LAKE TECHNICAL COLLEGE

Administrative Office Specialist

 

INTRODUCTION

 

The Administrative Office Specialist program prepares students for entry-level employment in the general office/clerical and secretarial area. Students have been placed as administrative assistants, general office clerical, and receptionists. Administrative Office Specialist is part of the Business, Management and Administration career cluster at Lake Technical College (LTC) along with Accounting Operations.

 

This program consists of a series of courses which provide coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills. 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.

 

The program also focuses on broad, transferable skills and stresses understanding and demonstration of the following elements of the office support services industry: planning, management, finance, technical and production skills, underlying principles of technology, labor issues, community issues, and health, safety, and environmental issues.

 

PROGRAM MISSION

 

The mission of the Business Technology Education programs is to prepare students for productive business careers in a global economy.  This will be accomplished by providing a good foundation in basic skills, thinking skills, and personal qualities.

 

PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY

 

We believe that competent workers in the high-performance workplace need:

 

1.     Skills in communications, mathematics, critical thinking, teamwork, and effective professional skills

2.     Training in emerging concepts and technologies

3.     Relevant work-based learning experiences

 

LTC provides a caring atmosphere that promotes a high degree of student-faculty interaction and fosters development of business and industry partnerships.

 

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

 

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and should be academically, physically, and emotionally capable of meeting the demands of the chosen program.  Applicants make initial application through the Admissions Office.  A minimum skills evaluation is part of the admission process.

 

The Business Technology Education programs have the following minimum admissions requirements:

 

1.     Complete an LTC online application

2.     Take the TABE, if required

3.     Meet with a career advisor

4.     Confer with the program faculty prior to actual enrollment

 

A high school diploma or GED is not required to enroll.  However, it is recommended that all students complete either a high school diploma or a GED prior to program completion.

 

The Administrative Office Specialist program requires 10th grade TABE levels in order to receive a certificate of completion.  It is very strongly recommended that all students score not more than one grade level below required scores before enrolling in any program.

 

Students who enroll with prior business skills and/or training may be able to complete program requirements in less time than students who enter without this background.


 

TEST OF ADULT BASIC EDUCATION (TABE)

 

All applicants for Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs 450 hours or more, with the exception of Florida Law Enforcement Academy applicants, take a state mandated TABE prior to enrollment. TABE scores are good for two years and must be valid at the time of enrollment.

 

Several exemptions to TABE are accepted. In order to be exempt, a student must submit official documentation to a career advisor for verification of an exemption:

 

1.       Applicants who have earned a standard State of Florida high school diploma, 2007 or later, or possess a documented degree (AA, AS, AAS, BA or BS) may be exempt from TABE testing. (s.1004.91).

2.       Applicants who have earned a State of Florida High School diploma via the GED® test no more than two years prior to the start of class.

3.       Students taking any accepted standardized tests such as PERT or ACT may be exempt from the TABE provided the scores are at satisfactory levels and the test was taken within two years of enrollment in a Career and Technical Education program (6A-10315, 6A-10.040).

4.       A student who has completed or who is exempt from the college-level communication and computation skills (CLAST) examination pursuant to s.1008.29 is also exempt from the TABE. Per s. 1008.29.

5.       Documented successful completion of college-level remedial coursework may be used to meet TABE requirement.

6.       Documented passing scores on state-designated industry certification tests may be used.

7.       Mandated TABE exit scores may be waived for documented special needs students as per Florida guidelines. The student must enroll in AAAE and begin remediation in order to meet the exit requirements of the CTE program in which the student is enrolled. A student, with a documented disability, who is approaching completion (mastered 90% of the competencies) of the CTE program and has not met TABE scores, may be considered for a TABE exemption based on the following. It is determined through a SIT meeting that the student has successfully mastered the competencies of the CTE program in which she/he is enrolled and has been participating as expected in AAAE. The members of the SIT meeting may agree to waive TABE requirements.

 

According to Florida Department of Education rules, students who fail all or parts of the TABE may only retest using a different TABE version after 60 documented hours of remediation in the Applied Academics for Adult Education (AAAE) lab or three months if not attending AAAE.  Students may not retake the same test version for six months. We, therefore, strongly recommend that students test early, especially for licensure programs, in order to allow time for remediation and retesting should the need arise.

