College, Career Technical Education (CCTE) is a program of study that involves a multiyear sequence of courses that integrates core academic knowledge with technical and occupational knowledge to provide students with a pathway to postsecondary education and careers. Programs of study include coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant career and technical content in a coordinated, non-duplicative progression of courses that align secondary education with postsecondary education.
Students completing a career pathway take foundation, intermediate and capstone courses related to the field of study. Students are encouraged to complete an internship in the industry prior to finishing their senior year. A program of study may also lead to completion of A-G requirements, articulated community college credit, an industry-recognized credential, certificate at the postsecondary level, an associate or baccalaureate degree.
CCTE in the state of California is organized around 15 industry sectors, or groupings of interrelated occupations and broad industries. Each sector has two or more career pathways. A career pathway is a coherent sequence of rigorous academic and technical courses that allow students to apply academics, develop technical skills and make industry connections. Course sequences prepare students for successful completion of state academic and technical standards and more advanced postsecondary coursework related to the career in which they may be interested.
Honors Principles of Bio. Med. 1, 2 - Grade 9 - 12
Principles of Biomedical Sciences is a foundation course in the Health Sciences and Medical Technology industry sector, and the first course in a four-year sequence of courses comprising the PLTW Biomedical Science Program. Students in this introductory course are introduced to the study of human medicine, including research processes and bioinformatics. Hands-on projects enable students to investigate the human body systems and various health conditions, including: heart disease, diabetes, sickle-cell disease, hypercholesterolemia, and infectious diseases. They investigate lifestyle choices and medical treatments that may prolong the lives of people living with these diseases. Other topics include metabolism, inheritance of traits, feedback systems, and defense against disease. This course is designed to lay the scientific foundation for the rest of the courses in the PLTW Biomedical Science Program, and provide students with a general overview of the concepts and ideas they will explore in greater detail later.
To receive honors credit, students must complete an end-of-course project.
Honors Human Body Systems 1, 2 - Grade 10 - 12
Prerequisites: Principles of Biomedical Sciences 1,2 (P) and concurrent enrollment in Biology 1,2 (P) or Biology 1,2 Advanced (P), and Integrated Math I A-B (P)
Human Body Systems Honors is the second course in a four-year sequence of courses comprising the PLTW Biomedical Sciences Program. It also serves as an intermediate-level career-path course in the Health Sciences and Medical Technology industry sector. In this course, students examine the interactions of body systems as they examine identity, communication, power, movement, protection, and homeostasis. Students design experiments, investigate the structures and functions of the human body, and use data acquisition software to monitor body functions such as muscle movement, reflex and voluntary action, and respiration. Exploring science in action, students build organs and tissues on a skeletal manikin, work through interesting real world cases, and often play the role of biomedical professionals to solve medical mysteries. Students practice problem solving with structured activities and progress to open-ended projects and problems that require them to think critically, develop planning, documentation, communication, and other professional skills.
To receive honors credit, students must complete an end-of-course project.
Sports Medicine 1, 2 and 3, 4 - Grade 11 - 12
Prerequisites: Human Body Systems 1, 2 (P)
This course serves as an advanced-level course for the Patient Care career pathway of the Health Science and Medical Technology industry sector of courses. Students in this course engage in an in-depth study of whole-body anatomy and physiology, and learn about the processes involved in the treatment, management and healing of injuries. Students are introduced to medical terminology, and evaluation techniques for common diseases and injuries, as well as strategies for rehabilitation and recovery. Numerous laboratory activities provide opportunities for student investigation and experimentation.
Human Psychology and Family Sociology 1, 2 (P) - Grade 11 - 12
This course covers the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development of the child through adolescence, as well as the structure of the family, its composition and culture. Cross-cultural social influences and values on the family are recognized and analyzed. It is part of the career pathways in the Education, Child Development, and Family Services industry sector.
Honors PLTW Medical Interventions 1, 2 (HP) - Grade 11 - 12
Prerequisites: Integrated Math I A-B (P); Principles of Biomedical Sciences 1,2 (P); Human Body Systems 1,2 (P); Biology 1,2 (P)
Medical Interventions Honors is the third course in a four- year sequence of courses that makes up the Project Lead the Way Biomedical Sciences Program. Students in this course are introduced to a wide range of medi¬cal interventions related to immunology, genetics, pharmacology, surgery, medical devices and diag¬nostics. Interventions range from simple diagnostic tests to the treatment of complex diseases and disorders; all are aimed at extending and improving quality of life. Lifestyle choices and preventive measures are emphasized throughout the course as well as the important role that scientific thinking and engineering design play in the development of interventions of the future. Students practice problem solving with structured activities and progress to open-ended projects and problems that require them to develop planning, documentation, communication, and other professional skills.
To receive honors credit, students must complete an end-of-course project.
