1. effective self-management in workplace, 2. general positive attitude towards work, 3. managing work relationships, 4. constant learning, 5.

following directions, 6. asking for assistance, 7. absorbing and responding to criticism, 8. understanding relation of self to organization, 9. identifying with organizational goals, and 10. awareness of how own work role relates to other work roles. 2.2 National Skills Standards Competencies also were evaluated and extracted from national skill standards such as the Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System (CASAS), the ACT Work Keys system, and the U.S. Department of Labor Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS),. CASAS competencies are organized into the following categories:

Basic Communication Consumer Economics Community Resources Health Employment Government and Law Computation Learning to Learn Independent Living Skills

Work Keys targets for instruction are organized into the following skill areas:

Reading for Information Teamwork Observation Writing Applied Math Applied Technology Listening

Locating Information.

And the SCANS is comprised of a three-part skills set and a five-part competency matrix:

Basic Skills Thinking Skills Personal Qualities Resources Interpersonal Information Systems Technology

SCANS was selected as a foundation, or baseline skills listing, appropriate to organize the EnterTech curriculum. SCANS Basic Skills Reading: Locates, understands, and interprets written information in prose and documents--including manuals, graphs, and schedules--to perform tasks; learns from text by determining the main idea or essential message; identifies relevant details, facts, and specifications; infers or locates the meaning of unknown or technical vocabulary; and judges the accuracy, appropriateness, style, and plausibility of reports, proposals, or theories of other writers. Writing: Communicates thoughts, ideas, information, and messages in writing; records information completely and accurately; composes and creates documents such as letters, directions, manuals, reports, proposals, graphs, flow charts; uses language, style, organization, and format appropriate to the subject matter, purpose, and audience. Includes supporting documentation and attends to level of detail; checks, edits, and revises for correct information, appropriate emphasis, form, grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Arithmetic/Mathematics: Performs basic computations; uses basic numerical concepts such as whole numbers and percentages in practical situations; makes reasonable estimates of arithmetic results without a calculator; and uses tables, graphs, diagrams, and charts to obtain or convey quantitative information. Approaches practical problems by choosing appropriately from a variety of mathematical techniques; uses quantitative data to construct logical explanations for real world situations; expresses mathematical ideas and concepts orally and in writing; and understands the role of chance in the occurrence and prediction of events.

Listening: Receives, attends to, interprets, and responds to verbal messages and other cues such as body language in ways that are appropriate to the purpose; for example, to comprehend; to learn; to critically evaluate; to appreciate; or to support the speaker. Speaking: Organizes ideas and communicates oral messages appropriate to listeners and situations; participates in conversation, discussion, and group presentations; selects an appropriate medium for conveying a message; uses verbal languages and other cues such as body language appropriate in style, tone, and level of complexity to the audience and the occasion; speaks clearly and communicates message; understands and responds to listener feed back; and asks questions when needed. SCANS Thinking Skills Creative Thinking: Uses imagination freely, combines ideas or information in new ways, makes connections between seemingly unrelated ideas, and reshapes goals in ways that reveal new possibilities. Decision Making: Specifies goals and constraints, generates alternatives, considers risks, and evaluates and chooses best alternatives. Problem Solving: Recognizes that a problem exists (i.e., there is a discrepancy between what is and what should or could be), identifies possible reasons for the discrepancy, and devises and implements a plan of action to resolve it. Evaluates and monitors progress, and revises plan as indicated by findings. Seeing Things in the Mind's Eye: Organizes and processes symbols, pictures, graphs, objects or other information; for example, see a building from blue print, a system's operation from schematics, the flow of work activities from narrative descriptions, or the taste of food from reading a recipe. Knowing How to Learn:

Recognizes and can use learning techniques to apply and adapt new knowledge and skills in both familiar and changing situations. Involves being aware of learning tools such as personal learning styles (visual, aural, etc.), formal learning strategies (note taking or clustering items that share some characteristics), and informal learning strategies (awareness of unidentified false assumptions that may lead to faulty conclusions). Reasoning: Discovers a rule or principle underlying the relationship between two or more objects and applies it in solving a problem. For example, uses logic to draw conclusions from available information, extracts rules or principles from a set of objects or written text; applies rules and principles to a new situation, or determines which conclusions are correct when given a set of facts and a set of conclusions. SCANS Personal Qualities Responsibility: Exerts a high level of effort and perseverance towards goal attainment. Works hard to become excellent at doing tasks by setting high standards, paying attention to details, working well, and displaying a high level concentration even when assigned an unpleasant task. Displays high standards of attendance, punctuality, enthusiasm, vitality, and optimism in approaching and completing tasks. Self-Esteem: Believes in own self-worth and maintains a positive view of self; demonstrates knowledge of own skills and abilities; is aware of impact on others; and knows own emotional capacity and needs and how to address them. Sociability: Demonstrates understanding, friendliness, adaptability, empathy, and politeness in new and on-going group settings. Asserts self in familiar and unfamiliar social situations; relates well to others; responds appropriately as the situation requires; and takes an interest in what others say and do. Self-Management: Assesses own knowledge, skills, and abilities accurately; sets well-defined and realistic personal goals; monitors progress toward goal attainment and motivates self through goal achievement; exhibits self-control and responds to feedback unemotionally and non-defensively; is a "self-starter." Integrity/Honesty: Can be trusted. Recognizes when faced with making a decision or exhibiting behavior that may break with commonly held personal or societal values; understands the impact of violating these beliefs and codes on an organization, self, and others; and chooses an ethical course of action.

SCANS Five Workplace Competencies Resources: Identifies, organizes, plans, and allocates resources. Time--Selects goal-relevant activities, ranks them, allocates time, and prepares and follows schedules Money--Uses or prepares budgets, makes forecasts, keeps records, and makes adjustments to meet objectives Material and Facilities--Acquires, stores, allocates, and uses materials or space efficiently Human Resources--Assesses skills and distributes work accordingly, evaluates performance and provides feedback Interpersonal: Works with others. Participates as Member of a Team--contributes to group effort Teaches Others New Skills Serves Clients/Customers--works to satisfy customers' expectations Exercises Leadership--communicates ideas to justify position, persuades and convinces others, responsibly challenges existing procedures and policies Negotiates--works toward agreements involving exchange of resources, resolves divergent interests Works with Diversity--works well with men and women from diverse backgrounds Information: Acquires and uses information. Acquires and Evaluates Information Organizes and Maintains Information

Interprets and Communicates Information Uses Computers to Process Information. Systems: Understands complex inter-relationships. Understands Systems--knows how social, organizational, and technological systems work and operates effectively with them Monitors and Corrects Performance--distinguishes trends, predicts impacts on systems operations, diagnoses deviations in systems' performance and corrects malfunctions Improves or Designs Systems--suggests modifications to existing systems and develops new or alternative systems to improve performance Technology: Works with a variety of technologies. Selects Technology--chooses procedures, tools or equipment including computers and related technologies Applies Technology to Task--Understands overall intent and proper procedures for setup and operation of equipment Maintains and Troubleshoots Equipment--Prevents, identifies, or solves problems with equipment, including computers and other technologies. Matrix of the knowledge, skills and abilities required of the EnterTech Project graduate and by technology industry employers. From the curriculum research, national skills standards, employer-gathered information, and Work Keys job profiles, a preliminary matrix of performance objectives was created for the EnterTech Project. The matrix is divided into eight major domains:

Career Management and Employee Awareness Affective Skills Manage and Allocate Resources Basic Skills: Oral Communications Basic Skills: Written Communications Basic Skills: Arithmetic and Mathematics Problem-Solving and Systems Thinking, and

On-going Learning.