 

Students who do not meet the minimum TABE scores set by the Florida Department of Education for their program must begin attending remediation classes in the AAAE lab prior to or at the time of enrollment in a Career and Technical Education class for at least one block a day and make acceptable progress as determined by the AAAE faculty. It is highly recommended students meet state mandated TABE requirements by the time they have completed 50% of their program. Students who do not meet state mandated TABE scores may not receive a certificate of completion as per Florida Department of Education rules.

 

Applicants transferring appropriately leveled TABE, PERT or other accepted standardized test scores from other testing centers must do so by having an official score report sent directly to the Admissions Office prior to enrollment in the program. Scores brought by hand will be accepted only if document provided by the outside testing center is in a sealed envelope. Standardized tests scores are valid for two years.

 

TABE scores are good for two years and must be valid at the time of enrollment. TABE scores that expire during continuous enrollment remain valid until the end of such enrollment. Under continuous enrollment, students must be enrolled at least 50% of each semester per school year. Continuous enrollment applies to attendance in a single program.

 

The TABE exit scores for this program are reading 10; math 10; and language 10.

 

ESSENTIAL TRAINING TASKS

 

Physical Requirements

1.         Ability to reach above shoulder level

2.         Ability to demonstrate a high degree of manual dexterity, i.e. to handle file folders, documents, computer disks, records, etc.

3.         Ability to stoop, crouch, and/or bend

4.         Ability to lift at least 10 pounds

5.         Ability to see (near acuity)

6.         Ability to work in an atmosphere of moderate machine and other noises

7.         Ability to communicate with others in verbal and written form


Cognitive Requirements

1.         Ability to demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance.

2.      Ability to follow written and verbal directions and to complete assigned tasks on schedule.

3.      Ability to read, write and communicate in English and understand basic math.

4.      Ability to learn from directions, observations, and mistakes, and apply procedures using good judgment.

5.         Ability to work independently or part of a team; ability to interact appropriately with others.

6.         Ability to work with supervision, receiving instructions/feedback, coaching/ counseling and/or action/discipline.

7.         Ability to cope with anger, fear, and hostility of others in a calm manner

8.         Ability to cope with moderate to high levels of stress

9.         Ability to cope with confrontation and frustration

10.      Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, and diagrammatic form

11.      Ability to assist with problem resolution

12.      Ability to demonstrate a high degree of patience

13.      Ability to work in areas that are close and crowded

14.      Ability to plan, organize, and manage time and daily activities

15.      Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in both written and oral form.

16.      Ability to tolerate moderate noise level

17.      Ability to perform repetitive tasks

18.      Ability to measure accurately

19.      Ability to work without close, direct supervision

20.      Ability to work on multiple tasks and priorities

21.      Ability to perform and complete tasks of relative complexity

22.      Ability to read and understand computer, related equipment, and software manuals


 

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 to ensure equal access. Postsecondary students with disabilities must self-identify, present documentation, request accommodations if needed, and develop a plan with their postsecondary provider.

 

Students desiring accommodations or updates to their accommodations are encouraged to self-identify as early in the program as possible. In order to receive disability accommodations, students must self-disclose the disability to the Students with Disabilities Coordinator and provide documentation that clearly shows evidence of a disability and applicable accommodations. The Students with Disabilities Coordinator will schedule a meeting with the student and faculty to discuss the documented disability and applicable accommodations.

 

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, assessments, time demands, schedules, learning environment, assistive technology and special communication systems. Documentation of the accommodation requested and provided is maintained in a confidential file.

 

TUITION

 

Tuition is charged for adult students at a rate established by the State legislature. Current fee information is available in the Admissions Office. Tuition is waived for eligible high school dual-enrolled students. Tuition is due prior to the first day of each semester based on the Lake Technical College payment calendar. Failure to pay all fees due at the time class begins will result in not being able to attend class and/or clinical if applicable.

 

CLASS SCHEDULE

 

Full-time students attend class from 8:15 AM to 4:15 PM Monday through Thursday with a 30 minute lunch period. This schedule provides 7.5 hours of instruction each day for a total of 30 hours per four-day week, excluding holidays and school breaks as outlined in the current school calendar.

