High School Educational Specifications
Career & Technical Education
Program Overview: Career & Technical Education
The Federal Perkins Career and Technical Education Act that authorizes funding for CTE programs,requires the development and implementation of CTE Programs of Study. These programs of study must:
Incorporate secondary education and postsecondary education elements-,
Include academic and CTE in a coordinated, non-duplicative progression of courses; and
Lead to an industry-recognized credential or certificate at the postsecondary level, or an associate or bachelor's degree.
Focus must be placed on "high-demand" occupations, in addition to those that are high skill and high wage.
Implementation of CTE Programs of Study has to be based on course sequences leading to high demand, high wage, and high skill career areas. Area, state, and national labor market and economic development data must be used when planning for the implementation of CTE programs.
Career and Technical Education planners also determine local CTE program offerings by considering the following:
1.Availability of resources.
2.Changes in population characteristics.
3.Labor needs in new and emerging occupations, including small business ownership.
4.Labor needs in existing occupations and career pathways with greater than average anticipated growth.
5.Projected increase in occupations requiring technical skills.
6.Student and employment demand in career pathways.
North Carolina has a state driven curriculum for each CTE course that includes a course blueprint, curriculum, instructional equipment list, and end of course (EOC) assessment.
CTE labs must be designed to contain the instructional equipment according to the instructional activities that are required in the state curriculum. Each course has a specific arrangement of the instructional equipment.
There are eight program (curriculum) areas in CTE in North Carolina. Each program area contains a variety of courses. These program areas are as follows:
- Agricultural Education
- Business and Information Technology Education
- Career Development Education
- Family and Consumer Sciences Education
- Health Occupations Education
- Marketing Education
- Technology Education
- Trade and Industrial Education
Space Requirements: Career & Technical Education
Adjacencies: Career & Technical Education
The course descriptions for each program area and sample designs showing the required placement of the CTE instructional equipment are attached.
1.AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Agricultural Advanced Studies –This three-phased exit course for seniors is career-focused in agriculture education. The three components of the class include a research paper, a product, and a presentation. Students demonstrate their ability to write, speak, problem-solve, and apply knowledge, under the guidance of a teacher/facilitator in collaboration with community and business representatives and school based personnel. See Attachment 1 for Lab Layout.
Agriscience Applications –Explore the various components of the agricultural industry: animal science, soil science, plant science, agricultural mechanics, agricultural economics, and natural resources. Hands-on experiences are emphasized along with career guidance and planning. See Attachment 1 for Lab Layout.
Animal Science I –Study basic scientific principles and processes that are involved in animal physiology, breeding, nutrition, and care in preparation for an animal science career major. Topics include animal diseases, introduction to animal science, animal nutrition, animal science issues, career opportunities, and animal evaluation. See Attachment 1 for Lab Layout.
Animal Science II- Small Animal –This course provides instruction on animal husbandry topics related to small animals that are served by a veterinarian. Content related to the breeding, grooming, care and marketing of animals that fit into this category will be covered in this course. See Attachment 1 for Lab Layout.
Horticulture I –This course provides instruction on the broad field of horticulture with emphasis on the scientific and technical knowledge for a career in horticulture. Topics in this course include plant growth and development, plant nutrition, media selection, basic plant identification, pest management, chemical disposal, customer relations, career opportunities, and leadership development. Skills in biology, chemistry, and algebra are reinforced in this course. See Attachment 1 for Lab Layout.
Honors Horticulture II – This course includes advanced scientific, computation, and communication skills needed in the horticulture industry. Topics include greenhouse plant production and management, bedding plant production, watering systems, basic landscape design, installation and maintenance, and lawn and turfgrass. Students will complete focused assignments including research projects and presentations on topics such as plant production and management, landscape design, and turfgrass management. See Attachment 1 for Lab Layout.
Horticulture II Landscape –Interested in a career in the landscaping industry? Upon completion of this course, a student will be able to sit for the National Landscape Technician Certification Test. Areas of instruction include safety, blueprint layout and interpretation, plant ID, site preparation, paver installation, sod installation, irrigation, and operation of a chain saw, skid loader, and backing a truck and trailer. Career related instruction and activities are a big part of the program. See Attachment 1 for Lab Layout.
2.BUSINESS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Business Law – Learn about basic legal principles common to business and personal activities. Topics include evaluation of contracts, purchasing with credit, purchasing appropriate insurance, and renting and owning real estate. Business concepts such as contracting, ethics, starting a business, and hiring and managing employees are included. See Attachment 2a for Lab Layout. See Attachment 2a for Lab Layout.
Business Management and Applications –Learn to use business computer technology to perform business applications. Examine organizational functions of businesses including total quality concepts, project management, and problem solving. Emphasis is placed on analyzing the social, technological, and organizational systems in business such as human relations, communications, records management, and meetings and conference coordination. See Attachment 2a for Lab Layout. See Attachment 2a for Lab Layout.
