Florida Department of Education
Curriculum Framework

Program Title:	Legal Administrative Specialist
Program Type:	Career Preparatory
Career Cluster:	Business Management and Administration

Career Certificate Program 	
Program Number	B072000	
CIP Number	0522030103	
Grade Level	30, 31  	
Program Length	1050 hours	
Teacher Certification	Refer to the Program Structure section.	
CTSO	PBL, BPA	
SOC Codes (all applicable) 	Please see the CIP to SOC Crosswalk located at the link below.	
CTE Program Resources 	http://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-tech-edu/program-resources.stml	
Basic Skills Level	Computation (Mathematics):	10	Communications (Reading and Language Arts): 	10	

Purpose

This program offers a sequence of courses that provides coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers as an Information Technology Assistant, Front Desk Specialist, Administrative Support, and Legal Administrative Specialist in the Business Management and Administration career cluster; provides technical skill proficiency, and includes competency-based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills, and knowledge of all aspects of the Business Management and Administration career cluster. 

The content includes but is not limited to the use of technology to develop communications skills, higher level thinking skills, and decision making skills; legal terminology; the performance of office procedures specific to the legal environment; transcription of legal documents from machine dictation; the production of quality work in an efficient manner using advanced features of business software applications; research of job opportunities; and the production of high quality employment portfolios and job-seeking documents.

Additional Information relevant to this Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is provided at the end of this document.

Program Structure

This program is a planned sequence of instruction consisting of four occupational completion points.

This program is comprised of courses which have been assigned course numbers in the SCNS (Statewide Course Numbering System) in accordance with Section 1007.24 (1), F.S.  Career and Technical credit shall be awarded to the student on a transcript in accordance with Section 1001.44(3)(b), F.S.

To teach the courses listed below, instructors must hold at least one of the teacher certifications indicated for that course.

The following table illustrates the postsecondary program structure:

OCP	Course Number	Course Title	Teacher Certification	Length	
A	OTA0040	Information Technology Assistant	OTA0040 Teacher Certifications	150 hours	
B	OTA0041	Front Desk Specialist	ADMIN ASST 7 G
BUS ED 1 @2
CLERICAL @7 7 G
MANAG SUPV 7 G
SECRETAR 7  G 
TC COOP ED @7
VOE @7	300 hours	
C	OTA0042	Administrative Support	BUS ED 1 @2
CLERICAL @7 7 G
MANAG SUPV 7 G
SECRETAR 7  G 
TC COOP ED @7
VOE @7	150 hours	
D	OTA0050	Legal Administrative Specialist		450 hours	

Common Career Technical Core – Career Ready Practices

Career Ready Practices describe the career-ready skills that educators should seek to develop in their students.  These practices are not exclusive to a Career Pathway, program of study, discipline or level of education.  Career Ready Practices should be taught and reinforced in all career exploration and preparation programs with increasingly higher levels of complexity and expectation as a student advances through a program of study. 

1. Act as a responsible and contributing citizen and employee. 

2. Apply appropriate academic and technical skills. 

3. Attend to personal health and financial well-being. 

4. Communicate clearly, effectively and with reason. 

5. Consider the environmental, social and economic impacts of decisions. 

6. Demonstrate creativity and innovation. 

7. Employ valid and reliable research strategies. 

8. Utilize critical thinking to make sense of problems and persevere in solving them. 

9. Model integrity, ethical leadership and effective management. 

10. Plan education and career path aligned to personal goals. 

11. Use technology to enhance productivity. 

12. Work productively in teams while using cultural/global competence. 

Standards

Information Technology Assistant (OTA0040) is the first course in this and other programs within the Business Management & Administration Career Cluster.  Standards 01.0 – 15.0 are associated with this course.