 

ATTENDANCE POLICY

 

In an effort to develop appropriate work ethics, Lake Tech students are expected to attend all class sessions. As is expected in the workplace, when it is necessary to be absent due to illness or emergency situations, all students are to notify the faculty on or before the date of absence. The student attendance policy for each postsecondary program is consistent with industry standards.

 

Campus attendance is kept via a computerized system.  It is the responsibility of the student to log in and out in order to receive credit for class time. This allows the school to keep accurate attendance records for the actual number of hours and minutes attended. Faculty are not expected to manually enter student attendance. Only one override is permitted for failure to log in or out. Therefore, failure of a student to log in and out may result in a documented absence. Logging in or out for another student or having another student log in or out is unacceptable behavior and may result in dismissal.

 

Only regularly scheduled class hours will be reported for attendance. Make-up time will not be accepted except as approved by the Executive Director of Lake Technical College.

 

Absences

A student who is absent for six (6) consecutive class sessions will be withdrawn from enrollment in his/her program. A student withdrawn for absenteeism must petition administration to return. A student having medical documentation or documentation of an extenuating circumstance does not need to petition to return. Students exhibiting a pattern of consecutive absences less than six days will be subject to dismissal as determined by a School Intervention Team. Students with attendance issues will sign an acknowledgement that they have been notified that continued absences will pose a threat to grades and program enrollment. If the student’s attendance does not improve but drops below 60%, the student will be withdrawn unless documentation regarding extenuating circumstances is provided to the Dean of Student Services.

 

Students in non-licensure programs must have achieved a minimum of 80% attendance at the end of each quarter. Students not having met this requirement will be formally notified that continued absences will pose a threat to grades and program enrollment. School Intervention Team meetings will be held as necessary to attempt to alleviate issues resulting in excessive absences and to counsel the student of possible alternatives and consequences. Students who miss more than 20% of their program will not be allowed to re-enroll the next semester and must wait until the following enrollment period to re-register unless the student’s appeal to the Executive Director has been approved. Only regularly scheduled class hours will be reported for attendance.

 

If a student is going to be absent they must notify the faculty on her office phone or email at least one half hour prior to the start of the class that day. Failure of notification will result in points taken off of Professional Skills and habitual offenders will have a School Intervention Team (SIT).

 

Tardiness

As in the workplace, students are expected to be in their seats promptly in the morning, after break, and after lunch. Students are expected to notify the faculty before the start of class of any anticipated tardies. Any student who is tardy and/or leaves early for 20% or more of the number of days scheduled for any given 9-week period will be placed on academic probation. Probationary status will terminate when the number of tardies/early departures no longer exceeds 20% of the completed scheduled attendance days.

 

Leaving Campus during School Hours

For safety reasons, students will notify their faculty when leaving campus early. Students may leave campus for lunch provided this is done within the allotted time.

 

BREAK TIME PROCEDURES

 

·         Breaks will be allowed at times indicated on the schedule unless directed otherwise by the LTC staff or Faculty.

·         Students shall return promptly to the classroom after each break. Tardiness is prohibited.

·         Students may leave the grounds for lunch break provided they return within the 30 minute allotted time frame.

·         Food and beverages, except bottled water, are not allowed in the classrooms, except with the permission of the faculty.

 

PLAN OF INSTRUCTIONAL PRACTICES

 

Teaching Methods

Lecture, demonstration, discussion, group interaction, verbal and written quizzes, skill practice, individualized instruction, computerized tutorials, interactive learning, and web-based learning, are among the teaching methods utilized as well as textbooks, workbooks, projects, journals, reports, simulations, hands-on computer experience, collaborative learning, video-taped instructions, films, guest speakers, field trips, customer service projects, program job shadowing, cooperative on-the-job training, interactive learning, and web-based learning.

 

Among the provisions made to allow for individual differences are pre-testing to determine entry level, workbooks and study guides for progress at individual rate, progress grading, individualized instruction, individual project assignments, and referral for basic skills remediation. 

 

Online Access

Technology is an integral part of our daily lives.  From smart phones to electronic tablets, these devices are becoming items that many cannot function without.  In addition, the Internet is changing the way education is delivered.  Lake Technical College strives to ensure that our students are able to compete in this technology driven world.  With this in mind, it is recommended that students have an online presence and access to the internet.