Computerized Accounting I –Explore the world of business finance. Understand the basics of accounting concepts, principles and practices used in business. Analyze and record business transactions, prepare and interpret financial statements, complete banking and payroll activities. Computerized accounting systems will be introduced. See Attachment 2a for Lab Layout. See Attachment 2a for Lab Layout.
Honors Computerized Accounting II –Students will use simulations, projects and teamwork to demonstrate knowledge of complex accounting principles requiring critical thinking skills and problem solving techniques. Students prepare statements and supporting schedules, use voucher systems, cost accounting, inventory and budgetary control systems. See Attachment 2a for Lab Layout.
Computer Applications I –Learn advanced skills in the areas of word processing, database management, spreadsheet, telecommunications, desktop publishing, and presentation applications. Emphasis is on data communications, Internet and e-mail, as well as skill development in the integration of software applications, ethical issues pertaining to information systems, and information technologies careers. Communication skills and critical thinking are reinforced through software applications. See Attachment 2a for Lab Layout.
Computer Applications II –Learn basic web page design and master advanced skills in integrating technology devices, Internet research strategies and uses, complex desktop publishing, and multimedia production. Gain information technology (IT) skills and explore economic, ethical, and social issues in the IT world of today and tomorrow. See Attachment 2a for Lab Layout.
Computer Programming I –This course is designed to introduce the concepts of programming, application development, and writing software solutions in the Visual Basic.NET environment. Emphasis is placed on the software development process, principles of user interface design, and the writing of a complete Visual Basic program including event-driven input, logical decision making and processing, and useful output. Simulations, projects, teamwork, and competitions provide opportunities for application of instructional competencies. This course will prepare students for future programming courses in Honors Programming II, C++, or JAVA. See Attachment 2a for Lab Layout.
Honors Computer Programming II –This project-based course is designed to teach students to access and manipulate data in a variety of data structures including Access, Structured Query Language (SQL), XML, the .NET Framework, how it is organized, how ASP.NET is used for Web applications and ADO.NET for Windows applications. Emphasis is placed on advanced functionality, packaging and deploying business solutions, and program life-cycle revision and maintenance. Simulations, projects, teamwork, and competitions provide opportunities for application of instructional competencies. Once this course is completed, students will have the opportunity to take the MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional) 70-305 exam. See Attachment 2a for Lab Layout.
Digital Communication Systems –Basic digital input skills including keying using the touch method, speech recognition, and use of handheld devices will be taught in this course. The daily use and operation of commonly used digital communication devices to develop and apply skills in the production of business communication and correspondence will be emphasized. Communications skills are reinforced as students format, compose and proofread. See Attachment 2a for Lab Layout.
Honors e-Commerce I –This course will help students master skills in the design and construction of web sites. Students will develop skills in advanced web page construction and entrepreneurial applications of conducting business electronically. Students plan, design, create, publish, maintain, and promote an electronic business web site. Students examine the economic, social, legal, and ethical issues related to electronic business. See Attachment 2a for Lab Layout.
Honors e-Commerce II – Continue web page design with the study of electronic commerce security; payment infrastructure; secure electronic commerce transactions-, and electronic commerce order entry, tracking and fulfillment. Emphasis is placed on marketing electronic websites, tracking and using customer and sales data, and databases in electronic commerce sites. Problem solving, research, and critical thinking skills are reinforced through capstone projects. See Attachment 2a for Lab Layout.
Networking I: Business –This entry-level course provides an overview of networking from fundamentals to applications and services. The course emphasizes theoretical concepts and practical applications while providing opportunities for students to gain the skills and hands-on experience needed to design, install, and maintain computer networks. Specific skills addressed include: identifying and using network protocol models, subnet masks and addressing, building an Ethernet network using routers and switches, employing basic cabling and network designs to connect devices, using Cisco CLI commands, and analyzing transport and network layer protocols and services. Students will also learn a variety of operating systems, set up a classroom network and prepare for the CompTIA Net+ certification. See Attachment 2b for Lab Layout.
Honors Network Administration II: Red Hat Academy –Open source software training will prepare students for one of the hottest certifications in the IT industry: Red Hat Certified Technician (RHCT). The training ranges from rapid track to essential knowledge and skills, to practical methods for developing Linux-based applications. The course also focuses on specific areas of expertise, such as e-business, security and embedded technologies and creates a basis for further development and real-world practice. Good training can provide a foundation; the student must do the rest. The technical focus is on the skills and competencies required to manage Linux servers for mission-critical commercial and business roles, including: internet server, web server, MTA server, ISP, DNS server, file and print server, departmental server, and development platform. See Attachment 2a for Lab Layout.
Honors Network Administration II: Microsoft –Using the Microsoft 2000 Operating System, students will learn to organize, back-up, and protect the system. Students will set up firewalls, update the system, and document all changes in the system. Students will have the opportunity to take the Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) for Workstation and Server tests, an industry recognized certification. See Attachment 2a for Lab Layout.
