Workplace Readiness Skills: Communication, Teamwork, and Professional Behavior

Workplace Readiness Skills: Communication, Teamwork, and Professional Behavior

Grade 11 · CDOS & Career Readiness · NYS CDOS Standard 3b · Worksheet (35–40 min)

IEP/Transition Note: This worksheet supports NYS CDOS Standard 3b and can be used as evidence of workplace readiness skill instruction for IEP transition documentation.

NYS-Aligned Standard

CDOS Standard 3b — Students will demonstrate mastery of foundation skills and competencies including: interpersonal skills, oral and written communication, teamwork, and professional behaviors required for workplace success. NYS Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS) Learning Standards

Student Directions

Name: ________________________ Date: ____________

Employers consistently rank communication, teamwork, and professional behavior among the top skills they look for in employees — above specific technical skills. This worksheet helps you assess and strengthen these essential skills.

PART 1 — Scenario Analysis: What Would a Professional Do?

Read each workplace scenario. For each, describe what a professional response would look like AND what a non-professional response might be.

Scenario 1: You are 10 minutes late to your shift at a grocery store because of a subway delay. Your manager looks annoyed when you arrive.

• Professional response: ___________________________________________________
• Non-professional response: _____________________________________________
• Why does the professional response matter? _______________________________

Scenario 2: During a group project at your internship, one teammate isn’t completing their tasks. The deadline is tomorrow.

• Professional response: ___________________________________________________
• Non-professional response: _____________________________________________
• What teamwork skill is needed here? _____________________________________

Scenario 3: Your boss gives you feedback that your work report has several errors. You worked very hard on it and feel hurt.

• Professional response: ___________________________________________________
• Non-professional response: _____________________________________________
• What communication skill is needed here? _________________________________

PART 2 — Workplace Communication: Choosing the Right Format

Different situations call for different communication:

Practice: For each situation, choose the best communication format:

1. You need to let your supervisor know you’ll be absent tomorrow due to illness. Format: _______________________. Why: ___________________________________

2. You want to thank a professional contact after a job interview. Format: _______________________. Why: ___________________________________

3. You have a quick question about when to take your lunch break today. Format: _______________________. Why: ___________________________________

PART 3 — Professional Email Practice

Write a professional email for this situation: You had a job interview last Wednesday at a local nonprofit. You haven’t heard back. Write a follow-up email.

To: hiring@[nonprofit].org Subject: ________________________________________________________________ Dear ___:

[Your signature]

SDI & Differentiation Block

Supports for MLLs/ELLs

Entering/Emerging (NYSESLAT Levels 1–2):

• For Part 1: allow bullet-point or keyword responses in home language + English
• Professional vs. non-professional: can be illustrated with 2-column picture comparison
• For Part 3: provide an email template with blanks for key fields

Transitioning/Expanding (NYSESLAT Levels 3–4):

• Vocabulary: professional, interpersonal, communication, teamwork, feedback, constructive, format
• Note: “professional behavior” norms can vary by culture — validate different cultural approaches while also teaching dominant American workplace norms

Supports for Students with IEPs

SDI Adaptation Dimensions: content, methodology, delivery

• Content: Reduce Part 1 to 1 scenario; reduce Part 2 to 3 items; reduce Part 3 to a fill-in template
• Methodology: Role-play Scenario 1 or 2 with a partner or teacher before writing; model a sample email together
• Delivery: Read scenarios aloud; allow verbal responses scribed by teacher/paraprofessional; provide word bank for Part 3

IEP Transition Note: This worksheet aligns directly with CDOS 3b workplace readiness expectations and supports the NYS CDOS Commencement Credential.

Suggested Placement: ICT, Resource Room, Self-Contained

Answer Key / Model Responses

Scenario 1 — Professional: Approach manager promptly: “I apologize for being late — the subway was delayed. It won’t happen again. I’ll make up the time.” Non-professional: Walking in without acknowledgment or making excuses. Matters: Shows accountability and respect.

Scenario 2 — Professional: Speak to the teammate directly and kindly: “I noticed you haven’t finished [task]. Is everything okay? Can I help?” Escalate to supervisor only if it persists. Teamwork skill: collaborative problem-solving.

Scenario 3 — Professional: “Thank you for the feedback. Can you show me specifically what to correct?” Non-professional: Arguing or shutting down. Communication skill: receiving constructive criticism.

Part 2:

1. Email or phone call (formal, documented)
2. Thank-you email (professional, formal)
3. In-person or quick message (time-sensitive, informal)

Part 3 sample: Subject: Follow-Up: [Your Name] — Program Coordinator Interview, June 4 Dear Ms./Mr. [Name]: I wanted to follow up on my interview for the Program Coordinator position on June 4th. I remain very interested in this role and the mission of [Nonprofit]. Please let me know if you need any additional information. Thank you for your time. [Your name]

Alignment Record