After successfully completing this program, the student will be able to perform the following:

01.0	Demonstrate knowledge, skill, and application of information technology to accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace performance.   
02.0	Develop an awareness of microcomputers.   
03.0	Demonstrate an understanding of networks.   
04.0	Use word processing applications to enhance the effectiveness of various types of documents and communication.  
05.0	Use presentation applications to enhance communication skills.   
06.0	Use spreadsheet applications to enhance communication skills.  
07.0	Use database applications to store and organize data.  
08.0	Use electronic mail to enhance communication skills.  
09.0	Investigate individual assessment and job/career exploration and individual career planning that reflect the transition from school to work, lifelong learning, and personal and professional goals.   
10.0	Incorporate appropriate leadership and supervision techniques, customer service strategies, and standards of personal ethics to accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace performance.   
11.0	Demonstrate competence using computer networks, internet and online databases to facilitate collaborative or individual learning and communication.   
12.0	Develop awareness of computer languages, web-based and software applications, and emerging technologies.   
13.0	Demonstrate an understanding of basic html by creating a simple web page.  
14.0	Demonstrate comprehension and communication skills.   
15.0	Use social media to enhance online communication and develop an awareness of a digital footprint.  
16.0	Demonstrate knowledge, skill, and application of information systems to accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace of performance in order to apply ergonomic principles applicable to the configuration of computer workstations.  
17.0	Demonstrate language arts knowledge and skills.  
18.0	Apply professional oral and written communication skills in a courteous, concise, and correct manner.  
19.0	Solve problems using critical thinking skills, creativity and innovation and by interpreting information and ideas.  
20.0	Practice quality performance incorporating customer service strategies in the learning environment and the workplace.  
21.0	Apply appropriate supervision techniques, standards of personal ethics, and knowledge of workplace regulatory practices to accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace performance.  
22.0	Incorporate knowledge gained from individual assessment and job/career exploration to design an individual career plan that reflects the transition from school to work, lifelong learning, and personal and professional goals.  
23.0	Demonstrate human relations/interpersonal skills appropriate for the workplace.  
24.0	Perform administrative office functions and responsibilities to accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace performance.  
25.0	Describe the importance of professional ethics and legal responsibilities.  
26.0	Participate in simulated work-based learning experiences.  
27.0	Use technology to apply and enhance communication skills in technical reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing. 
28.0	Participate in simulated work-based learning experiences. 
29.0	Demonstrate an understanding of business law concepts. 
30.0	Demonstrate an understanding of different types of insurance. 
31.0	Develop an awareness of management functions and organizational structures as they relate to today’s workplace and employer/employee roles.  
32.0	Practice quality performance in the learning environment and the workplace.  
33.0	Apply appropriate supervision techniques, standards of personal ethics, and knowledge of workplace regulatory practices to accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace performance.  
34.0	Perform legal office functions and responsibilities to accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace performance. 
35.0	Use technology to increase legal office support productivity and enhance workplace performance. 
36.0	Participate in simulated work-based learning experiences. 
37.0	Describe court systems and trial processes.
38.0	Discuss the juvenile justice system.  
39.0	Discuss constitutional and criminal laws at the federal, state, and local levels.  
40.0	Describe and explain the various steps of the criminal justice process.  
41.0	Demonstrate employability skills.  
42.0	Demonstrate knowledge of legal operating systems. 
43.0	Demonstrate comprehension and communication of legal knowledge skills.  

Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Program Title: 	Legal Administrative Specialist 
Career Certificate Program Number: 	B070300

Course Number:  OTA0040 
Occupational Completion Point:  A 
Information Technology Assistant – 150 Hours	
Information Technology Assistant (OTA0040) is part of several programs across the various CTE career clusters.  To ensure consistency, the standards and benchmarks for this course (01.0 – 15.0) have been placed in a separate document.   To access this document, visit: Information Technology Assistant (OTA0040)	

