Common Planner
K–12 Standards

Workplace Readiness Skills

Other Virginia CTE sets

Demonstrating Personal Qualities and AbilitiesWRS.1

  • 1

    Demonstrate creativity and innovation.WRS.1.1

    1. a

      discussing the importance of creativity and innovation in the workplace WRS.1.1.a

    2. b

      brainstorming and contributing ideas, strategies, and solutions WRS.1.1.b

    3. c

      developing and/or improving products, services, or processes WRS.1.1.c

    4. d

      identifying and allocating available resources. WRS.1.1.d

  • 2

    Demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving.WRS.1.2

    1. a

      recognizing and analyzing problemsWRS.1.2.a

    2. b

      evaluating potential solutions and resourcesWRS.1.2.b

    3. c

      using a logical approach to make decisions and solve problemsWRS.1.2.c

    4. d

      implementing effective courses ofWRS.1.2.d

  • 3

    Demonstrate initiative and self-direction.WRS.1.3

    1. a

      recognizing the importance of proactive, independent decision makingWRS.1.3.a

    2. b

      identifying workplace needsWRS.1.3.b

    3. c

      completing tasks with minimal direct supervisionWRS.1.3.c

    4. d

      applyingWRS.1.3.d

  • 4

    Demonstrate integrity.WRS.1.4

    1. a

      defining integrityWRS.1.4.a

    2. b

      recognizing the importance of having integrity in the workplaceWRS.1.4.b

    3. c

      complying with local, state, and federal lawsWRS.1.4.c

    4. d

      adhering to workplace policies and proceduresWRS.1.4.d

    5. e

      exhibiting honesty, fairness, and respect toward self, others, andWRS.1.4.e

  • 5

    Demonstrate work ethic.WRS.1.5

    1. a

      defining work ethicWRS.1.5.a

    2. b

      recognizing the importance of having a strong work ethicWRS.1.5.b

    3. c

      demonstrating diligence (e.g., working with persistence to accomplish a task)WRS.1.5.c

    4. d

      maintaining dependability (e.g., being reliable)WRS.1.5.d

    5. e

      accounting for one’s decisions and actionsWRS.1.5.e

    6. f

      accepting the consequences of decisions andWRS.1.5.f

Demonstrating Interpersonal SkillsWRS.2

  • 1

    Demonstrate conflict-resolution skills.WRS.2.1

    1. a

      negotiating diplomatic solutions to interpersonal and workplace issues (e.g., due to personality, culture, work style, or performance).WRS.2.1.a

  • 2

    Demonstrate listening and speaking skills.WRS.2.2

    1. a

      defining nonverbal cuesWRS.2.2.a

    2. b

      employing active listening techniques (e.g., asking clarifying questions, paraphrasing what was said)WRS.2.2.b

    3. c

      exhibiting public speaking skills (e.g., making presentations)WRS.2.2.c

    4. d

      articulating ideas in a manner appropriate to the setting and audience (e.g., considering the chosen communication method and audience’s level of knowledge).WRS.2.2.d

  • 3

    Demonstrate respect for diversity.WRS.2.3

    1. a

      defining diversity and discussing its importanceWRS.2.3.a

    2. b

      identifying individual differences (e.g., age, gender, ethnicity, culture, race, viewpoints, socioeconomic status, and ability)WRS.2.3.b

    3. c

      showing respect for and valuing individual differences in the workplaceWRS.2.3.c

    4. d

      being self-aware and mindful of one’s own biasWRS.2.3.d

    5. e

      collaborating with people of diverse backgrounds, viewpoints, and experiences.WRS.2.3.e

  • 4

    Demonstrate customer service skills.WRS.2.4

    1. a

      defining customer service (e.g., internal customer service; external customer service)WRS.2.4.a

    2. b

      identifying the benefits of providing helpful, courteous, and knowledgeable customer serviceWRS.2.4.b

    3. c

      prioritizing customer service (both within an organization and to external customers and stakeholders)WRS.2.4.c

