Keyboarding
Overview
Mission
The mission of K-5 Keyboarding is for all Utah students to possess keyboarding proficiency by 5th grade and improve their speed throughout their secondary education. Proper keyboarding instruction begins before 3rd grade and is reviewed in each succeeding grade to allow students to achieve a high degree of proficiency by 5th grade. Students are assessed for keyboarding competence in elementary and secondary keyboarding programs.
Critical Literacy Skill
To graduate, students must complete a Digital Literacy class in middle/junior high and a Digital Studies class in high school. In order to successfully pass these classes, a student must know how to keyboard proficiently and accurately.
Today, efficient keyboard and computer operation is a necessary and a critical skill for the majority of occupations. Keyboarding is an expected tool for communication throughout one's life.
With the widespread use of computers in schools and homes, keyboarding instruction has moved to the elementary grades. Younger children are becoming fluent computer users. It is important for them to learn proper keyboarding techniques early, so they do not develop bad habits that are very hard to break.
Career Preparation
Ninety-six percent of all jobs require effective keyboarding skills. Electronic correspondence, as a form of written communication, has become the norm, and because of that, touch typing has become a professional requirement. As the US Department of Labor notes, in the 21st century “the use of computers and the Internet in workplaces will become more pervasive and the functions performed using computers will dramatically increase.” Some of the top keyboard-intensive professions include physician, writer/journalist, computer programmer, web developer, police officer, manger/CEO, lawyer, and scientist.
Contact Us
Ashley Higgs, Specialist
Keyboarding and Digital Literacy
Phone: (801) 538-7594 | E-mail
Calendar
Keyboarding Methods Workshop
- Technique
- Key by Touch
- Student Improvement
- Computer Science and Keyboarding
Workshop Credit
Attendees must complete all requirements in the Canvas course to receive 1.0 USBE
credit or up to 16 relicensure points.
Workshop Cost
The cost to attend the Elementary Keyboarding Workshop is $40/person + registration
fees. These fees pay for the facilitator of the workshop. For the workshop to take
place, there must be at least 15 registered attendees. Space is limited.
Elementary Keyboarding Methods Workshops
Summer Workshop
Self-paced Canvas Course June 9-25, 2025
Cost: $40 + Processing Fee
Must have at least 15 registered to carry the workshop.
Workshop Postponed Until Further Notice
Contact Us
Ashley Higgs, Specialist
Keyboarding and Digital Literacy
Phone: (801) 538-7594 | E-mail
Courses
Keyboarding Standards
Elementary Keyboarding Standards
Elementary Keyboarding is designed to help students demonstrate efficient digital
input by the end of grade 5. This begins with competency in keyboarding, appropriate
and responsible use of technology, and basic computer science principles.
Keyboarding by touch, rather than speed, is introduced in the Elementary Keyboarding Standards. Keyboarding techniques are foundational to accuracy and speed. Aligning to Board Rule R277-700-4(6), an LEA shall assess students for proficiency in keyboarding by grade 5 and report school level results to the superintendent. In order to assure proficiency by grade 5, it is highly recommended that keyboarding fundamentals be introduced in grades K-2, and then building upon those fundamental principles in each succeeding grades. Students will be assessed during the spring of their 5th grade year. The assessment will be a timed typing test of high frequency words to demonstrate proficiency and results will be submitted to the state keyboarding specialist.
Grades K-2:
By the end of grade 2, students will be:
- Introduced to proper keyboarding techniques.
- Introduced to the home row keys and finger placement.
- Able to explain the functions or common hardware and software components.
- Able to perform basic troubleshooting tasks.
- Able to explain the use of passwords/passphrases.
- Able to log on and off devices appropriately.
Grades 3-5:
By the end of grade 5, students will:
- Demonstrate proficiency of proper keyboarding techniques.
- Demonstrate key by touch proficiency.
- Describe how computing devices connect to other components.
- Describe physical and digital security measure for protecting personal information.
