ACCOUNTING CHALLENGES AND PROPOSED SOLUTIONS

One challenge is the ability to keep up with technology used in the work place.
Technology changes rapidly, and the solution to this challenge is to have the
Advisory Committee members inform the Business Technology department of any
and all new programs, software or hardware they are using in their work fields.
Another challenge in Business Technology is the need to implement work based
activities. There is a need for the development of a shadowing/intern program for
students near the end of their training. This will be done by first creating Internship
business partners support. First employers need to be contacted to establish an
intern partnership list. This will be done by contacting potential Internship sites by
mass email; an information respond on the LWIT website and by contacting former
students. Social Media sites will be used to contact potential Internship
relationships. Appropriate forms will be filled out and submitted to the county for
approval. Internship partners will be paired with students. Internships will start at
the end of the students training.

ACCOUNTING SUMMARY
Current technology and industry certification is a priority at LWIT. Student fees
provide access to Quick Books and Certiport (Microsoft Office Specialist) industry
certification. The state of Florida mandates that each adult student enrolled in a
certificate program must meet minimum basic skills in the areas of reading,
mathematics and language before receiving a certificate of completion for the
program. The minimum level for Accounting Operations is: Reading 10.0;
Mathematics, 10.0; and Language, 10.0. The program length is 900 hours or two
semesters. The Accounting Operations program offered at LWIT is congruent with
our vision, mission, and shared beliefs of providing rigorous and relevant
educational experiences to qualify for employment and career advancement. The
Accounting programs Curriculum Frameworks provide clearly stated objectives and
defined content relevant to the needs of business and industry. The Advisory
Committee is made up of potential employers, we meet every fall and spring. The
Accounting Operations program is reviewed each fall by the Advisory Committee
and the members make recommendations on program content, program length,
program objectives, equipment, skills and competency tests. The student day is
5.75 hours long. The course is presented in the4 traditional format, which provides
for timely and meaningful interaction between the instructor and the students.
Academic competencies and occupational skills are integrated into the instructional
program. Competencies essential of occupations success, such as MOS certification
(Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Outlook) and QuickBooks Intuit certification
are also integrated into the instructional program. Current software and
ergonomically correct computer work stations are the key equipment and materials
needed for practice and proficiency in Accounting Operations. Instruction is
organized by occupational academic instructional materials. Students will be

participating in work-based activities and will have written contracts completed

before they begin their Internship. A work-based instructional plan will be developed
with input from the participating work site, highlighting the specific competencies
and objectives that are to be accomplished during the internship.