identify and apply Copyright Fair Use guidelines.	30.03	Demonstrate an understanding of safe and ethical Internet usage.   	31.0	Develop an awareness of emerging technologies. The student will be able to:	31.01	Describe social media as a form of digital design.	31.02	Compare and contrast emerging technologies relative to their role in the workplace.	31.03	Explain how the use of advanced image sensing devices have altered the manner in which communication takes place, especially those utilizing Quick Response (QR) Codes and other forms of two-dimensional bar coding techniques.	

Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Course Title: 	Administrative Office Specialist 3
Course Number: 	8306330
Course Credit:	1

Course Description:

This course explores and expands the competencies learned in Administrative Office Technology 1 and promotes application of higher level office procedures tasks and communication skills.  

CTE Standards and Benchmarks	
32.0	Participate in simulated work-based learning experiences.  The student will be able to:	
32.01	Participate in simulated work-based learning experiences in an administrative office environment. 	
32.02	Discuss the use of technology in an administrative office environment.	
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.  	
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.	
35.04	Train and assist others in customer service.	
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	Perform budgeting and accounting procedures.	
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.	
37.0	Describe the roles within teams, work units, departments, organizations, inter-organizational systems, and the larger environment.  The student will be able to:	
37.01	Describe the nature and types of business organizations.	
37.02	Explain the effect of key organizational systems on performance, quality and excellent customer service.	
37.03	List and describe quality control systems and/or practices common to the workplace.	
38.0	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:	
38.01	Describe personal and jobsite safety rules and regulations that maintain safe and healthy work environments.	
38.02	Explain emergency procedures to follow in response to workplace accidents.	
38.03	Create a disaster and/or emergency response plan.	
38.04	Classify the main causes of accidents and preventive measures in the office.	

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.

Academic Alignment

Secondary Career and Technical Education courses are pending alignment to the B.E.S.T.  (Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking) Standards for English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics that were adopted by the State Board of Education in February 2020.  Academic alignment is an ongoing, collaborative effort of professional educators that provide clear expectations for progression year-to-year through course alignment. This initiative supports CTE programs by improving student performance through the integration of academic content within CTE courses.  

Florida Standards for English Language Development (ELD)

English language learners communicate for social and instructional purposes within the school setting. ELD.K12.SI.1.1 

English Language Development (ELD) Standards Special Notes:
Teachers are required to provide listening, speaking, reading and writing instruction that allows English language learners (ELL) to communicate for social and instructional purposes within the school setting.   For the given level of English language proficiency and with visual, graphic, or interactive support, students will interact with grade level words, expressions, sentences and discourse to process or produce language necessary for academic success. The ELD standard should specify a relevant content area concept or topic of study chosen by curriculum developers and teachers that maximizes an ELL’s need for communication and social skills. To access an ELL supporting document that delineates performance definitions and descriptors, please click on the following link: http://www.cpalms.org/uploads/docs/standards/eld/SI.pdf.
For additional information on the development and implementation of the ELD standards, please contact the Bureau of Student Achievement through Language Acquisition at sala@fldoe.org .

Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO)

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) 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. 

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.

In addition to accommodations, some secondary students with disabilities (students with an IEP served in Exceptional Student Education (ESE)) will need modifications to meet their needs.  Modifications change the outcomes or what the student is expected to learn, e.g., modifying the curriculum of a secondary career and technical education course.  Note: postsecondary curriculum and regulated secondary programs cannot be modified.

Some secondary students with disabilities (ESE) may need additional time (i.e., longer than the regular school year), to master the student performance standards associated with a regular course or a modified course.  If needed, a student may enroll in the same career and technical course more than once.  Documentation should be included in the IEP that clearly indicates that it is anticipated that the student may need an additional year to complete a Career and Technical Education (CTE) course.  The student should work on different competencies and new applications of competencies each year toward completion of the CTE course.  After achieving the competencies identified for the year, the student earns credit for the course.  It is important to ensure that credits earned by students are reported accurately.  The district’s information system must be designed to accept multiple credits for the same course number for eligible students with disabilities.

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.