Introduction to Music Production Technology 1, 2 Grade - 9 - 12
This course accounts for VAPA credit.
Students in this course learn how to create original pieces of music, and develop foundational skills and knowledge in preparation for taking higher-level courses that will lead to a career in music. Topics covered include: music theory, music vocabulary, an overview of the recording industry, studio skills, basic recording techniques, product proposals, and product creation
Introduction to Design 1, 2 (P) Grade - 9 - 12
This first-year Project Lead the Way course is designed to provide students with an introduction to engineering design, as well as to careers the field. Engineering students are introduced to the history of design and the design process. Students work through units on sketching and visualization, geographic relationships, physical and mathematical modeling, 3-D computer modeling, model analysis, and documentation. Students complete authentic engineering design projects, create portfolios, and present their results to industry partners. The related practical applications of arts, mathematics, science, and language arts are also emphasized.
This course includes supplemental units of instruction that address the California state Visual and Performing Arts content standards.
Computerized Graphic Design 1, 2 and 3, 4 - Grades 9 - 12
This course meets the UC "a-g" requirements. Students need to pass the final exam with an A or B for college credit.
Students learn the basics of graphic design by preparing original art combining typography, page layout, and integrated graphic elements. They receive instruction in the following areas: elements of art and principles of design; mechanical and computer design methods; finishing of graphic products; historical and cultural development of graphics and the printing industry. The course teaches students how to organize ideas, create meaning in their original work, and work ideas into new and useful creations, thereby developing the students' confidence in their artistic abilities.
Video Production 1, 2 and 3, 4 - Grades 9 - 12
This course accounts for VAPA credit.
This course develops student skills in video production. Areas of emphasis include scriptwriting, equipment operation, studio and remote production techniques, on-camera oral communication skills, critical television viewing, and occupational opportunities in video.
Cinematic Arts 1, 2 - Grades 11, 12
Credit for this course counts toward the practical arts credits required for high school graduation.
Prerequisites: Video Production 1, 2 and Video Production 3, 4 or teacher approval.
Cinematic Arts is an advanced-level course in the Design, Visual and Media Arts pathway for the Arts, Media and Entertainment industry sector. It builds on knowledge and skills acquired in the beginning and intermediate courses, Video Production 1,2 (P) and Video Production 3,4 (P), which emphasized the basic elements of art and design and their relationship to technology in the creation of modern visual communications. Cinematic Arts focuses on developing a deeper understanding of the aesthetic and social aspects of motion-picture arts. Students who take the course will learn how to understand, critique and create quality cinematic compositions.
Principles of Engineering Honors 1, 2 - Grade 11 - 12
Prerequisites: Introduction to Design 1,2 (P); Principles of Engineering 1,2 (P); Integrated Math I A-B (P); Integrated Math II A-B (P)
This is a culminating course in the Project Lead the Way engineering program. Students in this course apply principles learned in previous courses as they work in teams to research, develop, and construct a solution to an open-ended engineering problem, guided by a community mentor. They present progress reports, submit a final written report, and defend their solution to a panel of outside experts at the course's culmination. Approximately 180 to 360 hours of instruction are required to complete the course, depending on the requirements of the site at which it is offered.
Paid and unpaid internships are part of the course curriculum.
Digital Electronics Honors 1, 2 (HP) - Grade 11 - 12
Prerequisites: Introduction to Design 1,2 (P); Principles of Engineering 1,2 (P); Integrated Math I A-B (P)
This Project Lead the Way course provides entry level, upgrade, and advanced training in electronics technician occupations. Employment possibilities include electronics technician, test technician, quality control tester, quality assurance technician, and repair technician. Instruction covers safety, AC and DC electronics, semiconductor devices, electronic circuits, communications, IC timers, operational amplifiers, digital techniques, microprocessors, and computer technology. Students use equipment that includes meters, oscilloscopes, function generators, frequency counters, and computers. Completion of the course depends upon the student's entry-level skills and rate of progress. Approximately 180 hours of attendance are needed to meet minimum competencies.
This course is offered in single-period and double- period formats. Paid and unpaid internships are part of the course curriculum.
Engineering Design and Development Honors 1, 2 - Grade 11 - 12
Prerequisites: Introduction to Design 1,2 (P); Principles of Engineering 1,2 (P); Integrated Math I A-B (P); Integrated Math II A-B (P)
This is a culminating course in the Project Lead the Way engineering program. Students in this course apply principles learned in previous courses as they work in teams to research, develop, and construct a solution to an open-ended engineering problem, guided by a community mentor. They present progress reports, submit a final written report, and defend their solution to a panel of outside experts at the course's culmination. Approximately 180 to 360 hours of instruction are required to complete the course, depending on the requirements of the site at which it is offered.
Paid and unpaid internships are part of the course curriculum.