Each domain is divided into "knowledge" categories, the sub-related "competencies," followed by a listing of proposed performance objectives. Career Management and Employee Awareness Knowledge Seek and Gain Employment Competency Determine career goals

Performance Objective Identify and prioritize personal, educational, and workplace goals Identify common occupations and the skills and education each requires identify appropriate skills and education for retaining employment and advancing Identify and rank tangible and intangible rewards of work Assess personal skills Assess personal marketability Learn how to plan a career Develop road map from job and basic skills training to successful employment and career Identify factors that affect job retention and advancement (such as appropriate behavior, appropriate attire, positive work attitudes, understanding of organizational structure, skill acquisition) View relationship with employer as partnership Identify common occupations and the skills and education required for them Be resourceful in identifying employment opportunities Locate and use job descriptions, announcements, postings and other sources of employment information

Understand employer's needs

Conduct job search

Interpret general work-related vocabulary (e.g., experience, swing shift) Interpret and compare salary, benefit, and perquisite options Interpret and complete job applications, rsums, and letters of application Prepare work history for use in developing resume Reinterpret life skills and experience to make them attractive to employers Prepare and/or update resume Assess skills in light of individual employer needs, adapting resume for each employer Conduct interview in professional manner (proper attire, punctuality, positive attitude, appropriate manners) Prepared with all relevant documents Advocate effectively for self Prepared for difficult questions Identify the formal organizational structure of a work environment Describe line and staff organizational structures Describe how a system's structures relate to its goals Compare organizational policies and procedures Interpret work-related documents such as employment contract employee handbooks, personnel policies and job manuals, wages and benefit statements, timekeeping forms Understand legal employment guidelines, including Sexual Harassment, ADA, Violence in Work place) Attend orientation Ask fellow employees and supervisors for

Apply for position

Interview for position

Retain Employment

Understand employer's organizational structure

Understand policies and procedures

clarification Function effectively within the formal and informal codes of the social and organizational system

Identify organizations goals Demonstrate interest in organizational goals Appear for work on time with only minor exceptions Present acceptable appearance as defined by organization: appropriate clothing, accessories, hygiene Utilize interpersonal skills (see Individual and Interpersonal Affective Skills) Interpret job responsibilities Interpret work specifications and quality standards Interpret employer expectations Monitor own work performance Participate in performance reviews Understand own role in the larger context of organization and industry Understand work-related hierarchies Enhance own performance by developing technical skills Align personal interests and performance standards with the organization's Redirect personal efforts in response to the organization's changing priorities and ambiguous circumstances Understand the organizations business model Identify the organizations external customers Identify internal customers within the organization Understand the difference between customer needs and customer expectations

Perform job according to direction

Advance within organization

Understand customer relationship to business

Affective Skills
Performance Objective Knowledge Individual Affective Skills Competency Develop positive self-image

Identify positive successful role models Reframe failure experiences as learning opportunities Re-create self-image of effective person in life rather than victim of circumstances Express negative feelings in the context of a larger positive worldview, rather than as confirmation of negative worldview Exhibit positive attitude, demeanor, facial expression, body language, oral expression Understand own positive attributes Be aware of own skills and abilities Monitor development of positive personal attributes Identify personal responsibilities Identify sources of stress Work to resolve stressful issues Manage personal issues relevant to reliability at work (child care, transportation especially) Identify and eliminate self-sabotaging behaviors Express feelings such as fear, anger, depression, defeatism in ways that do not negatively affect work behavior Follow written and oral instructions Take direction readily from supervisor Complete tasks as assigned

Positive attitude

Manage personal stress

Perform work responsibly

Take on additional assignments as necessary Maintain neat & orderly condition of work station Wear safety equipment Identify safety concerns and hazards Report safety concerns and hazards Initiate tasks without prompts Set well-defined, realistic goals Set priorities Monitor progress towards the goal Work with little supervision Demonstrate good personal ethics Understand good/poor business ethics practices Understand how ethical choices at work impact business reputation Select appropriate communication methods Understand how listening and communication are affected by personalities, cultures, work styles, and expertise Respond diplomatically and effectively to ambiguous, subtle, or conflicting messages and goals within the workplace Place and answer telephone call in courteous, business-like manner Leave an effective voicemail message. Accurately receive information spoken over the telephone. Accurately convey a telephone message to a third person.