Course Number:  OTA0041 
Occupational Completion Point:  B
Front Desk Specialist – 300 Hours	
16.0	Demonstrate knowledge, skill, and application of information systems to accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace of performance in order to apply ergonomic principles applicable to the configuration of computer workstations.  The student will be able to:	
16.01	Enhance proficiency with touch keyboarding skills (speed and accuracy to enter and manipulate data). 	
16.02	Use communications and networking to perform tasks and solve problems in business environments. 	
16.03	Apply knowledge of ergonomic principles to the configuration of computer workstations in order to enhance workplace performance.	
17.0	Demonstrate language arts knowledge and skills.  The student will be able to:	
17.01	Locate, comprehend and evaluate key elements of oral and written information.	
17.02	Draft, revise, and edit written documents using correct grammar, punctuation and vocabulary.	
17.03	Present information formally and informally for specific purposes and audiences. 	
18.0	Apply professional oral and written communication skills in a courteous, concise, and correct manner.  The student will be able to:	
18.01	Select and employ appropriate communication concepts and strategies to enhance oral and written communication in the workplace.	
18.02	Locate, organize, and reference written information from various sources.	
18.03	Design, develop, and deliver formal and informal presentations using appropriate media to engage and inform diverse audiences.	
18.04	Apply active listening skills to obtain and clarify information.	
18.05	Exhibit public relations skills that aid in achieving customer satisfaction.	
18.06	Integrate all forms of communication.	
18.07	Discuss the need to use professional demeanor in business communications.	
19.0	Solve problems using critical thinking skills, creativity and innovation and by interpreting information and ideas.  The student will be able to:	
19.01	Employ critical thinking skills independently and in teams to solve problems and make decisions.	
19.02	Employ critical thinking and interpersonal skills to resolve conflicts.	
19.03	Identify and document workplace performance goals and monitor progress toward those goals.	
19.04	Conduct technical research to gather information necessary for decision-making.	
19.05	Interpret verbal and nonverbal cues/behaviors that enhance communication.	
19.06	Develop and interpret tables and charts.	
20.0	Practice quality performance incorporating customer service strategies in the learning environment and the workplace.  The student will be able to:	
20.01	Discuss performance evaluation methods and instruments used to assess employee progress and performance. 	
20.02	Develop an understanding of the integral value of a customer and practice skills to provide excellent customer service.	
20.03	Develop and implement a plan for maintaining quality service and production in a workplace, business, or learning environment.	
21.0	Apply appropriate supervision techniques, standards of personal ethics, and knowledge of workplace regulatory practices to accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace performance.  The student will be able to:	
21.01	Facilitate discussions regarding service, supervision, and ethical considerations that impact the workplace.	
21.02	Identify the main causes of accidents in the office and preventive measures. 	
21.03	Discuss the responsibilities organizations have to their employees.	
22.0	Incorporate knowledge gained from individual assessment and job/career exploration to design an individual career plan that reflects the transition from school to work, lifelong learning, and personal and professional goals.  The student will be able to:	
22.01	Plan ethical and political strategies to achieve goals and advance careers. 	
22.02	Discuss the role of and understand how to use professional networking resources, including web-based resources.	
23.0	Demonstrate human relations/interpersonal skills appropriate for the workplace.  The student will be able to:	
23.01	Develop professional workplace relationship skills both internally and externally to include team building and group dynamics.  Understand how individual personalities fit the team.	
23.02	Develop initiative and problem-solving skills to effectively deal with conflict resolution.	
24.0	Perform administrative office functions and responsibilities to accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace performance.  The student will be able to:	
24.01	Apply the use of information management tools to develop and coordinate distribution of work. 	
24.02	Maintain equipment and supplies.	
24.03	Perform financial functions. 	
24.04	Have knowledge of transcription and how to prepare documents using machine dictation.	
24.05	Perform specialized records management functions. 	
24.06	Determine the most efficient method of sending business documents and materials.	
25.0	Describe the importance of professional ethics and legal responsibilities.  The student will be able to:	
25.01	Identify the importance of making decisions that are based on ethical reasoning.	
25.02	Identify and discuss personal and long term consequences of unethical choices in the workplace.	
26.0	Participate in simulated work-based learning experiences.  The student will be able to:	
26.01	Participate in simulated work-based learning experiences in the administrative field. 	
26.02	Discuss the use of technology in the administrative field. 	
26.03	Compare and contrast the software applications used in the administrative field. 	
26.04	Discuss organizational networks or charts and describe the relationships between positions and responsibilities. 	