 

It is also important that students have an email address that they check on a regular basis.  A lot of information may come to you through your email, so it is important that you check it regularly.  If you do not have an email address, there are numerous services that provide FREE email addresses.  Please make sure your faculty have a current, working email address for you.  See your faculty for more information.

Social Media

The advent of social media has created a world-wide communication medium for persons of all ages. While extremely popular, these websites have also created their own set of “not-so-popular” problems such as cyber-stalking, identity theft, cyber-bullying, cyber-cheating (posting of exam, or other course material), and a host of other nebulous challenges that users may face. Another reality associated with social media is its far-reaching consequences for those who share posts that may be seen by others as inappropriate.

 

Potential employers, current employers, civic, or educational organizations you may be associated with, and many others are looking at social media sites for information that may tell them things about an individual. Students should also be cautioned on how private their social media content really is – despite the settings on an account.  All social media sites are potentially vulnerable.  A simple search of how to view pages that are set as “private” for a popular social media website yielded numerous responses for ways to view the content. Everything from blogs to online videos offer to explain how to accomplish this task.

 

Students in all programs need to be cognizant of the fact that most professions rely on great moral character. It is recommended that when using social media, assume that all posts will be seen/read by everyone with access to the internet.

Evaluation

Class performance, quizzes, tests, attendance, portfolio assessments, completion of project assignments, decision-making, professional skills, achievement of entry-level competencies, and other methods are used for evaluation.

 

Work Based Activities

Work-based learning activities play an integral part of the curriculum of LTC’s career-technical training programs. These activities are planned with two objectives in mind. First, the activity provides students with the opportunity to develop and apply a “real world” experience using the knowledge and skills attained in the program. Second, the activity provides the faculty with objective input from potential employers or customers of program graduates. Each work-based activity has a written instructional plan outlining objectives, experiences, competencies and evaluation required during the activity.

 

Work-based activities are program specific and may include:

 

·         Unpaid in-school shop/lab activities to provide customer service opportunities under the direct supervision of the program faculty.

·         Unpaid job shadowing experiences that may include in-school or off-campus employer-based experiences under the supervision of a qualified employer representative who is working closely with the program faculty.

·         Paid or unpaid cooperative training experiences conducted at the employer’s work location under the supervision of a qualified employer representative and under the direction of the program faculty.

 

Cooperative Education

Cooperative training is available for students and coordinated by the faculty. Cooperative training is for students who have shown competence in program training that indicates readiness for placement in an on-the-job program.  High school students participating in the cooperative job placement program must be in at least grade 12. Students must be enrolled in their last course of their program in order to participate in Co-op. In addition, TABE exit levels must be met and the student can have no outstanding debt with the school. Students must be approved for Co-op prior to beginning, including clearance through financial aid.

 

Students may be returned to the program for additional training if they do not function satisfactorily on the job or when the cooperative agreement is terminated at the request of the student, parent, employer, or program faculty.

 

Veterans will be accepted into the program in accordance with the Department of Veterans Affairs approved program.

 

Additional information regarding co-op opportunities may be obtained from the program faculty.

 

 

Job Shadowing

Job shadowing experiences, or volunteer experiences, are available to students as part of program training.  These experiences are designed to give the student actual hands-on experience doing a variety of related tasks.  Length and type of experiences will vary.  The program faculty determines appropriateness of the experience.  Additional information regarding job-shadowing experiences may be obtained from the program faculty.

 

Career Dual Enrollment Students

All students enrolled in Lake Technical College are expected to function as adults.  High school students will be held to the same behavioral and performance standards as adult students.

 

GRADING PROCEDURES

 

Grading Scale

The grading policy for this program is as follows:

90-100              Excellent

80- 89               Passing

< 80                  Failing

 

Lake Technical College is a postsecondary institution designed to provide trained individuals to industry. The grading scale for this program reflects industry standards. The approved postsecondary program grading requirements must be met if the student is to receive a certificate.