Comply with established safety practices

Manages assigned workload independently

Exhibit honesty and integrity

Interpersonal Affective Skills

Effectively communicate messages, ideas, and opinions

Use business telephone skills

Give and receive criticism and suggestions

Admit mistakes Accept and respond appropriately to constructive criticism Use tact in handling criticism, disappointment, disagreement, suggesting improvements Use effective strategies to cope with negative feedback Help co-workers meet deadlines Participate in conversations, discussions, meetings, presentations Understand the characteristics of successful and unsuccessful teams Understand typical processes and phases of teams Identify barriers to effective teamwork Present facts and arguments Recognize and empathize with differing points of view Offer options Make compromises Avoid use of stereotypes in speaking and interactions Demonstrate respect for individual differences Show appreciation for personal and professional qualities of other team members Understand the value of cultural diversity Demonstrate cultural awareness Deal appropriately with irate customers Communicate with customer to clearly define requirements Confer with and update customers throughout production Demonstrate initiative and resourcefulness in solving

Work cooperatively

Negotiate and resolve conflicts

Work with diverse group of employers, employees, and customers

Communicate effectively with customers and clients

problems of customers

Manage and Allocate Resources

Understand the differences between data and information Identify essential information Asks analytic questions to determine specific information needs Determine the right people to ask for information and where to get resources Use reference materials Utilize and maintain system of organization using a filing system or other ordered system (e.g., coded or numbered) Locate information within organizational system Categorize figures, reports, and data Utilize intranet and internet to gather information by using search engines and following links Evaluate relevance and veracity of information sources Organize material with a logical flow Determine ways to structure or classify multiple pieces of information Design system of organization such as notebooks, files, calendars, folders, and checklists, databases Perform file management, backup and archiving

Use organizational systems for information

Create organizational systems for information

Determine when new information must be created Choose best methods to present information (overheads, handouts, multimedia, oral or written communication, etc.) Be punctual in arriving at work and taking breaks Plan transportation to work: bus or carpool schedule Plan back-up arrangements for primary transportation Develop accurate estimates of importance of tasks, time needed to complete tasks, time available for completion, and task deadlines Set priorities for completing work Organize schedule to accomplish goals Evaluate and adjust schedule Complete tasks by assigned deadline Interpret schedules: maintenance/repair, inventory/purchasing Schedule meetings and appointments Coordinate schedules and resources to meet customer needs Keep detailed financial records Track status of expenditures and revenue Calculate charges for billable service Prepare work-related budget Identify steps within manufacturing processes that determine unit cost Calculate the overhead for specific manufacturing processes Calculate unit cost for manufacturing processes Identify immediate and real costs of accidents Determine factors to be considered when

Time and Schedule Self-management

Coordinate others

Financial Resources

Uses budgets at work

Understand financial systems related to productivity

establishing unit price Describe relationship between cost and price of products Understand how one's work contributes to employer success through growth, liquidity, and profit Understand how one's work influences return on investment, overhead, cost of waste, down time, absenteeism, and defects Identify opportunities and possible barriers for profit in manufacturing processes Makes forecasts based on projected costs and revenues Use voicemail systems, copy machines, fax machines, printers, computers Use common office computer programs, such as word-processing, spreadsheet, database, statistical processing, & graphics software Identify basic parts of a computer system Understand operating systems and user interface Use keyboard and mouse to operate computer Understand software licensing and documentation

Basic Office Tools

Understand and use common business tools

Understand computer operation

Basic Skills: Oral Communication

Use spoken language to convey a message Reinforce the message with nonverbal strategies such as eye contact, facial expression, posture, and

body language Reinforce the message with voice-related strategies such as pitch, tone of voice, and rate of speaking. Answer questions to clarify understanding Ask listener to verify meaning Provide additional details as necessary to make meaning clear. Orally report progress on activities, status of assigned tasks, and problems and other situations affecting job completion Suggest improvements by clear, crisp, tactful written and oral communication Use spoken and body language appropriate in style, tone, and level of complexity to the audience and the occasion Understand information and ideas presented in spoken words and sentences Determine central idea from a spoken message. Observe for meaning conveyed in voice-related portions of spoken communication such as tone of voice, pitch, rate of speaking and use of pauses. Observe for meaning conveyed in nonverbal communication such as eye contact, facial expression, posture, and body language. Distinguish fact from opinion in a spoken message Determine specific steps in a spoken set of directions. Ask questions as needed to clarify understanding Distinguish fact from opinion in a spoken message

Clarify and verify shared meaning

Share organized information orally

Listening

Use active listening skills.

