CTE

These individual courses do not reside in any specific career pathway but they provide our students with opportunities to experience career and technical skills in a unique topic. 

The following courses within this pathway can be taken in any order: 

• Boat Building and Navigation (Course No. 530)
• Video Game Design (Course No. 551)
• Interior Design (Course No. 561)
• On Your Own (Course No. 562)
• Fundamentals of Criminal Justice (Course No. 488)
• Marine Science & Technology (Course No. 379)

Boat Building and Navigation  0.5 Credit                                                                  Course No. 530    
Trimesters: 1

Boat Building and Navigation explores all stages of boat building from layout and lofting to hull assembly and finishing techniques. Students in this course have an opportunity to construct their own boat with available plans ranging from small plywood canoes to a 14’ skiff. Light design sketching, modeling, and full scale boat construction will be part of this “hands-on” course. Many forms of boating and navigation will also be explored including boating basics, knot tying, legal requirements, water sports, safety, and GPS (Global Positioning Systems). Students who successfully complete the course and pass the CT Safe Boating Exam will have the opportunity to receive the State of Connecticut Safe Boating Certificate. This certificate is mandatory for all persons wishing to operate a vessel upon state waters.

Video Game Design   0.5 Credit                                                           Course No. 551
Trimesters: 1

One of the most exciting opportunities in programming today revolves around the video game industry with a variety of careers such as  modeler, programmer, and traditional artist. The evolution of the video game industry will be studied and analyzed in terms of its development.  Students will learn to analyze, design, and create interactive, three dimensional animation and games.  Instructional activities will include rules of game play, 3D graphics, GUI’s, objects, graphics, sound, animation, and scripting in a gaming environment.  Several software platforms will be utilized to create graphics to be used in individual projects.  Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of the major aspects of simulation, game design, and development.  No programming experience is required.
 

Interior Design   0.5 Credit                                                                                                     Course No. 561
Trimesters: 1  

This course provides a foundation for students who are interested in pursuing a possible career in architecture, interior design or art. Students will be able to identify various housing, furniture, and window styles.  They will learn how to draw floor plans using traditional architectural tools and symbols.  Using the principles of design, color, furnishings, fabric, and fixtures, students will design a variety of interior spaces on design boards and in 3D CAD software.

On Your Own    0.5 Credit                                                          Course No. 562 
Trimesters: 1

                                     
                                                 
This course is a must for everyone, both college bound students and those who will be entering the job market after high school graduation.  Students will explore careers and simulate the job finding process; including writing a resume, cover letter, and the interview process. Once a career has been selected, students will create a budget while learning the ins and outs of renting an apartment, determining options for transportation, meal planning, and responsible use of financial products; including credit cards, credit score, and banking tools.  

Fundamentals of Criminal Justice    0.5 Credit                                            Course No. 488
Trimesters: 1 

Fundamentals of Criminal Justice is designed to introduce students to the fields of law enforcement, the court system, and correctional system.  Students will learn about the trial processes and interpret police ethics and constitutional law in relation to law enforcement operations.  Students will also learn about criminal theory, how to analyze a crime scene, and use clues to profile a criminal as they go inside the criminal mind. This course will also explore the multitude of careers available in the criminal justice system.
 

Marine Science & Technology    1 Credit  (0.5 Credits CTE/0.5 Credits Science)                     Course No. 379
Trimesters: 2      
Prerequisite:   Successful completion of Honors Biology or Biology. 

Marine Science and Technology explores the marine environment through “hands-on” projects. Studies related to oceanography, marine ecology and environmental testing are supported with activities such as fishing rod building, boat maintenance and net making. Mandatory field trips will support the curriculum and provide school to career practical experience. A student centered project will give an opportunity to carry out a hands-on marine based study. As a part of the project, students will design an engineering solution based on a specific problem that applies to our local waters. Course work will include the State of Connecticut Safe Boaters curriculum which will allow students the opportunity to apply for their CT Safe Boaters/Personal Watercraft Certificate. 
 

Careers in planning, organizing, directing and evaluating business functions essential to efficient and productive business operations. The foundational course for this pathway is Introduction to Business (462).