Small Business/Entrepreneurship: Business –Investigate the rewards and risks of owning and operating your own business. Study the different types of business ownership. Gain skills needed to plan, organize, manage, and finance a small business. Learn how to set up a business and how to market your business. Throughout the course students will develop a business plan. See Attachment 2a for Lab Layout.
3.CAREER DEVELOPMENT EDUCATION
Career Development Coordinators require an office space in the counseling area. In addition, space is required to display career guidance information and work with students in small groups using computers for interactive Career Exploration modules. See Attachment 3 for sample design.
Career Development Coordinators provide leadership and support activities in:
Career Development
Personal/Social Development
Within these areas, functions include:
Preparatory services
Transition services
Business, industry, and education partnership services
Promotional services
4.FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES EDUCATION COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Culinary Arts and Hospitality I – Welcome to one of the fastest growing industries in the United States. Many career opportunities exist in the food service industry from the inexperienced to the highest specialist or managerial positions. Culinary Arts and Hospitality I introduces the study of hands-on experience in food preparation techniques for the commercial food kitchen. This study includes planning, food preparation, and service in an actual restaurant setting as well as with catered functions. See Attachment 4a for Lab Layout.
Culinary Arts and Hospitality II – This course continues the sequence of study begun in Culinary Arts and Hospitality I with emphasis on advanced food preparation and restaurant/food service management. In addition, students will experience menu planning, cost control, and other management responsibilities. This foundation course is the beginning process toward careers as Chef, Executive Chef, Sous Chef, or restaurant/catering owner. See Attachment 4a for Lab Layout.
Early Childhood Education I –Through hands-on experiences, students will learn about the process of teaching and learning. They will study the developmental stages of children birth through age 8. Students are required to develop age appropriate lesson plans and present these lesson plans to their fellow students for evaluation and to the children enrolled in the child care centers and elementary schools. See Attachment 4b for Lab Layout.
Honors Early Childhood Education II –This course continues the instruction begun in Early Childhood Education I and includes advanced studies of early childhood, birth through age 8. Students receive instruction in child care pertaining to teaching methods, career development, program planning and management, health and safety issues, entrepreneurship skills, and technology. Students will complete extensive in depth assignments including research, reflective practice, analytical thinking and technology skills to enhance studies, extend research and assist them in professionally displaying their work. See Attachment 4b for Lab Layout.
Parenting and Child Development –This course introduces students to responsible nurturing and basic applications of child development theory. Emphasis is on the parents' responsibilities and the influences they have on children while providing care and guidance. Students will gain an understanding of the physical, emotional, social and intellectual changes in the family beginning with pregnancy and continuing through the school age child. See Attachment 4b for Lab Layout.
5.HEALTH OCCUPATIONS EDUCATION COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Biomedical Technology –Investigate current medical and health care practices using computerized databases, the Internet, media, and health team professionals. Topics include the world of biomedical technology; the language of medicine; present and newly developing biomedical specialties; biomedical ethics: crises and alternatives; and health career development. See Attachment 5 for Lab Layout.
Health Team Relations –Learn your role and function as health team members. Topics include terminology, the history of health care, health care agencies, ethics, legal responsibilities, careers, holistic health, human needs, change, cultural awareness, communication, medical math, leadership, and career decision-making. See Attachment 5 for Lab Layout.
Medical Careers I –This course is designed for students who are interested in a career as a health care professional. Students are introduced to the health field, the concepts of personal, family, and community health and disease control; human behavior, the ethical and professional aspects of health occupations; communication skills, the basic sciences; anatomy; medical terminology; first aid; and career opportunities in the health field. See Attachment 5 for Lab Layout.
Medical Careers II –Nursing skills will be taught in a classroom setting and in a hospital setting with actual patients. Students will learn a variety of nursing skills including but not limited to: making beds while the patient is in the bed, bathing patients, taking and recording patients' vital signs, moving patients or assisting patients to move or walk, and providing personal care to patients. The Certified Nursing Assistance I (CNA 1) is offered but not required. See Attachment 5 for Lab Layout.
Pharmacy Technician - Pharmacy Technician is a computer-based course designed specifically to prepare students for national certification as a Pharmacy Technician through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). Students will be eligible to take the PTCB exam after completing the course. Students learn the federal laws that affect the pharmacy industry and the role of government agencies that regulate the industry. Students study the various types of drugs, prescription types, medication dosage forms, and medical devices. Drug interactions on the body's major systems, such as the central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, cardiovascular system, etc. are introduced. Preparation of sterile products, dosage calculations, and pharmacy operations such as inventory control, maintaining patient records, insurance claims, and interfacing with customers, etc. are also core to the course. See Attachment 5 for Lab Layout.