Contact Us
Ashley Higgs, Specialist
Keyboarding and Digital Literacy
Phone: (801) 538-7594 | E-mail
Educator Endorsements
Elementary Keyboarding Endorsement
To be eligible for an endorsement, you must hold a current license. If you do not have a license, stop and complete the Associate Educator License (AEL) application process before moving forward with endorsement application.
- All information is submitted electronically.
- Do not leave any information categories blank.
- Combine multiple files to the same upload field into a single PDF document.
The Elementary Keyboarding Endorsement attaches to Elementary and Secondary area of concentration and authorizes the instructor to teach Elementary Keyboarding (32-02-00-00-210).
Associate Level Endorsement Requirements
- Letter of recommendation from current administrator
Professional Level Endorsement Requirements
- Complete the requirement for the Associate Level Endorsement
- Complete the USBE’s Keyboarding Methods Workshop
- Successful obtain one of the following certifications:
- Google Certified Level 2 Certification
- Microsoft Office Specialist – Word Associate Certificate
Contact Us
Ashley Higgs, Specialist
Keyboarding and Digital Literacy
Phone: (801) 538-7594 | E-mail
Keyboarding Proficiency Report
Mastery Levels
In grade 5, students will be assessed for proficiency in keyboarding. Students should be graded on technique mastery:
Advanced (4)
The student knows the keys, keys by touch, and demonstrates perfect technique.
Meets Expectations (3)
The student knows the keys and keys by touch.
Partial Mastery (2)
The student looks at the keys most of the time.
Little or No Mastery (1)
The student is dependent on looking at the keys.
Keyboarding Proficiency Reporting
Aligning to Board Rule R277-700-4(6), a Local Education Agency (LEA) shall assess students for proficiency in keyboarding by grade 5 and report school-level results to the superintendent. Each LEA will complete the Keyboarding Proficiency Report by June 1 each year. The LEA will provide the following information:
School Information
- District
- School
- Principal
- Principal Email
Keyboarding Instructor Information
- Name
- Email Address
- School Position
- Has the instructor attended a Keyboarding Methods Workshop?
- Does the instructor hold an Elementary Keyboarding Endorsement?
- Is the instructor registered for the Keyboarding Listserv?
Keyboarding Instruction
- How many minutes per week do students receive keyboarding instruction?
- Method of keyboarding instruction.
- What curriculum/software is used for keyboarding instruction?
Keyboarding Proficiency
- Number of students receiving an “Advanced (4)” score.
- Number of students receiving an “Meets Expectations (3)” score.
- Number of students receiving an “Partial Mastery (2)” score.
- Number of students receiving an “Little to No Mastery (1)” score.
Elementary Keyboarding Assessment
This form will open May 1 of each school. The form will close on June 1 of each school year.
Fiscal Year 2025 Elementary Keyboarding Proficiency Report (Google Form)
Contact Us
Ashley Higgs, Specialist
Keyboarding and Digital Literacy
Phone: (801) 538-7594 | E-mail
Resources
90%
High Frequency Words
95%
High Frequency Words
Contact Us
Ashley Higgs, Specialist
Keyboarding and Digital Literacy
Phone: (801) 538-7594 | E-mail
Technique
Keyboarding Technique Rating Levels
Advanced (4)
The student knows the keys and keys by touch and demonstrates perfect technique.
Meets Expectations (3)
The student knows the keys and keys by touch.
Partial Mastery (2)
The student looks at the keys most of the time.
Little or No Mastery (1)
The student is dependent on looking at the keys.
Correct Technique Criteria
Grades K-2 (by the end of grade 2):
- Fingers curved and orientated to home row.
- Sit up straight.
- Feet flat on floor.
- Body centered with the “G” and “H” keys.
- Elbows naturally at sides.
Grades 3-5 (by the end of grade 5):
- Feet flat on floor.
- Sit up straight.
- Key with smooth rhythm and quiet hands.
- Body centered with the “G” and “H” keys.
- Fingers curved and oriented to home row.
- Wrists straight and elbows naturally at sides
- Eyes on copy or screen, not on keys.
- Correct fingers used for keystrokes.
Contact Us
Ashley Higgs, Specialist
Keyboarding and Digital Literacy
Phone: (801) 538-7594 | E-mail