    4. d

      anticipating needs of customers and coworkersWRS.2.4.d

    5. e

      demonstrating how to provide helpful, courteous, and knowledgeable service to address customer and/or coworker needs.WRS.2.4.e

  • 5

    Collaborate with team members.WRS.2.5

    1. a

      defining collaboration and teamworkWRS.2.5.a

    2. b

      discussing the benefits of teamworkWRS.2.5.b

    3. c

      establishing expectations, roles, and goalsWRS.2.5.c

    4. d

      contributing to the success of the team by sharing responsibilityWRS.2.5.d

    5. e

      respecting the thoughts, opinions, and contributions of other team members.WRS.2.5.e

Demonstrating Professional CompetenciesWRS.3

  • 1

    Demonstrate big-picture thinking.WRS.3.1

    1. a

      defining big-picture thinking as an understanding of one's role in fulfilling the mission of the workplace and a consideration of the social, economic, and environmental effects of one's actionsWRS.3.1.a

    2. b

      identifying the organization’s structure, culture, policies, and procedures, as well as its role and position within the community, industry, and economy.WRS.3.1.b

  • 2

    Demonstrate career- and life-management skills.WRS.3.2

    1. a

      recognizing the importance of education and career planning (e.g., minimum job qualifications, advancement and professional-development opportunities)WRS.3.2.a

    2. b

      identifying available benefits and professional resources (e.g., labor unions, professional organizations, employee-assistance programs, insurance and retirement benefits)WRS.3.2.b

    3. c

      managing personal growth and wellness (e.g., stress management, self-care, financial planning)WRS.3.2.c

    4. d

      setting goals (e.g., specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, time-bound [SMART] goals).WRS.3.2.d

  • 3

    Demonstrate continuous learning and adaptability.WRS.3.3

    1. a

      describing the importance of continuous learningWRS.3.3.a

    2. b

      identifying resources for continuous learning (e.g., publications, trade organizations, professional networking, workshops/classes)WRS.3.3.b

    3. c

      modifying work performance based on feedback (i.e., being coachable)WRS.3.3.c

    4. d

      acquiring industry-related professional skills and knowledge (e.g., credentials/certifications)WRS.3.3.d

    5. e

      adapting to changing job requirements.WRS.3.3.e

  • 4

    Manage time and resources.WRS.3.4

    1. a

      defining efficiency and productivity as they relate to time and resource managementWRS.3.4.a

    2. b

      developing a plan of workWRS.3.4.b

    3. c

      differentiating between high- and low-priority tasksWRS.3.4.c

    4. d

      adapting work goals based on time and resourcesWRS.3.4.d

    5. e

      Considering human (personnel)—capitalizing on strengths; respecting professional goalsWRS.3.4.e

    6. f

      Considering capital—maintaining equipment to ensure longevity and efficiencyWRS.3.4.f

    7. g

      Considering natural—using responsible and sustainable practices.WRS.3.4.g

  • 5

    Demonstrate information-literacy skills.WRS.3.5

    1. a

      defining information literacyWRS.3.5.a

    2. b

      locating and evaluating credible and relevant sources of informationWRS.3.5.b

    3. c

      using information effectively to accomplish work-related tasks.WRS.3.5.c

  • 6

    Demonstrate an understanding of information security.WRS.3.6

    1. a

      identifying various information types/formats (e.g., paper, electronic)WRS.3.6.a

    2. b

      describing cybersecurity (e.g., risks, threats, vulnerabilities)WRS.3.6.b

    3. c

      using technology ethically (e.g., appropriately using social networks, managing personal information)WRS.3.6.c

    4. d

      abiding by workplace policies (e.g., acceptable use policy [AUP])WRS.3.6.d

    5. e

      protecting confidentiality (e.g., protecting login information and customer information)WRS.3.6.e

    6. f

      following workplace securityWRS.3.6.f

  • 7

    Maintain working knowledge of current information-technology (IT) systems.WRS.3.7

