Our Mission:
Information Technology (IT) Education prepares students for employment and/or continuing education opportunities in the growing field of Information Technology in partnership with industry.

This is accomplished through technical instruction in the classroom, experiential education in the laboratory, student internships, and industry/skill certification. IT education programs also encourage and promote teamwork, lifelong learning, hands-on experience, ethical behavior, and communication skills.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PATHWAYS
The Utah Information Technology Education Pathways are based on the national skills standards, where applicable, and established state standards. By taking Information Technology Education courses, students obtain the advanced high-tech skills to successfully compete in the advancing technological world.

IT careers involve the design, development, support, and management of hardware, software, multimedia, and systems integration services. The IT industry is a dynamic and entrepreneurial working environment that has a revolutionary impact on the economy and society. In addition to careers in the IT industry, IT careers are available in every sector of the economy— from Financial Services to Medical Services, Business to Engineering and Environmental Services.

Below are the six Pathways in Information Technology Education:

Information Support and Services
  -Database Development and Administration
  -Technical Support

Interactive Media
  -Digital Media (Multimedia)
  -Web Development and Administration
  -Network Systems
  -Programming/Software Development

Our vision is to see that every student interested in an IT career receives the academic knowledge and foundational technical skills needed to be successful in the IT career field of his or her choice and post-secondary education.

STUDENT LEADERSHIP ORGANIZATIONS
IT students who want to participate in a leadership organization choose between the following organizations, depending on what is available at their school:

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
www.fbla-pbl.org/

SkillsUSA
www.skillsusa.org

Technology Student Association (TSA)
www.tsaweb.org

NATIONAL RECOGNITION
The Information Technology Education program has several state and national competitions in which students can participate. They include:

• FBLA State Competition
• Learn Key Challenge
• SkillsUSA State Competition
• TSA State Competition
• Utah Multimedia Arts Festival

In 2004, two Utah high school students were recognized nationally for their excellence in computer skills and technology at the nation TestOut Challenge.

In 2002, Utah’s IT Education program received the 2002 Partnership Award for Excellence from the Computer Training Industry Association (CompTIA) for its work in the development of the TestOut Challenge.

Utah’s IT Education program is also a charter member of the U.S. Department of Education’s Information Technology Career Cluster Consortium.

CAREER PREPARATION/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Each program in Information Technology Education is a sequence of courses that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills necessary to enter their chosen field of study and increase their earning potential while still in high school, and later, as they pursue post-secondary education.

Enrollment in Utah IT programs has grown from 8,050 students in 1999 to over 11,600 students in 2004. During 2007-2008, 2,159 IT Education competency skill certificates were issued to students representing substantial skill attainment at 80 percent or above. Also, during 1999-2007, 748 IT industry certifications were earned. Performance must be demonstrated in class as part of the skill certificate process. Preparation for post-secondary education and concurrent enrollment articulation is also a high priority of IT programs.

STATE AND LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS

Adobe
Allen Academy of E-Learning
Cisco®
CompTIA™
HumanXtensions®
Intel®
Macromedia®
Micron®
Microsoft®
Novell®
TestOut
Utah Information Technology Association (UITA)
Utah Women in Technology (UWIT)

Updated June 23, 2009