Curriculum Planning Levels 

Each performance indicator is assigned to one of six curriculum planning levels that represent a continuum of instruction ranging from simple to complex. The levels, which are based on the job level at which it is first needed within businesses, can serve as building blocks for instruction and curriculum development in that students should know and be able to perform the performance indicators at one level before tackling more complex skills and knowledge at the next level. The six curriculum planning levels are described as follows: 

Prerequisite (PQ): 

• Content develops employability and job-survival skills and concepts, including work ethics, personal appearance, and general business behavior; appropriate for 9th-11th graders, students with little/no business background, and students with special needs 

Career Sustaining (CS): 

• Content develops skills and knowledge needed for continued employment in or study of business based on the application of basic academics and business skills; appropriate for “typical” high-school students of average and above-average abilities and interest 

Specialist (SP): 

• Content provides in-depth, solid understanding and skill development in all business functions; appropriate for advanced high school students and post-secondary students 

Supervisor (SU): 

• Content provides the same in-depth, solid understanding and skill development in all business functions as in the specialist curriculum, and in addition, incorporates content that addresses the supervision of people; appropriate for young adults at post-secondary level 

Manager (MN): 

• Content develops strategic decision-making skills in all business functions needed to manage a business or department within an organization; appropriate for young adults at post-secondary level 

Owner (ON): 

• Content develops strategic decision-making skills in all aspects of business that are needed to own and operate a business; appropriate for young adults at post-secondary level