The foundational course for this pathway is:  Introduction to Business (Course No. 462)

The following courses within this pathway can be taken in any order:

• Accounting (Course No. 490)
• Business Law (Course No. 498)
• Entrepreneurship (Course No. 463)
• Marketing (Course No. 494)
• Personal Finance (Course No. 496)
  • Note: Personal Finance resides in this pathway, however credit falls under the Mastery Based Diploma Assessment and does not count towards CTE credit.

Introduction to Business    0.5 Credit                                                Course No. 462
Trimesters: 1

This course is designed to introduce students to different disciplines of business so that one can learn to be an effective business leader.  Students will explore and discuss business topics related to marketing, international business, accounting, business law, and entrepreneurship.  Students will also develop personal business skills such as time management, professional growth, and communication.  Students will learn to leverage a variety of technology for efficient business use.

Entrepreneurship    0.5 Credit                                                                                                Course No. 463
Trimesters: 1
Prerequisite:   Successful completion of Introduction to Business.

This course is designed for students interested in operating and managing their own business.  Students will have a chance to learn and develop skills and characteristics that are common among successful entrepreneurs.  Students will have the opportunity to simulate the process of starting a company, by designing and marketing a “real world” product.  Throughout the course, students will need to utilize their problem-solving, decision-making, social, and teamwork skills to attain individual and group goals.  By the end of the course, students should be able to understand the entrepreneurial process including identifying a business opportunity, presenting a business plan, and marketing a product or service.
 

Accounting   0.5 Credit                                                                           Course No. 490 
Trimesters: 1

This introductory accounting course familiarizes students with the accounting principles and the practices commonly used in business.  Students work with journal, ledgers, worksheets and financial statements.  Students will simulate the accounting cycle for small business, learning how to track expenses and revenue.  Automated accounting software is incorporated to expand students’ familiarity with “real life” accounting practices.  This course is beneficial to students who plan on majoring in business at the post-secondary level.

Marketing    0.5 Credit                                                                Course No. 494 
Trimesters: 1

Where can you go that you will not see advertising? Marketing is all around us, and this course introduces students to concepts and strategies used to create effective marketing.  Students will learn such topics as the product life cycle, creating a brand, marketing segmentation, advertising and promotional strategies, and the effective use of social media for products.  Marketing is an excellent course for students interested in careers in business, students who want to own their own business and students who want to be more informed consumers and understand the marketing world around them.  
 

Business Law    0.5 Credit                                                         Course No. 498
Trimesters: 1          

This course prepares students to develop an understanding of rights and obligations in meeting the legal demands of society as individuals, employees, and as business owners.  Students will be able to identify the legal and ethical issues that result from business decisions and practices. Topics covered in this course include torts, contracts, the court system, intellectual property, employment law, and how to form your own business including creation of an LLC.  
 

Planning, managing and providing education and training services, and related learning support services. 

The foundational course for this pathway is:  The Whole Child (Course No. 570)

The following courses within this pathway can be taken in any order:

• Career Experience (Course No. 579)
• Career Exploration (Course No. 572)
• Individual and Family Development (Course No. 578)
  • Note: This is a UCONN ECE Course. Please refer to the UCONN ECE Section 
• “Little Hand” Nursery School (Course No. 571)

The Whole Child (formerly Child Development)   0.5 Credit                                    Course No. 570
Trimesters: 1

This course is the foundation for planning appropriate activities and establishing appropriate expectations for young children.  Students will explore the interrelationships of what the whole child is and how it is connected to health and well-being in the areas of Physical Development, Intellectual Development, and Social/Emotional Development from conception through adolescence.   Through play-groups, students will observe children, evaluate individual differences and analyze characteristics of development at various stages. 
 

“Little Hand” Nursery School (formerly “Little Hand” Nursery School Lab)   0.5 Credit             Course No. 571
Trimesters: 1 
Prerequisite: Successful completion of The Whole Child.

Nursery School Lab allows students the opportunity to work in our “Little Hand” nursery three days a week.  Students will participate in the care, guidance, and education of a group of young children in an early childhood classroom.  Strategies for creating a child-centered approach to learning will be practiced including the use of space, materials, relationships, and routines. Students will take on a leadership role and be responsible for planning, implementing, teaching and evaluating developmentally appropriate activities for small groups.  As students observe, plan, and direct these activities for “Little Hand” Nursery School, they gain experience working directly with children.  
 

