This guidebook provides the elements of curriculum that will help educators prepare students for careers in the field of information technology (IT). The introduction addresses national context, skill standards development, and educational response to the skills gap. The high school core IT curriculum is then presented, including: (1) project description; (2) technical learning components (computer trends, database, e-mail, graphics software, hardware installation/configuration, Internet, network technologies, PC principles and operations, presentation software, programming, software installation/configuration, spreadsheet, Windows, and word processing) and foundation learning components (analysis, design/development, documentation and business communication, facilitation/customer service, organization/delivery of presentations, problem solving/troubleshooting, project management, research, self-learning, task management, team work, testing/validation, and workplace skills); (3) learner program outcomes, i.e., statements that support each of the learning components by describing what students must know and be able to do by the end of the program; (4) key competencies and proficiency/expert level performance indicators for each of the learning components; (5) sample activities; and (6) relevant math and science learner program outcomes and key competencies. Appendices include a glossary, a chart of core skill standards, and a resource list. A poster that cross-references the IT high school competencies to Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements is also included. (MES)