Follow spoken directions

Critical listening

Evaluate worth of information received. Evaluate veracity of spoken message

Basic Skills: Written Communication

Obtain information from sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents. Determine central idea in a written message. Obtain information from written materials such as directions, manuals, reports, proposals, technical documentation, safety directives Read work instructions to determine sequence of tasks, position of unit, required component parts and tools Apply complex instructions to described situations, including conditionals and procedures with multiple steps Interpret operator messages on computer screen Recognize implied details and probable rationale behind policies and procedures Interpret job-related technical information, such as from service manuals and training classes Recognize the definitions of difficult, uncommon jargon or technical terms, based on the context of the reading materials Interpret and clarify specifications prepared by others

Interpret meaning of written materials

Evaluate value and veracity of information received Use pre-writing strategies to generate ideas, develop voice, and plan Organize ideas to ensure coherence, logical progression, support for ideas in writing Use supportive details to convey insight into particular situation the message involves Use grammar, punctuation, mechanics according to rules of written business English Write information clearly, precisely, and logically Use language, style, organization, and format appropriate to the subject matter, purpose, and audience Proofread and revise own writing for appropriateness of organization, correct information, style, appropriate emphasis, conventions, grammar, spelling, and punctuation Correct technical documents that are in error or require modification Report progress on activities, status of assigned tasks, and problems and other situations affecting job completion Produce business documents using word-processing, database, spreadsheet, and desktop publishing software Send and receive e-mail messages Uses established guidelines and etiquette for email and web publishing Document results of measurement activities and calculations Record test results

Writing and Creating Graphics for Information

Organize information for writing

Compose written information such as letters, directions, manuals, reports, proposals, graphs, flow charts

Writing and Creating Graphics for Information (continued)

Electronic Communication

Record information

Perform data entry Maintains log of gauge readings and shift production Complete daily final inspection log Receive and communicate process flow instructions and delivery schedules Maintain cross-shift communications and shift reporting Prepare forms for transaction Verify and record shipments using bills of lading, invoices and other records Interpret graphic displays of information: symbols, diagrams, illustrations, blueprints, flowcharts, technical sketches, schematics, and scale drawings Use maps to navigate to and from, and within, job sites Scan environment for information Follow sample boards and assemblies to determine assembly duties and select components Read measurements from inspection devices (micrometers, calipers) Monitor indicators such as dials and gauges Visually inspect products and equipment for defects

Interpreting Visual Obtain information Information from graphic displays

Obtain information from visual inspection

Basic Skills: Arithmetic and Mathematics

Count & record quantities Perform simple arithmetic operations: addition,

arithmetic operations and numerical concepts

subtraction, multiplication, division, Make reasonable estimates of arithmetic results without calculation Understand fractions, decimals, negative numbers Identify basic shapes Identify angles within a circle Calculate perimeters and areas of basic shapes Plot values on an x-y graph Calculate percentages, averages, rates, ratios, proportions Identify and correct errors in calculations Properly order and solve multiple-step problems Convert between USCS and metric measurement systems, fractional measurements to decimal measurements, temperatures between Fahrenheit and Centigrade Recognize identifying numbers (parts numbers, work order numbers) Calculate and record postage/shipping charges Calculate production rate in manufacturing processes Calculate billable hours Understand concept of "tolerances" Use a hand-held calculator Performs measurements: number, length, height, width, weight Uses specialized measurement tools to provide measurements Interpret results of measurement activities and calculations Analyze and interpret test data for compliance to

