During the data-gathering process of the IT skill
standards project, foundation skills for information
technology careers were identified. Foundation skills
are the skills, knowledge, abilities, and personal
qualities required of all workers to be successful
in today's workplace. These are the universal skills -
problem solving, team skills, and flexibility -
that are needed to apply technical knowledge and
tools effectively.
The foundation skills are based on broad workplace
categories known as SCANS . There are a total of
37 SCAN skills organized in the categories shown
in the table on the following page. There are a
total of 37 SCAN skills (Referred to hereafter
inclusively as foundation skills) organized in
the following categories:
The table shown below and on the following page
provides an example for a Technical Support curriculum
in which foundation skills (from the IT skill standards)
were emphasized.- This table shows how the foundation
proficiency levels can be identified for the career
clusters in the IT skill standards.
|
COMPETENCE |
EXAMPLE OF LEVEL
(IT SKILL STANDARD)
|
EXAMPLE OF LEVEL
(SCANS)
|
|
INTERPERSONAL
ServesClients/
Customers
|
- Priority needs are clearly defined for the customer.
- Complete set of requirements has been communicated to and approved by customer.
- Relationships are managed so customers are satisfied with current level of service.
- Acceptable options are consistently presented and negotiated.
- Liaison communication includes updating all involved groups.
|
Ability to:
- speak clearly and concisely
- pose critical questions
- interpret and clarify communication
- encourage cooperation
- ask appropriate questions
- identify and respond to customer concerns/ complaints
|
|
TECHNOLOGY
Selects Technology
Applies Technology to Work
Maintains and Troubleshoots Technology
|
- Accurate and complete description of data and system configuration is obtained.
- Deficiencies in configuration are clearly and concisely identified.
- Installation plan is practical, appropriate, timely and well documented.
- Diagnosis is complete and accurate.
|
Ability to:
- predict outcomes/ results based on experience or prior knowledge
- examine information/ data for relevance and accuracy
- formulate technological solutions
- analyze situation and create a list of required tools and resources
|
|
WRITING
|
- Gathered data is verified against known standard configuration.
- Appropriate sources have been consulted in a timely manner.
- Information is accurate and complete.
- Information is gathered on a continuous basis and in a cost-effective manner.
- Retrieves relevant data.
|
Ability to:
- create detailed supporting documents
- communicate at appropriate audience level
- create concise report
- interpret and summarize information
- create original documents
- record information accurately
|
|
THINKING
Knowing how to Learn
|
- Estimate of time, materials and
capabilities needed to meet customer requirements
is prepared and realistic.
- Schedule chart is prepared based on resource availability
and project timeline.
- Document/information is available on time.
- Customer expectations are met in a timely manner.
- Scope of work is documented in an accurate, complete and succinct form.
- Milestones and schedules are clearly understood and communicated.
- Milestones are adjusted appropriately.
- Implementation is completed within established time frame.
|
Ability to:
- identify key sources of information
- utilize previous training/ experience to predict outcomes
- apply creative thinking to new situations
- identify and prioritize need for data
- analyze information
|
|
RESOURCES
Allocates Time
|
- Requirements documented in an accurate, complete and succinct form.
- Document/information is accurate, clear, concise in internal tracking system.
- Documentation is complete and accurate.
- Writes the solution to the problem accurately.
|
Ability to:
- effectively use available resources
- devise and implement a plan of action
- organize information
- identify milestones based on experience or prior knowledge
- accept responsibility for own outcomes
- analyze situation and formulate a task sequence
- analyze work assignments
|