Career Exploration    0.5 Credit                                             Course No. 572
Trimesters: 1

Students will have the opportunity to explore a range of education careers within Madison Public Schools that facilitate development of the whole child, including: Teacher (elementary and secondary), Special Services (e.g., speech pathologist, occupational therapist), Social Worker, School Psychologist, School Counselor and School Nurse.  This exploration will be grounded in understanding of what they do, qualifications and training necessary, school community and vision of the program, and earning income potential. Every student is expected to do a job shadowing experience ideally based on the area of interest.

Career Experience    0.5 Credit                                                                                   Course No. 579
Trimesters: 1
Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Career Exploration.    

Students will be paired up with a mentor in the education field within Madison Public Schools based on their career exploration. The career experience will be shaped by what is most helpful for the mentor in relation to the children they are serving (e.g., observation, lesson design, teaching). Students are expected to generate a series of artifacts based on their individual work with the mentor to demonstrate learning. They will present their artifacts to the CTE teacher either through an exhibition or portfolio.
 

Individual and Family Development   1 DHHS Credit                                                                Course No. 578    
Level 1    
Trimesters: 2 

This college level course is highly recommended for students who are preparing for careers in education, human services, family studies, social work and health occupations.  It is an introduction to the general study of human development from conception through old age.  The course examines physical, intellectual, social, and emotional growth across the lifespan, emphasizing that development results from the interdependence of these areas at every stage.  The course requires 40 hours beyond the classroom which could include an internship/extended learning experience.  Only students who are registered in the UConn/ECE program for this course and earn a passing grade will receive UConn/ECE credit.

Homework:  The typical homework assignment in this course will take up to 60 minutes to complete.

Note: This course is offered every other year. (Fall 2022, Fall 2024, Fall 2026, etc.)

Planning, managing and providing scientific research and professional and technical services (e.g. physical science, social science and engineering) including laboratory and testing services, and research and development services. 

The foundational course for this pathway is:  Foundations of Engineering (Course No. 540)

The following courses within this pathway can be taken in any order:

• Architectural Design (Course No. 543)
• Automotive Technology (Course No. 533)
• Computer Aided Drafting & Design (Course No. 541)
• Computer Integrated Manufacturing (Course No. 532)
• Materials Processing (Course No. 521)
• Robotics Engineering (Course No. 539)

Foundations of Engineering   0.5 Credit                                      Course No. 540
Trimesters:  1

Foundations of Engineering is an introductory course designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of Engineering. This hands-on, project-based course emphasizes the engineering design process, and the skills and habits of mind that engineers find most essential in their work. A key approach will be the employment of an iterative design and development process to solve a variety of different challenges and/or problems. Group and individual lessons will engage students in creating ideas, developing innovations, conducting experiments, gathering and analyzing data, and constructing practical solutions in solving problems. An understanding of the engineering design process will prepare students for other courses within the Engineering & Technology career pathway.

Computer Aided Drafting & Design    0.5 Credit                                                                 Course No. 541
Trimesters: 1 

This course is designed to provide students with a foundation in the basic skills needed for success in modern design and engineering careers.  Student will be introduced to concepts revolving around technical drawing, 3D modeling and 3D printing to communicate design intent.  Through hands-on exercises, students will learn and apply basic skills in computer aided drafting and 3D printing as a way to simulate and create solutions to a variety of problems. Student will learn these skills/processes in a collaborative fashion with their classmates through conceiving, designing, modeling and creating working prototypes to communicate their solutions.
 

Robotics Engineering    0.5 Credit                                                                                              Course No. 539
Trimesters: 1

Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of building and programming a robot. Implementing the Engineering Design Process throughout the course, students will work respectfully and responsibly with others in exchanging and evaluating ideas in building and programming a robot to perform a variety of tasks. Utilizing engineering notebooks as a tool, students will also be expected to document and analyze their performance throughout the process in evaluating progress of their robot as it performs in a variety of challenges. 
 