 

Program grades are based on the three criteria: Skills, Knowledge, and Professional Skills.  Each area counts as one-third of the nine weeks grade.  Students receive a minimum of one skills and one knowledge grade for each week of enrollment.  Students will receive a mid-term assessment of grades during each nine-week period.  A minimum grade of 80% in each area is required in order to receive a passing grade.  If the student’s grade is below an 80%, the student will be counseled as to what steps need to be taken to bring the grade to a satisfactory level.

 

Program Progress

Students are expected to complete the program of training within the hours allotted by the State of Florida for completion. The student’s rate of progress will be closely monitored by the faculty to ensure program completion in a timely manner. Most tests, projects, and similar assignments must be completed in class under the direction of the instructor. Practice exercises may be completed at home. Practice exercises completed at home does not count toward hours in the program.

 

Requirements for a Certificate

All competencies specified in the State of Florida Curriculum Framework for the program must be successfully completed with at least an 80 percent in the areas of skills, knowledge, and professional skills. Students must also meet minimum TABE requirements prior to graduation.

 

Professional Skills

Effective professional skills are the cornerstone to successful employment.  Students are expected to demonstrate productive professional skills during all phases of enrollment.  Faculty will work with students who need assistance in this area to improve the overall possibility for successful employment.

 

Attendance: Attends class for all scheduled hours assigned, arrives/leaves on time, contribute to class discussion and is actively involved in all activities.

Character: Displays academic integrity (inclusive of not committing plagiarism), trustworthiness, dependability, reliability, self-discipline, and self-responsibility.

Teamwork: Respects the rights of others; is a team worker; is cooperative; ensures confidentiality in all classroom, clinical and other matters; demonstrates professional behavior in interactions with peers, preceptors, and faculty.

Appearance: Displays appropriate dress, grooming, hygiene, and wears full regulation uniform of the day.

Attitude: Displays a willingness to cooperate and accept constructive criticism; sets realistic expectations; approaches assignments with interest and initiative.

Productivity: Follows safety practices; conserves materials and supplies; maintains equipment; stays on task and utilizes time constructively; demonstrates proactive leaning through involvement in activities and contributions to class discussions.

Organization: Manifests skill in prioritizing and management of time and stress; demonstrates flexibility in handling change; completes assignments on time; uses work time appropriately.

Communication:  Contacts faculty to report concerns; notifies faculty of tardy/absence one hour before start of class; seeks clarification and understanding through appropriate, pertinent questions.

Leadership:  Displays leadership skills; appropriately handles conflict and concerns; demonstrates problem-solving capability; maintains appropriate relationships with supervisors/faculty and peers; follows the chain of command.

Respect:  Deals appropriately with cultural/racial diversity; does not engage in harassment of any kind to include but not limited to verbal, nonverbal, and written; addresses faculty and peers in appropriate tone and with appropriate language to include but not limited to electronic (email, text, etc.) communications.

 

CHEATING

·         Cheating is prohibited whether actual, attempted, written or oral and is viewed as a flagrant ethical violation.

·         Any student found to be cheating will be subject to severe disciplinary action, up to and including removal from the program.

·         Cheating includes, but is not limited, to the following:

·         Copying or buying the work or answers of someone else.

·         Copying or buying the work of former students including, but not limited to, notebooks.

·         Looking at another student’s paper during testing (for any reason).

·         Obtaining copies of answers to examinations and/or examinations prior to test administration.

·         Receiving or distributing examinations or examination answers.

·         Carrying hidden notes to class during examination. This includes writing on a desk, on one’s hands, arms, clothing, or any other objects, or use of any other external or electronic device or source including smart watches.

·         Cheating in any other form not covered above.

 

PROGRESS AND PERFORMANCE

 

·         Students may be called in periodically for individual conferences to discuss their progress and performance.

·         Students will be counseled if they have demonstrated an attitude or performance level that does not meet the expected standard.

·         All conferences or counseling concerning performance that falls below standards will be documented and placed in the student’s file.

·         Behavior that falls below acceptable standards is grounds for dismissal from the class/program.

