Introduction to Career
Technology Education (CTE) Wheel
(9th Grade)

This course is designed to introduce students to technology skills included in several of the Industry Sectors of the Career Pathways as part of Career Technical Education (CTE) in California. The rapidly changing global economy demands the preparation of technologically literate citizens. These technologies must be presented early, and reinforced and expanded throughout the curriculum to prepare students to meet further educational and career goals.

What will be taught in the course?

The course consists of separate content areas supporting modern career skills. The skills introduced to the student will be video & filmmaking technologies, woodworking technology, studio arts, photography and imaging technologies, and theatre art technology. Each of the principles, skills, and processes learned in the CTE wheel can be further pursued in full length classes and career pathways.

How long does the program last?

There are five "mini-courses," which consist of five distinct areas, scheduled for the student in two contiguous quarters. All will be taught in a single period with the students rotating from one class to the next every 3 ½ weeks.

How are students graded in the course?

Many methods of assessment are used to evaluate student performance including the traditional methods of worksheets, group projects, writing assignments, and tests, but many of the classes will be project based. Students will also be assessed on their completed "portfolios" designed to visually show their work across all five content areas. Each student may also be evaluated for work habits, cooperation, safety, and proper use of equipment and materials. Each instructor will have specific requirements for their own section of the rotation as well as their own grading system.Student's grades are cumulative and averaged across rotations. Each instructor will evaluate the student's progress for their segment of the rotation and that will be combined and averaged with the other segments to arrive at a total grade. Since the third section of the rotation will not be complete when the grades are due, the student's first quarter grade will be based on the average of the first two sections of the rotation only. A student's final grade, however, is based on the average of all five of the sections of the CTE rotation. Each part of the rotation contributes 18% to each student's final grade, with their portfolio/binder providing the other 10%.

Will the student be required to provide materials and tools for this course?

Supplies and equipment will be provided by the school to meet the requirements of each project in a reasonable supply. Each student may be requested to purchase additional supplies in the event that student wishes to make additional projects or wastes materials beyond what is considered reasonable (such as individual projects not required in the class or projects entered into the San Diego County Fair). Students will need to supply a 3-ring binder (at least 1" wide) and divider tabs for organizing the binder into the 5 sections required for his or her portfolio.

Class Descriptions, Staff, and Contact Information

Video & Film Technology

Mr. Keillor Phone ext. 5155
Email: rod.keillor@sduhsd.net

Students will learn how to edit film and videos, create and write storyboards, operate video cameras, all while working together within groups to film selected video projects.

Photo Arts Technology

Ms. Coppock Phone ext. 5111
Email: susan.coppock@sduhsd.net

Students will use composition techniques & creative camera controls to produce photographic images through traditional & digital technologies with an awareness of photo ethics.

Intro. to Theatre Art & Technology

Mrs. Siers Phone ext. 5156
Email: stephanie.siers@sduhsd.net

Students will be introduced to the principles, skills and processes of theatre art, including improvisation, public speech, acting, the production process and the fundamentals of technical theatre and design.

Woodworking Technology

Mr. Germano Phone ext. 5112
Email: jeff.germano@sduhsd.net

Students will learn fundamental skills of measurement, sketching, and design to draw and produce simple products made from wood.

Studio Arts

Mr. Wright Phone ext. 5029
Email: jeremy.wright@sduhsd.net

Students will explore their own personal journey as to what art is by utilizing a variety of traditional studio arts such as painting and ceramics, as well as experimenting with different materials.

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