Computer Integrated Manufacturing   0.5 Credit                                                                        Course No. 532
Trimesters: 1
Prerequisite:   Successful completion of Computer Aided Drafting & Design

The design and manufacture of everyday items are ubiquitous in modern life, yet most students have not had the opportunity to experience the innovative nature of modern computer integrated manufacturing. This course is an introduction to the use of computers for the integration of all functional areas in a manufacturing enterprise.  The focus will be on engineering design, modeling and applications in automation, robotics, numerical control, and computer usage in manufacturing.  Using Computer Aided Design as a basis, Students will be introduced to state-of-the art rapid prototyping machines such as 3D Printers, CNC Mills, automation robots and 3D scanners to produce prototypes in solving manufacturing challenges.  
 

Materials Processing   0.5 Credit                                                                                                Course No. 521
Trimesters: 1

          
This course is designed to introduce students to general shop safety and practices associated with processing materials. Through hands-on exercises, students will learn how to safely use hand and power tools while working with both wood and metal.  Students will focus on learning how to read procedure lists and working drawings in applying a variety of processing techniques to the building of a few projects. The projects are designed to give students as much experience as possible by using many different machines and tools.  Emphasis is placed on safety, problem solving, the proper use of tools, measuring, craftsmanship, and critical thinking.
 

Architectural Design    0.5 Credit                                                                                       Course No. 543
Trimesters: 1 

This course provides a solid foundation for students who are interested in pursuing a possible career and/or degree in Architecture.  Exercises and activities will cultivate student awareness of fundamental skills and concepts necessary for architectural planning, design and drawing.  Students will get the experience of acting as an architect and dealing with a client in developing a proposal and conceptual design to meet their needs.  Local building codes will be introduced along with practical design techniques.  The conceptual design will include floor plans, foundation plans, plot plans, elevations, site plans, and perspective drawings.  A computer aided drafting program (Chief Architect) will be used to allow students to think creatively and critically in solving problems related to the design of their client’s home.
 

Automotive Technology (formerly Power and Energy Technology)   0.5 Credit                         Course No. 533
Trimesters: 1

This course provides an in depth study of basic automotive vehicle systems. Areas of basic operational knowledge, care and maintenance of engine, fuel, ignition, suspension, brakes, electrical, and drive train systems will be studied in a hands-on fashion.  Emphasis will be placed on safety practices, shop operations, troubleshooting, testing, adjusting, repairing, and replacing components using appropriate test equipment and service information. Upon completion, students should be able to perform a variety of automotive repairs using proper service procedures and to operate appropriate equipment.  It is recommended that students have their own car to work on but it is not required.
 

Designing, producing, exhibiting, performing, writing, and publishing multimedia content including visual and performing arts and design, journalism, and entertainment services.

The foundational course for this pathway is a prerequisite for the additional course offerings:  Introduction to T.V. Studio (Course No. 544)

The following courses within this pathway can be taken after successful completion of the foundational course:  

• T.V. Production (Course No. 546)
• Video Journalism (Course No. 550)

Journalism (Course No. 068) falls within this career pathway, but it taught in the English Department. Please refer to that section of the Program of Studies for course description.

Introduction to T.V. Studio    0.5 Credit                                                                     Course No. 544
Trimesters: 1

This course introduces students to the basic concepts of video production technology.  Students start by learning basic camera operation and move on to become familiar with the complete video production process. During this course, cooperative activities are completed dealing with pre-production, camera operation, shot composition, microphones, and interviewing. A major portion of Introduction to T.V. Studio is devoted to learning non-linear editing skills on Apple iMac computers and applying that knowledge towards the creation of several video projects. Students with career interests in the communication field would benefit from taking Introduction to T.V. Studio. Introduction to T.V. Studio is a prerequisite to T.V. Production.
 

T.V. Production    0.5 Credit                                                                                                         Course No. 546 
Trimesters: 1
Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Introduction to T.V. Studio or instructor approval for juniors & seniors.

This communication course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to learn and practice the processes involved in live television broadcasting and broadcast journalism.  Students work in front of the camera as reporters and behind the scenes as directors and studio control room technicians.  Multiple camera talk show productions are introduced as well as Apple’s Final Cut Pro X editing software.  Students examine video production techniques including lighting, audio, color grading, studio camera work, and studio directing.  Students will learn how to format scripts properly for broadcast news and will produce news segments for the statewide Fox 61 Student News Program.
 

Video Journalism    0.5 Credit                                                                                                    Course No. 550
Trimesters: 1 
Prerequisite:  Successful completion of T.V. Production.