 

CLASSROOM RULES

 

Students will:

1. Maintain a neat, clean, appropriate appearance.

2. Respect the rights of others.

3. Demonstrate good interpersonal relationships with peers and faculty.

4. Contribute to a learning atmosphere.

5. Take responsibility for own learning.

6. Attempt to do the best possible.

7. Respect school property.

 

REASONS FOR DISMISSAL FROM PROGRAM

 

  1. Unsatisfactory academic, lab or job shadow work.
  2. Cheating in any manner.
  3. Violations of the attendance policy.
  4. Failure to satisfy identified probationary requirements within the stated time.
  5. Failure to comply with requirements as stated in the Master Plan of Instruction.

 

STUDENT DRESS CODE

 

Students who attend Lake Tech shall dress in a manner appropriate for the job in which they are receiving training, including any special protective gear and professional uniforms. All clothing, makeup, and jewelry must be clean, neat, modest, in good repair, appropriately sized, and be neither distracting nor offensive.

 

The Executive Director or designee has the final authority for determining whether or not a student’s apparel conforms to the dress code. If it is determined that it does not, students will be required to change into clothing which will conform to this code or leave campus. Students may return to campus when they have changed into appropriate clothing.

 

Students will wear the LTC Business Programs collared shirt each day to class and while on a Job Shadow experience or on Co-op. Shirts may be worn with pants or skirts. Shorts are not permitted. On other designated days, students will be required to dress in business attire suitable for a job interview. This is defined to be clothing that would be acceptable for most job candidates to wear to a standard job interview. If a student is absent on a designated day, they will dress in normal business attire or business attire suitable for a job interview on their next day of attendance. Designated days will be announced at least five class days in advance.

 

NOTE - Remember that you are preparing for employment in a position in which public relations may be a factor in your success.  Individual desires cannot always take precedence.

 

GENERAL SCHOOL INFORMATION

 

Campus Safety

Lake Technical College makes every effort to provide a safe environment for all students, visitors, faculty and staff.  Basic safety standards, which will include fire drills, weather drills, equipment usage, and traffic regulations, will be covered in the program orientation.  These basic safety standards will be reinforced throughout the program enrollment.  See the current school catalog for additional campus safety information.

Competency-based Instruction

Any student who enters a LTC program with previous experience or educational background that would enable the student to successfully complete a test of competence in any area may, with the permission of the faculty, complete a test to measure that competence.

 

Follow Up

Lake Technical College is proud of its graduates and celebrates the next step graduates take whether it is employment, military or further education. Prior to completing, students may visit the Career Success Center for assistance with employability skills such as resume writing. In addition, faculty may provide students with employment leads. However, it is up to the individual student to actively pursue employment opportunities. We like to hear how our graduates are doing and want to celebrate your successes so be sure to communicate with your faculty any employment, military, or further education you enter. Students are required to participate in an Exit Interview prior to their last day in their program.

 

Food and Drink

To protect equipment and furnishings in the classroom and laboratory areas, only water, in closed, covered containers, is permitted. No other food or drinks are allowed, unless specific permission is granted by the faculty. However, under no circumstance may food or drinks be in the laboratory areas.

Lunch

Food services are provided on the main campus by the Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts program and are available during breaks and lunch. Adult students may leave the LTC campus during the scheduled 30-minute lunch break as long as they return to the program on time.

 

Parking Regulations

Students may park only in the south parking lot in spaces not designated as staff or customer service parking.  For safety, loitering in or around vehicles once the vehicle is parked is not allowed, and a 5 mph speed limit is enforced. In consideration of the neighbors and classes in session, loud music in vehicles on campus is prohibited.

Smoking

Lake Tech is a tobacco free institution. The use of tobacco products of any kind, including e-cigarettes, is not permitted at any Lake Tech location. This includes the parking lots.

 

FINANCIAL AID

 

Policies and guidelines for the administration of all financial aid are established according to federal and state law. Applicants complete an information form, Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and furnish documentation needed to verify eligibility. More information on the application process may be obtained in the Financial Aid Office.

 

The Financial Aid Office will assist students, where possible, with access to financial support offered by federal agencies (U.S. Department of Education – Pell Grants, Department of Veterans’ Affairs), other state and local agencies and local organizations (scholarships). 

