CTE Middle School
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Middle school CTE courses ensure all students in grades 6-8 have the unique opportunity to explore careers. Utilizing their middle school years to explore and curate their interests assist students in building a strong foundation of becoming career, college, and life ready. Middle school is the perfect time to provide students with pertinent information about future careers and introductory skills they will need to embark upon the ever-changing workforce. Sixth grade students are placed on a career exploratory wheel with classes lasting for nine weeks while 7th and 8th grade students are given more time to dive deeper in specific course material resulting in longer periods of instruction such as semester or year long courses. Each CTE middle school course incorporates career ready practices such as teamwork, collaboration, and communication skills to assist them not only in CTE courses but throughout all courses. By offering a wide variety of CTE courses, middle school students create their own career exploration journey.
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Career Exploration Opportunities Offered in DoDEA Middle Schools
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| Course Name | Course Description | Grades |
|---|---|---|
| Applied Technology | This course introduces students to the use of emerging technologies and applications to prepare them for current workplace practices and everyday life. Students will demonstrate information processing using a variety of hardware, software and Internet-based tools. Course content includes presentation, creation, design, and communication media tools, internet research and exploration, website development, and digital media (audio and visual). Students explore technology careers throughout the course. This course may be offered either nine-weeks or semester long. | 6,7,8 |
| Business Enterprise | This course introduces students to entrepreneurial concepts, business terminology, and fundamental business principles. Students participate in a simulated business experience while incorporating computer application software. Students explore careers in entrepreneurship throughout the course. This course may be offered either semester or year-long. | 6,7,8 |
| Computer Applications | This course is designed to assist students in applying a variety of computer technology and its application to their daily lives. In addition to information literacy, the areas of technology introduced may include word processing, spreadsheet, database, Internet, e-communication, graphics, presentation and publications applications, and using digital and scanning equipment. Students explore careers involving computer applications throughout the course. This course may be offered either nine weeks, semester, or year long. | 6,7,8 |
| Family and Consumer Sciences | This course is designed to provide students with basic skills needed for life. The course will acquaint the middle school students with budgeting, basic nutrition, meal preparation, family relationships, environmental resources, and care giving for children and elderly. This course may be offered either nine weeks or semester long. | 6,7,8 |
| Introduction to Electronics | This course allows students to gain a basic understanding of electronics, circuit design, actuators, and sensors. Students will also be introduced to careers in the electronics field. This course may be offered either nine weeks or semester long. | 6,7,8 |
| Graphic Communications | This course introduces students to basic design elements by manipulating digital images and completing graphic design and desktop publishing projects such as photo editing, graphic, raster and vector projects, text effects, business cards and brochures. Students use Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator to create digital projects. Students explore graphic communications careers throughout the course. This course may be offered either nine weeks or semester | 7,8 |
| Introduction to Programming | This course is designed for students to explore programming concepts, use algorithmic procedures, implement programming procedures with one or more standard languages, and master programming fundamentals. Coding is used throughout the course. Graphical user interfaces may be used as students design and develop interactive multimedia applications. Students use hypertext markup language (HTML) or JavaScript to create web pages. Students explore programming careers throughout the course. This course may be offered either for nine weeks or semester long. | 7,8 |
| Video Production | This course is designed to provide students with exploratory and investigative activities dealing with camera functions, filming techniques, composition, non-linear/linear editing, and computer animation/graphics. This course may be offered for nine weeks or semester long. | 7,8 |
| Pathways to Careers | This course is designed to provide students with a broad overview of the world of work through self/career awareness. This course is year-long. | 7,8 |
| Tech Leader Communications | This course is designed for students interested in exploring how technology can enhance the teaching and learning experience. Topics covered should include: email etiquette, digital citizenship, Internet research, and communication skills (both written and verbal). Students will learn how to effectively communicate ideas through presentation software and web page creation. Students explore educational careers throughout the course. This course is year-long. | 7,8 |
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