This course will address advanced video and TV studio production with an emphasis on the application of electronic news gathering techniques towards a weekly Tiger Talk school news production. Through lectures, hands-on labs, and projects, students will learn and apply studio control room and field production techniques. Students in Video Journalism will acquire technical knowledge and competencies in camera operation, lens theory, switching, advanced Apple Final Cut video editing, audio and tracking, lighting, picture composition, shot planning, continuity, scripting/writing, and interviewing. Students will also research possible careers in the communications industry.
 

Focused on planning, managing and performing the processing of materials into intermediate or final products and related professional and technical support activities such as production planning and control, maintenance and manufacturing, and process engineering. 

The foundational course for this pathway is:  Materials Processing (Course No. 521)

The following courses within this pathway can be taken in any order:

• Computer Aided Drafting & Design (Course No. 541)
• Computer Integrated Manufacturing (Course No. 532)
• Robotics Engineering (Course No. 539)

The management, marketing and operations of restaurants and other food services, lodging, attractions, recreation events and travel related services.  

The foundational course for this pathway is:  Intro to Culinary Arts (Course No. 574)

The following courses within this pathway can be taken in any order: 

• Bake Shop (Course No. 580)
• Chefs at Hand (Course No. 576)
• Creative Cooking (Course No. 581)
• International Cuisine (Course No. 575)
   

Introduction to Culinary Arts (formerly Foods and Nutrition)    0.5 Credit                                  Course No. 574
Trimesters: 1       

This introductory course focuses on the basic, essential skills needed to operate in the culinary industry. These skills include safety and sanitation, kitchen tools and equipment, measuring and conversions, reading a recipe, basic cooking methods, identifying and combining the characteristics of different foods and planning/preparing a cohesive meal. Through hands-on activities, students learn a variety of different cooking techniques. This course within our Restaurant and Food Services career pathway will provide opportunities for our students to learn and perform a variety of tasks needed to maintain operations and promote guest services in eating establishments. 
 

International Cuisine (formerly International Foods)   0.5 Credit                               Course No. 575
Trimesters: 1

Students will explore a few target cultures and their typical dishes and ingredients, while examining their own preconceived notions about the culture and their food.  Students will explore the factors that influence the cuisine of different cultures and how one type of food has different interpretations worldwide.  Basic preparation techniques will be reviewed throughout this course.  After seeing how different food can be, students will analyze menus from other countries, and try to develop recipes influenced by other cultures. The culmination will be in presenting to the class a new recipe which is a fusion of two cuisines.
 

Chefs at Hand  0.5 Credit                                                                         Course No. 576
Trimesters: 1
Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Introduction to Culinary Arts, Bake Shop, or International Cuisine.
                                              
This advanced course provides students with the opportunity to work in the Tiger Café, a restaurant open to faculty and staff. Students in Chefs at Hand work together to manage, plan, prepare, and sell a variety of foods and gain experience in each job in the restaurant.  The restaurant industry and various careers are explored.  Students with an interest in culinary arts, business, or entrepreneurship would benefit from taking Chefs at Hand.
 

Bake Shop  0.5 Credit                                                                               Course No. 580
Trimesters: 1    
     
Bake Shop provides students with the opportunity to explore the creative world of cooking with a focus on the art of baking. Students will prepare breads, pastries, cakes, and cookies. The baking craft applies principles of math and chemistry in creating the final products. 
Note: Because of the popularity of this course and because upperclassmen are given priority in the scheduling process, freshmen and sophomores may not get this course in their schedule. If you choose this course, please make sure you also select alternates. 
 

Creative Cooking  0.5 Credit                                                                                    Course No. 581
Trimesters: 1
Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Introduction to Culinary Arts. 
                                         
This course is designed to give students the opportunity to learn varied culinary principles.  They will apply cooking concepts while combining ingredients in a creative fashion. Students will explore how to substitute, modify and make changes to existing recipes. There will be an emphasis on how ingredient pairing, seasoning, and cooking methods affect the taste, texture, and appearance of a dish.  Students will also be expected to analyze their creations using all five senses. As a culminating event, students will take part in a culinary competition.  They will be challenged to create a dish using a set of predetermined ingredients.