    1. a

      hardware and devices (e.g., peripherals)WRS.3.7.a

    2. b

      software and applicationsWRS.3.7.b

    3. c

      cloud-based servicesWRS.3.7.c

    4. d

      file-sharing techniquesWRS.3.7.d

    5. e

      emerging technologiesWRS.3.7.e

    6. f

      troubleshooting protocols and techniques.WRS.3.7.f

  • 8

    Demonstrate proficiency with technologies, tools, and machines common to a specific occupation.WRS.3.8

    1. a

      Demonstration includes selecting and using technology, tools, and machines to accomplish work.WRS.3.8.a

  • 9

    Apply mathematical skills to job-specific tasks.WRS.3.9

    1. a

      performing calculations (e.g., percentages, fractions, addition, subtraction, averages, measurement, conversions, monetary transactions)WRS.3.9.a

    2. b

      applying mathematical processes to accomplish job-specific tasks (e.g., estimating required supplies, completing expense reports)WRS.3.9.b

    3. c

      managing personal finance (e.g., understanding wage rates, paycheck deductions, taxes, sales receipts).WRS.3.9.c

  • 10

    Demonstrate professionalism.WRS.3.10

    1. a

      defining professionalismWRS.3.10.a

    2. b

      practicing punctuality and attendanceWRS.3.10.b

    3. c

      adhering to work-schedule expectationsWRS.3.10.c

    4. d

      exercising etiquette (e.g., language, manners, and behaviors suitable for the workplace and online; appropriate verbal and nonverbal communication)WRS.3.10.d

    5. e

      exhibiting professional self-representation (e.g., using a firm handshake, introducing oneself, making eye contact)WRS.3.10.e

    6. f

      maintaining professional appearance (e.g., maintaining personal hygiene, adhering to a dress code).WRS.3.10.f

  • 11

    Demonstrate reading and writing skills.WRS.3.11

    1. a

      reading and interpreting workplace documentsWRS.3.11.a

    2. b

      Considering ability to convey messages with clarityWRS.3.11.b

    3. c

      Considering professional tone, appropriate to audienceWRS.3.11.c

    4. d

      Considering grammarWRS.3.11.d

    5. e

      Considering forms and conventions (e.g., formatting documents, using an email signature).WRS.3.11.e

  • 12

    Demonstrate workplace safety.WRS.3.12

    1. a

      adhering to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards and instructor and manufacturer guidelinesWRS.3.12.a

    2. b

      interpreting safety data sheets (SDS)WRS.3.12.b

    3. c

      identifying and using personal protective equipment (PPE)WRS.3.12.c

    4. d

      maintaining universal precautions (e.g., to protect against bloodborne pathogens)WRS.3.12.d

    5. e

      identifying risks and hazards in the workplaceWRS.3.12.e

    6. f

      following emergency protocols (e.g., evacuation routes).WRS.3.12.f

Examining All Aspects of an IndustryWRS.4

  • 1

    Examine aspects of planning within an industry/organization.WRS.4.1

    1. a

      development of vision and mission statementsWRS.4.1.a

    2. b

      setting of performance goals and objectivesWRS.4.1.b

    3. c

      review of previous performance (e.g., productivity, profit)WRS.4.1.c

    4. d

      evaluation of current assetsWRS.4.1.d

    5. e

      formulation of strategic and operational plansWRS.4.1.e

    6. f

      use of planning tools (e.g., market research, budget analysis, decision-making models, competitive analyses)WRS.4.1.f

    7. g

      determination of human, natural, technology, and capital resource needsWRS.4.1.g

    8. h

      forecasting of trendsWRS.4.1.h

    9. i

      anticipation of changes in the business climate (e.g., economic factors, laws, regulations, taxes)WRS.4.1.i

    10. j

      anticipation of and compensation for organizational and industry risk.WRS.4.1.j

  • 2

    Examine aspects of management within an industry/organization.WRS.4.2

    1. a

      effect of the organization’s structure and culture on operationsWRS.4.2.a

    2. b

      process for accomplishing goals, using available human, natural, technology, and capital resourcesWRS.4.2.b