 

PROGRAM OCCUPATIONAL COMPLETION POINTS (OCPs)

 

Information Technology Assistant/Front Desk Specialist (OCP A and B)

Rather than performing a single specialized task, Information Technology Assistants often have daily responsibilities that change with the needs of the specific job and the employer. Whereas some assistants spend their days filing or keyboarding, others enter data at a computer terminal. They also can be called upon to operate photocopiers, fax machines, and other office equipment; prepare mailings; proofread copies; and answer telephones, deliver messages, greet customers, provide basic software and hardware assistance, utilize the Internet effectively, pay close attention to numerous details, and to multi-task. 

 

Although the day-to-day duties may differ considerably, many clerks greet customers, guests, or other visitors.  Many also answer telephones and either obtain information from, or provide information to, the public.  Most clerks use multi-line telephones, fax machines, and personal computers.  Many are a visitor’s or caller’s first contact within an organization, providing information and routing calls.

 

The specific duties assigned to a clerk also vary by level of experience. Whereas inexperienced employees make photocopies, stuff envelopes, or record inquiries, experienced clerks usually are given additional responsibilities. For example, they may maintain financial or other records, set up spreadsheets, verify statistical reports for accuracy and completeness, handle and adjust customer complaints, work with vendors, make travel arrangements, take inventory of equipment and supplies, answer questions on departmental services and functions, or help prepare invoices or budgetary requests. Senior office clerks may be expected to monitor and direct the work of lower level clerks.

 

Assistant Digital Production Designer (OCP C)

This position involved creating presentations, reports, and documents by using digital publishing software and digital graphics.  Scanners, digital cameras, and other equipment may be used.

 

Administrative Office Specialist (OCP D)

As the reliance on technology continues to expand in offices, the role of the office professional has greatly evolved. Office automation and organizational restructuring have led secretaries and administrative assistants to assume a wider range of responsibilities once reserved for managerial and professional staff. Many secretaries and administrative assistants now provide training and orientation for new staff, conduct research on the Internet, and operate and troubleshoot new office technologies. In the midst of these changes, however, their core responsibilities have remained much the same—performing and coordinating an office’s administrative activities, and storing, retrieving, and integrating information for dissemination to staff and clients.

 

Secretaries and administrative assistants are responsible for a variety of administrative and clerical duties necessary to run an organization efficiently. They serve as an information manager for an office, plan and schedule meetings and appointments, organize and maintain paper and electronic files, manage projects, conduct research, and provide information by using the telephone, postal mail, and e-mail. They also may handle travel arrangements.

 

Secretaries and administrative assistants are aided in these tasks by a variety of office equipment, such as facsimile machines, photocopiers, and telephone systems.

 

Specific job duties vary with experience and titles. Executive secretaries and administrative assistants, for example, perform fewer clerical tasks than do other secretaries. In addition to arranging conference calls and scheduling meetings, they may handle more complex responsibilities such as conducting research, preparing statistical reports, training employees, and supervising other clerical staff.

 

Secretaries and administrative assistants usually work in schools, hospitals, corporate settings, or legal and medical offices. Their jobs often involve sitting for long periods. If they spend a lot of time typing, particularly at a video display terminal, they may encounter problems of eyestrain, stress, and repetitive motion, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

 

TEXTBOOKS

 

For the most recent book list for the Accounting Operations program, visit Lake Technical College’s bookstore located in the Business Office.

 

MATERIALS

 

Some instructional materials are audio/visual computerized tutorials.  For hygienic reasons, students must furnish their own standard computer headphones to use in listening to the instructional programs.  Students must also furnish their own flash drive with at least 4 gigabytes of ram.

 

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

 

See the attached Florida State Department of Education Curriculum Framework for program objectives and desired competencies.

 

2018 – 2019

Florida Department of Education

Curriculum Framework

 

Program Title:              Administrative Office Specialist

Program Type:             Career Preparatory

Career Cluster:             Business Management and Administration

 

PSAV

Program Number

B070330

CIP Number

0552040103

Grade Level

30, 31

Standard Length

1050 hours

Teacher Certification

Refer to the Program Structure section.

CTSO

Phi Beta Lambda

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

Basic Skills Level

Mathematics:                  10

Language:                      10

Reading:                        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

15-1151

B

OTA0041

Front Desk Specialist

ADMIN ASST 7 G

BUS ED 1 @2

CLERICAL @7 7 G

MANAG SUPV 7 G

SECRETAR 7 G

STENOG @4 @ 7

TC COOP ED @7

VOE @7

300 hours

43-1011

C

OTA0030

Assistant Digital Production Designer

150 hours

43-9031

D

OTA0043

Administrative Office Specialist

450 hours

43-6011

 

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 – 14.0 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 systems to accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace performance.