Course Number:  OTA0042
Occupational Completion Point:  C
Administrative Support – 150 Hours	
27.0	Use technology to apply and enhance communication skills in technical reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing. The student will be able to:	
27.01	Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of establishing and maintaining a work-related network through social contacts.	
27.02	Use appropriate etiquette and manners when communicating with people of varying cultures.	
28.0	Participate in simulated work-based learning experiences. The student will be able to:	
28.01	Participate in simulated work-based learning experiences in a supervisory, management, or small business environment.	
28.02	Discuss the use of technology in a supervisory, management, or small business environment. 	
28.03	Compare and contrast software applications used in a supervisory, management, or small business environment. 	
29.0	Demonstrate an understanding of business law concepts. The student will be able to:	
29.01	Demonstrate an understanding of contractual relationships. 	
29.02	Identify the elements of an enforceable contract. 	
29.03	Differentiate among classes of contracts.	
29.04	Identify contractual capacity requirements. 	
29.05	Discuss potential problems with signing employment contracts. 	
29.06	Explain valid employment interview questions and valid employment testing requirements. 	
29.07	Identify legislation that regulates employee rights.	
29.08	Identify legislation that regulates employment conditions.	
29.09	Define key terms in law. 	
29.10	Identify key intellectual property requirements and statues relating to unauthorized access to computer resources. 	
29.11	Describe the purposes of various consumer laws and explain their effect on the consumer’s well-being. 	
29.12	Describe how local businesses can be a source of consumer assistance and identify consumer organizations, businesses, and governmental agencies that provide consumer assistance. 	
29.13	Differentiate among the various types of consumer fraud and explain steps that can be taken by victims to gain redress. 	
29.14	Distinguish fraudulent, misleading, and legitimate product claims and explain what the consumer should do if such claims lead to the purchase of a faulty product. 	
29.15	Identify documents and terms related to wills, trusts, and probate.	
30.0	Demonstrate an understanding of different types of insurance. The student will be able to:	
30.01	Differentiate between requirements for insurable interest for property insurance with those needed for life insurance. 	
30.02	Compare and contrast the different types of life insurance.	
30.03	Compare and contrast the different types of other insurance.	
30.04	Compare and contrast the differences in health insurance coverage. 	
30.05	Demonstrate an understanding of professional liability coverage.	
31.0	Develop an awareness of management functions and organizational structures as they relate to today’s workplace and employer/employee roles.  The student will be able to:	
31.01	Compare and contrast the legal procedures and processes for forming and dissolving various forms of business ownership.	
32.0	Practice quality performance in the learning environment and the workplace.  The student will be able to:	
32.01	Discuss the impact of time management practices on one’s personal and professional image.	
33.0	Apply appropriate supervision techniques, standards of personal ethics, and knowledge of workplace regulatory practices to accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace performance.  The student will be able to:	
33.01	Project professional image through appropriate business attire, ethical behavior, personal responsibility, flexibility, and respect for confidentiality.	
33.02	Apply principles of group dynamics in structured activities.	
33.03	Exhibit a positive attitude and professional behavior.	
33.04	Participate in school, community, and/or volunteer activities.	