    3. c

      ways of ensuring open communication channelsWRS.4.2.c

    4. d

      ways of enabling workers to fulfill their responsibilitiesWRS.4.2.d

    5. e

      evaluation of workers’ performanceWRS.4.2.e

    6. f

      provision of training and job-growth opportunities to workersWRS.4.2.f

    7. g

      assurance of worker equity, access, and safetyWRS.4.2.g

    8. h

      resolution of conflictsWRS.4.2.h

    9. i

      performance of employment functions (e.g., recruiting, hiring, retaining, discharging).WRS.4.2.i

  • 3

    Examine aspects of financial responsibility within an industry/organization.WRS.4.3

    1. a

      accounting processesWRS.4.3.a

    2. b

      financial decision-making processes, including budget developmentWRS.4.3.b

    3. c

      methods of acquiring capitalWRS.4.3.c

    4. d

      management of financial operations, including payroll, transactions, records, and reports.WRS.4.3.d

  • 4

    Examine technical and production skills required of workers within an industry/organization.WRS.4.4

    1. a

      industry-related technical skills (e.g., communication, mathematics, science, technology, time-management, and creative-thinking skills)WRS.4.4.a

    2. b

      industry-related production skills (specific skills used for production of goods or services)WRS.4.4.b

    3. c

      industry-related interpersonal and team-player skills.WRS.4.4.c

  • 5

    Examine principles of technology that underlie an industry/organization.WRS.4.5

    1. a

      technological systems used in the industryWRS.4.5.a

    2. b

      mathematical, scientific, social, ethical, and economic principles underlying the technological systemsWRS.4.5.b

    3. c

      impact of energy systems, fuel sources, and other technological systems on the production of goods and servicesWRS.4.5.c

    4. d

      use of emerging and alternative energy resources in the production of goods and servicesWRS.4.5.d

    5. e

      generation and distribution of energy to industries/organizations for use in creating goods and services.WRS.4.5.e

  • 6

    Examine labor issues related to an industry/organization.WRS.4.6

    1. a

      workers’ rights and responsibilities (e.g., wages, benefits, working conditions)WRS.4.6.a

    2. b

      role of employment contracts and agreementsWRS.4.6.b

    3. c

      role of certification, licensure, and other requirements for specific jobs/occupationsWRS.4.6.c

    4. d

      role of labor organizations and other worker advocacy groups (e.g., professional/trade associations).WRS.4.6.d

  • 7

    Examine community issues related to an industry/organization.WRS.4.7

    1. a

      the effects of the organization on the community (e.g., provision of jobs, tax revenue, and goods/services; involvement in community programs/activities; environmental impact)WRS.4.7.a

    2. b

      the effects of the community on the organization (e.g., employee base; local taxes and regulations; local government services such as roads, schools, utilities; other local services).WRS.4.7.b

  • 8

    Examine health, safety, and environmental issues related to an industry/organization.WRS.4.8

    1. a

      responsibility for workers’ health and safetyWRS.4.8.a

    2. b

      laws/regulations and practices affecting workers’ health and safetyWRS.4.8.b

    3. c

      health and safety hazardsWRS.4.8.c

    4. d

      health and safety programsWRS.4.8.d

    5. e

      responsibility for the environmentWRS.4.8.e

    6. f

      laws/regulations and practices affecting the impact on the environmentWRS.4.8.f

    7. g

      sustainability initiatives.WRS.4.8.g

Addressing Elements of Student LifeWRS.5

  • 1

    Identify the purposes and goals of the student organization.WRS.5.1

    1. a

      providing opportunities for personal development and preparation for adult lifeWRS.5.1.a

    2. b

      providing opportunities for making decisions and assuming responsibilitiesWRS.5.1.b

