Career Technical Education (CTE) Programs

Career Technical Education Programs

Career Technical Education (CTE) is a program of study involving a multi-year sequence of courses integrating core academic curriculum with technical and occupational curriculum, to provide students with a pathway to post-secondary education and careers. The pathways create an educational environment that integrates core academics with real-world relevance to prepare students for college and career readiness. Many CTE programs are aligned with the field of study known as STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics).

   Key components of CTE programs include:

High quality curriculum and instruction: alignment with CA Standards for Career Ready Practice, Knowledge and Performance Anchor Standards, CTE Pathway Standards, CCSS (Common Core State Standards), and industry standards in pathway classes. Integration of the 11 Elements of High Quality CTE Programs.

An inquiry-based approach:-Shift to utilizing essential questioning strategies, student learning targets, and product or performance-based summative assessments.

Project-based learning: Hands-on experience both inside and outside of the classroom.

Career exploration and guidance: Workforce based learning including employability skills, mentoring, and internships.

Sequence of courses: Provides students a pathway to expertise and completion of the pathway (2-3 levels of Introduction, Concentrators, and Capstone courses).

Student leadership development: Career Technical Student Organizations (DECA, FCCLA, FFA, HOSA and SkillsUSA).

Industry certifications.

       Industry partnerships: Industry advisory meetings, community classroom/internships, work-based learning, field trips, and featured guest speakers.

College credits: Articulation agreements with local community colleges.

A-G credit: U.C. approved courses.

Work-Based Learning

Career Technical Education Video

Vista del Lago High School CTE Video

Our secondary schools offer CTE programs in 11 Industry Sectors and 20 Pathways.

INDUSTRY SECTOR	PATHWAYS	SITES
Agriculture & Natural Resources	Agriscience	CHS
Agriculture & Natural Resources	Animal Science	CHS
Agriculture & Natural Resources	Ornamental Horticulture	CHS
Arts, Media & Entertainment	Animation	VdLHS
Arts, Media & Entertainment	Digital, Visual & Media Arts	FHS & VdLHS
Arts, Media & Entertainment	Film/Video Production	FHS & VdLHS
Arts, Media & Entertainment	Graphic Design	VdLHS
Arts, Media & Entertainment	Production & Managerial Arts	FHS & VdLHS
Building Trades & Construction	Residential & Commercial Construction	CHS
Education, Child Development & Family Services	Child Development	VdLHS
Engineering & Architecture	Architectural Design	FHS
Engineering & Architecture	Engineering Design	FHS & VdLHS
Health Science & Medical Terminology	Biotechnology	VdLHS
Health Science & Medical Terminology	Patient Care	CHS
Hospitality, Tourism & Recreation	Food Service & Hospitality	CHS & KHS
Information Technology	Software & Systems Development	FHS & VdLHS
Information Technology	Games & Simulations	FHS
Manufacturing & Product Development	Welding & Materials Joining	KHS
Manufacturing & Product Development	Product Innovation & Design	CHS, FHS, VdLHS & KHS
Marketing, Sales & Service	Professional Sales	CHS