02.0        Develop an awareness of microprocessors and digital computers.

03.0        Demonstrate an understanding of operating systems.

04.0        Use technology to enhance the effectiveness of communication skills utilizing word processing applications. 

05.0        Use technology to enhance communication skills utilizing presentation applications.

06.0        Use technology to enhance the effectiveness of communication utilizing spreadsheet and database applications.

07.0        Use technology to enhance communication skills utilizing electronic mail. 

08.0        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.

09.0        Incorporate appropriate leadership and supervision techniques, customer service strategies, and standards of personal ethics to accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace performance.

10.0        Demonstrate competence using computer networks, internet and online databases to facilitate collaborative or individual learning and communication.

11.0        Demonstrate competence in page design applicable to the WWW.

12.0        Develop an awareness of emerging technologies.

13.0        Develop awareness of computer languages and software applications.

14.0        Demonstrate comprehension and communication skills.

15.0        Demonstrate knowledge, skill, and application of information systems to accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace of performance.  Apply ergonomic principles applicable to the configuration of computer workstations.

16.0        Demonstrate language arts knowledge and skills.

17.0        Demonstrate mathematics knowledge and skills.

18.0        Use oral and written communication skills in creating, expressing and interpreting information and ideas.

19.0        Solve problems using critical thinking skills, creativity and innovation.

20.0        Apply communication skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing) in a courteous, concise and correct manner on personal and professional levels.

21.0        Use technology to enhance the effectiveness of communications in order to accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace performance.

22.0        Practice quality performance in the learning environment and the workplace.

23.0        Incorporate appropriate customer service strategies to accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace performance.

24.0        Incorporate appropriate leadership and supervision techniques and standards of personal ethics to accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace performance.

25.0        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.

26.0        Demonstrate human relations/interpersonal skills appropriate for the workplace.

27.0        Perform administrative office functions and responsibilities to accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace performance.

28.0        Use technology to increase administrative office support productivity and enhance workplace performance.

29.0        Describe the importance of professional ethics and legal responsibilities.

30.0        Use information technology tools.

31.0        Participate in (administrative) work-based learning experiences.

32.0        Demonstrate proficiency in computer skills.

33.0        Demonstrate knowledge of digital publishing concepts.

34.0        Perform decision-making activities.

35.0        Demonstrate proficiency in digital imaging.

36.0        Demonstrate proficiency in the safe and ethical use of the Internet to locate information.

37.0        Demonstrate the ability to set project requirements, engage in project planning, and utilize the design process.

38.0        Perform layout, project design, and measurement activities associated with digital publishing.

39.0        Demonstrate an understanding of color theory and its role in digital design.

40.0        Demonstrate an understanding of typography.

41.0        Demonstrate basic skill in digital photography.

42.0        Demonstrate skill in the use of digital imaging software applications.

43.0        Develop an awareness of the emergent technologies associated with digital design.

44.0        Apply communication skills (reading, writing speaking, listening and viewing) in a courteous, concise, and correct manner on personal and professional levels.

45.0        Use information to accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace performance.

46.0        Incorporate appropriate leadership and supervision techniques, customer service strategies, and standards of personal ethics to accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace performance.

47.0        Perform administrative office functions and responsibilities to accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace performance.

48.0        Use technology to increase administrative office support productivity and enhance workplace performance.

49.0        Participate in (administrative office/ support) work-based learning experiences.

50.0        Describe the roles within teams, work units, departments, organizations, inter-organizational systems, and the larger environment.

51.0        Demonstrate the importance of health, safety, and environmental management in organizations and their importance to organizational performance and regulatory compliance.

52.0        Demonstrate leadership and teamwork skills needed to accomplish team goals and objectives.

53.0        Assess the importance of professional ethics and legal responsibilities.

54.0        Explain the importance of employability skill and entrepreneurship skills.

55.0        Demonstrate personal money-management concepts, procedures, and strategies.