    3. c

      encouraging democracy through cooperative actionWRS.5.1.c

    4. d

      preparing for multiple, nontraditional roles in societyWRS.5.1.d

    5. e

      promoting greater understanding between youth andWRS.5.1.e

    6. f

      promoting personal growth and leadership developmentWRS.5.1.f

    7. g

      helping students develop life skills in the areas of character development and ethical behavior, creative and critical thinking, interpersonal communication, practical knowledge, and careerWRS.5.1.g

  • 2

    Explain the benefits and responsibilities of membership in the student organization as a student and in professional/civic organizations as an adult.WRS.5.2

    1. a

      development of leadership and other life skills, including planning, goal setting, problem solving, decision making, and interpersonal communicationWRS.5.2.a

    2. b

      opportunities for school and community serviceWRS.5.2.b

    3. c

      development of interpersonal relationshipsWRS.5.2.c

    4. d

      opportunities for experiential learningWRS.5.2.d

    5. e

      opportunities to compete in student events on local, state, and national levelsWRS.5.2.e

    6. f

      access to professional information and opportunitiesWRS.5.2.f

    7. g

      opportunities for careerWRS.5.2.g

    8. h

      contributory participation in the student organization as a student and in professional/civic organization activities as an adultWRS.5.2.h

    9. i

      display of appropriate conduct in all activities and events related to the student organization and professional/civicWRS.5.2.i

  • 3

    Demonstrate leadership skills through participation in student organization activities, such as meetings, programs, and projects.WRS.5.3

    1. a

      Demonstration should include contributory participation in activities such as meetings, fund- raising projects, school and community-service projects, and competitive events.WRS.5.3.a

  • 4

    Identify Internet safety issues and procedures for complying with acceptable use standards.WRS.5.4

    1. a

      The school division's acceptable use policyWRS.5.4.a

    2. b

      Laws and guidelines governing Internet usage, including those about copyright and file sharingWRS.5.4.b

    3. c

      Techniques that illegitimate parties use to solicit personal informationWRS.5.4.c

    4. d

      Techniques that help protect a computer user against cyber predatorsWRS.5.4.d

    5. e

      Software applications and user techniques that help protect against security attacksWRS.5.4.e

Exploring Work-Based LearningWRS.6

  • 1

    Identify the types of work-based learning (WBL) opportunities.WRS.6.1

    1. a

      job shadowingWRS.6.1.a

    2. b

      mentorshipWRS.6.1.b

    3. c

      externshipWRS.6.1.c

    4. d

      school-based enterpriseWRS.6.1.d

    5. e

      entrepreneurshipWRS.6.1.e

    6. f

      internshipWRS.6.1.f

    7. g

      service learningWRS.6.1.g

    8. h

      clinical experienceWRS.6.1.h

    9. i

      cooperative educationWRS.6.1.i

    10. j

      Youth Registered ApprenticeshipWRS.6.1.j

    11. k

      Registered Apprenticeship.WRS.6.1.k

  • 2

    (Optional) Reflect on lessons learned during the WBL experience.WRS.6.2

    1. a

      workplace proceduresWRS.6.2.a

    2. b

      application of course competencies to WBL experienceWRS.6.2.b

    3. c

      new knowledge gained through the WBL experience.WRS.6.2.c

  • 3

    Explore career opportunities related to the WBL experience.WRS.6.3

    1. a

      listing possible careers related to this courseWRS.6.3.a

    2. b

      describing each careerWRS.6.3.b

    3. c

      determining the education and experience requiredWRS.6.3.c

    4. d

      exploring job opportunities, salaries, and benefits.WRS.6.3.d

  • 4

    (Optional) Participate in a WBL experience, when appropriate.WRS.6.4

    1. a

      an emphasis on the relationship between course competencies and the WBLWRS.6.4.a

    2. b

      adherence to workplace expectations during the WBL experienceWRS.6.4.b

    3. c

      completion of the WBL experience.WRS.6.4.c

Frequently asked questions

What grade levels do these standards cover?
HIGHEREDUCATION
Where can I read the official document?
Virtual Virginia Standards

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