This document introduces the underlying principles and components of Ohio's Integrated Technical and Academic Competencies (ITAC) system of career-focused education, which combines high-level academics and technical skills with a real-life context for learning that maximizes students' present and future academic and career success. The document begins with an overview of the following elements that, together, constitute the ITAC system: (1) core ITAC (51 competencies organized into six strands essential for all careers and sample work-related scenarios); (2) career cluster ITAC (foundation competencies common to related occupations or industries and sample work-related scenarios); and (3) specialization ITAC (55 competencies and sample scenarios critical to success in a specific industry or occupation within a career cluster). Provided next are guidelines for using the ITAC. Each of the next six sections present expectations, competencies, and scenarios for one of the ITAC system's six strands, which are as follows: solving problems and thinking skillfully; communicating effectively; applying technology; working responsibly; planning and managing a career; and managing resources. Concluding the document is a table detailing connections with the following academic areas in the core ITAC: the arts, mathematics, social studies, language arts, foreign language, and science. (MN)