Virginia Department of Education
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Business & Information Technology
Office of Career and Technical Education
Economics Education and Financial Literacy
What's New in Business & Information Technology
The Business and Information Technology program in Virginia is an important segment of the total educational
program. Program goals include the attainment of competencies for work, further education and training, and
personal use. All students are provided opportunities to complement their academic preparation through the
Business and Information Technology program.
In an effort to reduce duplication within the Business and Information Technology program and among other
school programs, the offerings have been streamlined to present courses that represent the greatest need
for preparation for careers in the business world. Foundation courses allow opportunities for students to
explore a variety of careers and to learn skills and concepts in the areas of keyboarding and word
processing, computer applications and solutions, entrepreneurship, and principles of business and marketing.
Intensive preparation for business and information technology careers is available at the secondary level.
Courses are provided that will enable students to investigate opportunities in business, prepare for entry
and advancement on the job, develop management skills, and identify further education and training necessary
within a chosen career cluster. The curriculum for Business and Information Technology not only meets
current technological advances in computer applications, systems, and communications but also presents
opportunities to learn about economics and finance, accounting, law, and management.
New and revised offerings in Information Technology Fundamentals and Digital Input Technologies provide
important instruction in the Information Technology arena.
Description for these new courses are available in the What's New section of this
Web site.
Cooperative Office Education (COE) is a teaching method available
in each occupational course. Students attend classes part of the day and work in an approved business/office
part of the day. The combination is coordinated by the classroom teacher into a single learning package.
Local school divisions should identify which of the occupational courses they designate for the cooperative
education method of instruction in Business and Information Technology.
The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is the Career and
Technical Education student organization designed to develop personal employability and leadership skills for
all individuals enrolled in business and information technology courses. Through participation in the
organization, business and information technology students learn to engage in individual and group business enterprises, to hold office and direct the affairs of a group, to work with representatives of other student organizations, and to compete honorably with their colleagues.
Business and Information Technology courses prepare students for a variety of professional career
opportunities. Examples include:
For additional information about the Business & Information Technology Program at the secondary level in
the Commonwealth of Virginia contact:
Office of Career and Technical Education Services
Specialist, Business & Information Technology
Judith.Sams@doe.virginia.gov
Virginia Department of Education
P. O. Box 2120
Richmond, VA 23218-2120
804 371-0196 (office)
804 371-2456 (fax)