Core Standards of the Course
Strand 1
Students will identify the communication process and practice effective nonverbal communication skills.
Standard 1
Identify the four steps of the communication process (in order).
Standard 2
Recognize the differences between nonverbal and verbal communication.
Performance Skills
Use verbal and nonverbal communication. This includes the following:
Strand 2
Students will develop correct usage and mechanics in English.
Standard 1
Identify commonly misspelled and misused words.
Standard 2
Use sentence structure and grammar to communicate in a clear, courteous, concise, complete, and correct manner.
Standard 3
Practice and use correct punctuation in written communication.
Performance Skills
Practice and use correct grammar and mechanics. This includes the following:
Strand 3
Students will develop and practice effective oral communication skills.
Standard 1
Practice correct pronunciation, enunciation, tone, and cadence.
Standard 2
Demonstrate understanding of the areas of study within speech communication: basic communication, interpersonal communication, organizational communication, rhetorical communication.
Standard 3
Identify regional, international, and cultural differences in communication; use bias-free language to develop responsible ways of thinking and acting. (bias language is words or phrases that are considered prejudiced, hurtful, or offensive; it demeans or excludes because of age, gender, race, ethnicity, social class, and some physical or mental traits).
Standard 4
Plan and present a short presentation based on research and written evaluation individually or as a group member.
Standard 5
Understand and identify how audience and situation effects style and tone.
Performance Skills
Practice and use oral communication skills. This includes the following:
Strand 4
Students will develop reading strategies that will improve speed, comprehension, and retention.
Standard 1
Use skim and scan techniques to look over a document (e.g. headings, topic sentences, vocabulary, bolded words, titles, and questions within the text)
Standard 2
Read, follow, and create simple directions.
Standard 3
Utilize and select correct reading methods for a situation (e.g., skimming, scanning, summarizing, speed reading, and close reading).
Standard 4
Recognize the purpose of the message (e.g. propaganda, biased, literal, inferential, and factual statements)
Performance Skills
Develop reading strategies. This includes the following:
Strand 5
Students will produce effective written communication documents.
Standard 1
Identify the four steps of the writing process (planning, composing, editing, publishing).
Standard 2
Use the writing process to produce e-mails and letters appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
Standard 3
Understand the parts of a business letter and their locations (e.g. senders address, inside address, date, salutation, body, complimentary close, signature line, enclosure notation, and typists’ initials).
Standard 4
Understand the importance and need for document layout and a design element.
Performance Skills
Use the four steps of the writing process. This includes the following:
Strand 6
Students will develop and practice proficient listening skills.
Standard 1
Practice following oral directions by listening attentively, taking accurate notes, and asking questions.
Standard 2
Demonstrate the proper use of telephone techniques.
Standard 3
Demonstrate courtesy and respect for the speaker through attentive listening.
Performance Skills
Practice listening skills.
Strand 7
Students will apply communication skills in varied professional roles.
Standard 1
Practice and consider the six-step conflict resolution process (in order)
Standard 2
Determine effective leadership skills, such as planning, organizing, and monitoring.
Standard 3
Understand the four stages of team development.
Standard 4
Define ethics and integrity as they relate to business communication.
Standard 5
Demonstrate understanding of the intent and impact of performed, spoken, written and visual texts.
Performance Skills
Use appropriate personal and professional communication skills.
Strand 8
Students will use technology to enhance the effectiveness of communication.
Standard 1
Practice and apply basic software applications.
Performance Skills
Use technology to enhance and perfect communications.
Strand 9
(Required in Business Communication 1 if Business Communication 2 is not offered.)
Students will integrate all forms of communication in pursuit and retention of employment.
Standard 1
Explore job search strategies and sources for job placement.
Standard 2
Create an employment portfolio.
Standard 3
Understand the application and interview process for employment.
Standard 4
Understand the skills needed to maintain employment.