Understand geometric concepts

Calculate formulas

Applied Math

Calculate formulas

Apply concepts of measurement

specifications Communicate with numerical information in visual form

Obtain quantitative information from tables, graphs, diagrams, and charts Evaluate relationships/trends with data display Make decisions and/or predictions based on information presented in graphics Create tables, graphs, diagrams, and charts to convey quantitative information Uses quantitative data to construct logical explanations for real world situations Organizes a problem and selects mathematical method to solve problem Extract information needed to solve a problem from a diagram or graph Analyze data from monitoring systems to identify problems, patterns and solutions Compile and evaluate statistical data to determine and maintain quality of products Describes the role of probability in the occurrence and prediction of events

Apply mathematical concepts to solve problems

Problem-Solving and Systems Thinking

Recognize when something is wrong or likely to go wrong Identify possible reasons for discrepancy between what is and what should be

Identify additional issues Identify parameters and constraints Identify opportunities for applying problem-solving techniques Use deductive reasoning: apply general rules to specific problems Use inductive reasoning: extract rules or principles from given information Make comparisons, differentiate among/sort/classify items, information, or ideas Come up with a logical explanation for why a series of events occur together Identify component elements and causal and part/whole relationships Understand different methodologies and select appropriate one Break down problems into component parts Take initiative in figuring out next step to take in a multi-step problem Sequence problem-solving steps Apply known rules and principles to a new situation Use convergent thinking to focus attention on root cause Considers risks, goals, constraints, consequences, and weighing alternatives Generate ideas using divergent (brainstorming) approaches Analyze alternate scenarios Develop approaches for implementing an idea Arrive at generalizations, judgments, decisions based on known or obtainable standards, characteristics, or dimensions

Apply problemsolving techniques

Generate solutions

Evaluate effectiveness of solution

Determine which conclusions are correct when given set of facts and set of conclusions Evaluate and monitor progress, revise plan as indicated by findings Evaluate outcome of an implemented solution, suggest modifications as needed Develop original processes, methods and procedures as needed Develop test and troubleshooting strategies Determine when important changes have occurred or are likely to occur in a system Distinguish trends, predict impacts on systems operations, diagnose deviations in systems' performance, correct malfunctions Identify downstream consequences, determine longterm outcomes of change in operations

Develop problemsolving strategies

Systems Thinking

Understands and can evaluate systems

On-going Learning
Performance Objective Knowledge Competency

Acquire New Skills Manage on-going and Information learning

Identify training needs Identify and use training opportunities beyond minimum requirements Update existing skills Remain current on training and certification programs

Learn from variety of sources

Identify sources of information and assistance Evaluate informational resources Access learning resources within a system Teach others knowledge, skill, or task Act as a teacher and mentor Exhibit patience with self and others Identify personal learning styles and strategies Understand impact of previous negative learning experiences on self-esteem Set learning goals Utilize test-taking skills Create devices or processes for remembering information Ask questions to increase knowledge and clarify understanding Relate new ideas to what is already known Utilize effective study strategies Use multiple approaches to learning or teaching new things Assess how well one is doing when learning or doing something new Establish support systems for structuring learning, such as study groups Evaluate outcomes of problem solution to identify lessons learned or redirect efforts Apply skills learned in one situation to another Perform a variety of jobs Identify constructive ways of dealing with change Keep up to date with technology and trends Change strategies and procedures to meet changing work environment

Knows How to Learn

Share learning with others

Use learning strategies

Change Management

Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in workplace

Section 5. Conclusion EnterTech Project coalition members are currently reviewing the knowledge, skills and abilities matrix. The Resources, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Advisory Team and employer representatives are providing responses through a survey form (Appendix H). With this feedback, along with the completion of the additional Work Keys job profiles, appropriate modifications will be incorporated into the matrix. The matrix represents a conceptual framework from which to develop the EnterTech Project curriculum. Building from this needs analysis, performance objectives, assessment activities and instructional strategies can be determined for the specific knowledge, skills and abilities. Among the most important lessons to impart are the basic employability skills and abilities of teamwork, interpersonal communications, problem solving, organizational thinking, and career management. Along with enhancements to basic knowledge in mathematics, writing, reading, and computer skills in context with technology industry job tasks, the EnterTech curriculum can meet the needs of employers and targeted learners alike.

Develop positive self-image : Identify positive successful role models