Two additional levels of detail support the learner program outcomes: key competencies and performance indicators. Key competencies are specific, observable behaviors, knowledge, abilities and skills that are needed to achieve the outcome. Performance indicators are criteria for attainment of skill and knowledge competencies and can be used as performance assessment criteria. The performance indicators are divided into two levels of mastery: proficiency and expert.

For each learning component, ten to fifteen key competencies and ten to twenty performance indicators were developed to further define the learner program outcomes, at the proficiency and expert levels.

Examples of key competencies and associated performance indicators for the learner program outcome given above are:

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EXAMPLE: LEARNING COMPONENT TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION Learner Program Outcomes Demonstrate an understanding of the purpose and process of technical documentation in business and industry Demonstrate the ability to develop effective and accurate documentation appropriate to various audiences and purposes Key Competencies Demonstrate the ability to: Use clear, focused, specific, and grammatically correct language Write in a concise and precise form appropriate for technical communication Explain the purpose and different uses of documentation in business and industry Performance Indicators Proficiency Level Ability to write grammatically correct sentences Ability to write clear and complete sentences

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The key competencies and performance indicators are identified for the technical knowledge and foundation skill components. It is important to identify the distinct learning outcomes and competencies for the foundation skills just as is done for technical knowledge. Distinguishing the foundation skills from the technical knowledge allows the instructor and learner to see the contribution each makes to accomplishing the task. The learner develops proficiency in the development of foundation skills that are necessary to solve problems, think critically, communicate effectively; all the skills necessary to adapt to the changing work environment. The transferability and portability of the foundation skills become more apparent both to the learner and instructor. Note: For the complete set of learning components, learner program outcomes, key competencies, and performance indicators for Technical Support, see the Model Curriculum section.

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