This document is broken down into the below categories. Click on a topic to jump to more information about a particular category.

• Where can I find them?
The following Web site has links to all of the information related to the Computer Technology test. http://www.schools.utah.gov./ate/Skills/bus/250.htm

• How often will they change?
Each year the standards and objectives will be reviewed and updated.

• This course is intended to help all Utah students become computer literate. Who is responsible for defining what "computer literate" means?
The following chart was created to illustrate a comparison of "computer literacy" between public education, higher education, and industry.

USOE
(Utah State Office of Educ.)

Adopted International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) standards

USHE
(Utah System of Higher Educ.)

Standards agreed to by Utah higher education institutions

Certiport
(Industry)

Company authorized by Microsoft to implement competency training worldwide (used international committee to create computer literacy standards)

Hardware, software, operating systems

The impact of computing and the Internet on society

Word processing functions

Network and the Internet, e-mail

Using the Internet

Spreadsheet functions

Skill Test

• Does it generate CTE add-on dollars?
Yes. Because it is taught by a CTE endorsed teacher and requires computers and other equipment to teach the course, it has been approved to generate add-on dollars. It should be noted, however, it was NOT given additional funds - these monies are simply redistributed from the current state-allocated CTE funds.

• What is the format of the state created exam, objective or production?
Both. The skill test has a performance requirement (production) that is done at the classroom level. If a student has met all of the performances at an 80% competency level AND he/she passes the 80-question multiple choice test (objective format) - he/she will receive a certificate.

• Are there performance requirements?
Yes, there are two forms that list these requirements; one for the teacher and one for the student. The student's form is more detailed. The teacher's form is the only one required by the state to be kept on file for two years at the school.

Course Availability

• What are the different ways this course requirement can be fulfilled?
This graduation requirement can be fulfilled in one of four ways:
1) Regular high school course - CIP Code 52.0417
2) Concurrent enrollment - CIP Code 52.0427
3) Electronic High School.
4) Test out. Refer to the test out section of this document for details.

Licensure

• What endorsement is required to be able to teach Computer Technology?
There are three endorsements that apply:
1) The Business CTE/General (composite) endorsement qualifies a teacher to teach this course as well as all the other state-approved business courses.
2) This course is part of the Business Information Technology endorsement (Business Education). The requirements to receive this endorsement can be seen by visiting: http://www.schools.utah.gov/cte/business_licensingbit.html.
3) If a teacher already has a valid endorsement in Information Technology (except Introduction to Information Technology), Technology & Engineering, Drafting/CAD, Commercial Photography, Commercial Art, Graphics/Printing or Business Core, he/she can acquire the IC3/Computer Technology. The requirements to receive this endorsement can be seen by visiting: http://www.schools.utah.gov/cte/business_licensingic3.html.

• How does someone acquire the endorsement?
Contact Craig Stoker at (801) 538-7738 or craig.stoker@schools.utah.gov

• Can a business professional out of industry, who is becoming a teacher, teach this course?
Yes, if the person qualifies for the Alternative Routes to Licensure program (http://www.schools.utah.gov/cert/APT/ARL/description.htm) and qualifies for a Business Information Technology endorsement.

• If a teacher has the Business CTE General endorsement - does it include this course?
Yes.

Inservice

• Where can teachers get training?
Every year business teachers receive training at the annual summer conference which is sponsored by the Utah State Office of Education. In addition to this conference, the Business Educator's Associations (UACTE & UBCEA) sponsor a mid-winter conference where workshops are also available. There are a variety of web sites such as USU, IC3, etc. that also have training material.

• How will teachers be updated as to changes?
Although few, if any, changes will occur mid-year, there will probably be adjustments made on an annual basis. These changes will be updated on the USOE Business web page as well as being sent via e-mail broadcasts to all business teachers. Teachers are strongly encouraged to join the Business Education mailing list: https://lists.uen.org/mailman/listinfo/business-ed.

Web Site

• What is the Web site that focuses on this course?
http://www.schools.utah.gov/ate/Skills/bus/250.htm

Test Out

• Can a student test out?
Yes, there are two state-approved test out options:
1) Utah State University's Computer Information Literacy (CIL) exam.
2) Certiport's IC3 exam.

• Where does a student go to test out?
Each high school in the state is qualified to become a testing center for either of the state-approved test out options. Consult your school or district for information regarding the nearest testing center.

• Who pays for the cost of taking those tests?
If a student chooses to test out of this course he/she is responsible for the cost of taking the test. If he/she does not want to pay, he/she can enroll in the Computer Technology course at no charge.

• Are there practice tests?
Yes. Various vendors have practice tests for the IC3 exam. Check with your high school or district for specific recommendations. USU also has some online tutorials to prepare for their exam. (For a listing of additional material, refer to Teacher Helps on the Computer Technology web site.)

• Why would a student want to test out?
If a student is already proficient in the material presented for this course it would be advantageous to have him/her test out to avoid boredom and allow him/her to move on to other, more challenging, courses. Students who have a full schedule and simply don't want to use a .5 credit on this course can also benefit by testing out, which allows them to take other courses of interest during the school day.

• Do students get .5 graduation credit if they test out?
No. As per the board rule:
(b) successful completion of state-approved competency examination (no credit, but satisfies the Core requirement).

Teacher Resources

• Is there a state required textbook?
No. Refer to the Web site for Teacher Helps - Textbooks/Resources. Material is available through various publishers and other vendors. http://www.schools.utah.gov/ate/Skills/bus/250.htm.

• Does a teacher have to use a textbook or can he/she create his/her own material?
A teacher is free to use any manner he/she desires to prepare students for this course. While textbooks and other material are widely available, they are by no means required.

• Are there other resources besides textbooks?
Yes. In addition to textbooks, a number of vendors have provided computer literacy training materials that include instruction via the Internet, CDs, and other sources.

Students

• What year is this required for graduation?
This new requirement will affect students who graduate beginning in 2006. For all students graduating before then, they will be held to the old board rule which allows this to be met through a variety of sources.

• What year is it recommended for students to take this course?
The course is intended to be taken during a student's freshman or sophomore year. This allows the student to gain the skills necessary so he/she can work with presentations, spreadsheets, etc. during his/her high school career. It also allows teachers the ability to expect these skills of students in their junior and senior years.

Concurrent Enrollment

• Which schools offer it?
Any high school in the state has the ability to teach a computer literacy course through the local higher education institution. The requirements for that course will be determined by the appropriate institution. It should be noted that whatever grade a student receives in this class will go on his/her permanent college transcript.

• Is there a minimum age?
The state standard for a high school student to enroll in a concurrent course requires the student to be in his/her junior or senior year of high school. There are, however, a few exceptions. Some higher education institutions have allowed sophomores to enroll for credit in this computer literacy course.

Integrated Project

• Are there any ideas to be shared on how to accomplish this?
There is a lot of value to be gained by having the students apply the skills they've learned in this course to another curricular area. There are, however, inherent complications in accomplishing this task. Ideas will be shared at teacher conferences (refer to the in-service section of this document) as well as via the web site and using UEN's tool for sharing teacher lesson plans and ideas.

Updated September 12, 2008