The Ohio Information Technology Competency Profile was developed under the auspices of the Joint Council of the Ohio Board of Regents and the State Board of Education. It provides the framework for itWORKS.OHIO, a broad-based educational response to Ohio's need for a skilled information technology (IT) workforce.

The profile includes a comprehensive set of information technology competencies that are grounded in core academic subject areas and built around four occupational clusters: Information Services and Support, Network Systems, Programming and Software Development, and Interactive Media. Generated using the Ohio Tech Prep model of curriculum development, the profile reflects the job opportunities and skills required for Ohio's information technology workers.

Formed in 1998, the Ohio Information Technology Task Force was instrumental in creating an action plan to develop these skill standards. Representatives from a broad cross-section of Ohio businesses and industries played a critical role in this effort by defining the vision and scope of information technology, and by identifying the essential and recommended skills for current and future information technology professionals. Secondary and post-secondary educators representing schools and colleges throughout Ohio identified when in the educational process and to what depth those skills identified by business should be addressed. Using Ohio's state model curriculum in mathematics, science, and language arts, critical academic skills needed to support technical skills were identified. Business/industry and educational representatives conducted a crosswalk between the profile and a number of business-generated certificate programs to facilitate IT program administration. (A list of business/industry representatives and educators participating in the development of the profile appears on the following pages.)

As part of the itWORKS.OHIO initiative, the Ohio Information Technology Profile will be used as the basis for the development of an integrated delivery system that provides opportunities for new and challenging information technology programs and courses in Ohio's secondary schools, colleges and universities. Career-Technical Education, Tech Prep, and adult education will be enhanced and expanded through the use of the IT curriculum.

For additional information contact:

Sara Mazak
IT Programs
Business, Marketing, & IT
CTAE
Ohio Department of Education
25 South Front Street, Mail Stop 604
Columbus, Ohio 43214
(614) 466-3891
sara.mazak@ode.state.oh.us