Course Number:  OTA0050
Occupational Completion Point:  D
Legal Administrative Specialist – 450 Hours	
34.0	Perform legal office functions and responsibilities to accomplish job objectives and enhance workplace performance. The student will be able to:	
34.01	Use legal terminology.	
34.02	Perform specialized legal office procedures.	
34.03	Prepare legal documents.	
34.04	Utilize an electronic legal reference library.	
34.05	Use legal and ethical procedures in the legal office.	
34.06	Recognize usage of specialized legal software.	
34.07	Proofread to include mechanics, content, and specialized legal formats.	
34.08	Perform specialized records management functions specific to the legal field.	
34.09	Understand various ways to complete electronic filing.	
34.10	Demonstrate general knowledge of rules regulating the Florida Bar at www.floridabar.org. 	
34.11	Identify references for Federal and State rules of civil procedure and a general understanding of their purpose and application.	
34.12	Manage time efficiently using organizational skills, prioritization, and managing interruptions.	
34.13	Demonstrate knowledge of the rules of lawyer/client confidentiality.	
34.14	Demonstrate knowledge of ethical behavior in a legal business environment (e.g., appearance of impropriety, dealing with confidential information and privileged communications, identity of funds and property of clients, confidence and integrity in the legal profession, unauthorized practice of law).	
34.15	Demonstrate knowledge of ethical behavior in a business environment (e.g., confidentiality of information, employee right to know, hiring practices, plagiarism, copyright violations, sexual harassment, mission statement, code of ethics).	
35.0	Use technology to increase legal office support productivity and enhance workplace performance. The student will be able to:	
35.01	Key with speed and accuracy to meet industry standards for employment as a legal secretary.	
35.02	Integrate all forms of communication.	
35.03	Learn the Do’s and Don’ts of using Social Media in a professional environment.	
35.04	Identify, describe and utilize communications and networking systems required in legal workplace environments (e.g., electronic mail, internet, conflicts check system).	
36.0	Participate in simulated work-based learning experiences. The student will be able to:	
36.01	Participate in simulated work-based learning experiences in a legal office environment.	
36.02	Discuss the use of technology in a legal office environment.	
36.03	Compare and contrast the software applications used in a legal office environment.	
36.04	Discuss ways to respond positively to change and reduce stress in a busy legal office.	
36.05	Discuss the management/supervisory skills needed in a legal office environment.	
37.0	Describe court systems and trial processes.  The student will be able to:	
37.01	Describe the Federal court system.	
37.02	Describe the Florida court system.	
37.03	Describe the Pre-trial, trial, and post-trial processes.	
37.04	Describe the roles and responsibilities of judges, juries, defense attorneys, prosecutors, and plaintiffs in a trial. 	
38.0	Discuss the juvenile justice system.  The student will be able to:	
38.01	Identify the programs and agencies within the juvenile justice system and their roles and responsibilities.	
38.02	Discuss Florida’s juvenile court system, including procedures and alternative programs.	
39.0	Discuss constitutional and criminal laws at the federal, state, and local levels.  The student will be able to:	
39.01	Distinguish between state and federal laws.	
39.02	Differentiate between, and identify elements of, civil and criminal law.	
39.03	Describe criminal law procedures in Florida.	
39.04	Identify an example of a strict liability offense.	
39.05	Explain how a strict liability offense differs from other crimes.	
39.06	Define the different types of crimes against the person.	
39.07	Differentiate between the different types of homicide.	
39.08	Define the different types of crimes against property.	
39.09	Describe the different types of defenses a criminal defendant may use at trial.	
40.0	Describe and explain the various steps of the criminal justice process.  The student will be able to:	
40.01	Identify the steps of the criminal justice process.	
40.02	List factors that show probable cause.	
40.03	Describe how a search warrant is obtained and what it must specify.	
40.04	Explain the legal principle upon which the protection against self-incrimination is based.	
40.05	Identify circumstances in which a jury trial is not required.	
40.06	List and describe the sentencing options judges may exercise.	
41.0	Demonstrate employability skills.  The student will be able to:	
41.01	Identify sources of information regarding employment opportunities in the legal profession.	
41.02	Identify advanced career options and training opportunities in the legal profession.	
41.03	Conduct a job search and identify the training, experience, and other qualifications required for different positions.	
41.04	Identify the interpersonal skills, work habits, and ethics necessary for ongoing employment in an environment of human diversity.	
41.05	Secure information about a particular job.	
41.06	Complete a job resume.	
41.07	Complete a job application.	
41.08	Apply effective job interview techniques.	
42.0	Demonstrate knowledge of legal operating systems. The student will be able to:	
42.01	Identify and utilize basic legal operating system file naming conventions (e.g., basic principles, business names, governmental names, organizational names and personal names).	
42.02	Use appropriate legal office procedures for letters, envelopes, interoffice memoranda, processing mail, proof reading and, delivery services.	
42.03	Know and understand the duties performed by a notary public.	
42.04	Understand and use appropriate telephone etiquette (e.g., courtesy, first impressions, telephone use etc.)	
43.0	Demonstrate comprehension and communication of legal knowledge skills.  The student will be able to:	
43.01	Read and comprehend technical and non-technical legal terminology utilized in reading assignments related to course content including trade journals, books, magazines and electronic libraries. 	
43.02	Write clear and well-organized documents, integrating a variety of information from a range of law areas.	
43.03	Take notes, organize, summarize, and paraphrase ideas and details.	
43.04	Accurately follow written and oral instructions.	
43.05	Interpret data on graphs, charts, diagrams, and tables commonly used in the legal profession.	

Additional Information

Laboratory Activities

Laboratory investigations that include scientific inquiry, research, measurement, problem solving, emerging technologies, tools and equipment, as well as, experimental, quality, and safety procedures are an integral part of this career and technical program/course. Laboratory investigations benefit all students by developing an understanding of the complexity and ambiguity of empirical work, as well as the skills required to manage, operate, calibrate and troubleshoot equipment/tools used to make observations. Students understand measurement error; and have the skills to aggregate, interpret, and present the resulting data. Equipment and supplies should be provided to enhance hands-on experiences for students.

Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO)

Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) and Business Professionals of America (BPA) are the co-curricular career and technical student organizations providing leadership training and reinforcing specific career and technical skills.  Career and Technical Student Organizations provide activities for students as an integral part of the instruction offered.  

Cooperative Training – OJT

On-the-job training is appropriate but not required for this program.  Whenever offered, the rules, guidelines, and requirements specified in the OJT framework apply. 

Basic Skills 

In Career Certificate programs offered for 450 hours or more, in accordance with Rule 6A-10.040, F.A.C., the minimum basic skills grade levels required for postsecondary adult career and technical students to complete this program are:  Computation (Mathematics) and Communications (Reading and Language Arts). These grade level numbers correspond to a grade equivalent score obtained on a state designated basic skills examination.  

Adult students with disabilities, as defined in Section 1004.02, Florida Statutes, may be exempted from meeting the Basic Skills requirements (Rule 6A-10.040).  Students served in exceptional student education (except gifted) as defined in s. 1003.01, F.S., may also be exempted from meeting the Basic Skills requirement.  Each school district and Florida College System Institution must adopt a policy addressing procedures for exempting eligible students with disabilities from the Basic Skills requirement as permitted in Section 1004.91, F.S.

Accommodations

Federal and state legislation requires the provision of accommodations for students with disabilities to meet individual needs and ensure equal access. Postsecondary students with disabilities must self-identify, present documentation, request accommodations if needed, and develop a plan with their counselor and/or instructors. Accommodations received in postsecondary education may differ from those received in secondary education. Accommodations change the way the student is instructed. Students with disabilities may need accommodations in such areas as instructional methods and materials, assignments and assessments, time demands and schedules, learning environment, assistive technology and special communication systems. Documentation of the accommodations requested and provided should be maintained in a confidential file.

Note: postsecondary curriculum and regulated secondary programs cannot be modified.