Career And Technical Education
Programs Offered at Career & Technology Academy
Programs Offered at Four High Schools
Select one of the following Programs of Study to learn more.
- Business
- Computer Science
- Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education (CASE)
- Project Lead the Way Biomedical Sciences
- Project Lead the Way Pathway to Engineering
- Teacher Academy of Maryland (TAM)
Business
Computer Science
The Computer Science program of study will prepare students for further study and careers in the field of Computer Science. Students complete a sequence of four courses, starting with an overview of the Computing and Information Technology field and progressing through a more in-depth study of computer science.
Throughout the program, students will learn all aspects of Computer Science including: programming, hardware design, networks, graphics, databases and information retrieval, cyber security, software design, programming languages, logic, programming paradigms, translation between levels of abstraction, artificial intelligence, the limits of computations, applications in information technology and information systems, and social issues (Internet security, privacy, and intellectual property).
The program of study consists of these four courses:
Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education (CASE)
The Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education (CASE) is a program within the Environmental, Agricultural, and Natural Resources Career Cluster. The CASE program prepares students to be successful in numerous careers in the agricultural sciences as well a preparing them to further their education at the post-secondary level. This inquiry-based program incorporates classroom learning, FFA leadership and career development, as well as outside of the classroom experiences through Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAE) and other internship opportunities.
Upon completion of the foundation course, Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources, students will complete a Principles of Agricultural Science course focused on either Plant or Animal Systems. Students then progress to a specialty course in either Plant and Animal Biotechnology or Food Science and Safety. The CASE program culminates with a capstone course in Agricultural Business, Research, and Development. All courses have direct connections to FFA activities and SAE applications.
Project Lead the Way Biomedical Sciences
PLTW Biomedical Sciences is a program which includes the four courses listed below. The rigorous and relevant four-course PLTW Biomedical Science sequence allows students to investigate the roles of biomedical professionals as they study the concepts of human medicine, physiology, genetics, microbiology, and public health. Students engage in activities like investigating the death of a fictional person, and learning content in the context of real-world cases. They examine the structures and interactions of human body systems and explore the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, all while working collaboratively to understand and design solutions to the most pressing health challenges of today and the future.
In order to complete the program, students take these four courses:
Project Lead the Way Pathway to Engineering
PLTW Pathway to Engineering is a program which includes the five courses listed below. In PLTW Engineering, students engage in open-ended problem solving, learn and apply the engineering design process, and use the same industry-leading technology and software as are used in the world’s top companies. Students investigate topics such as aerodynamics and astronautics, sustainability, and digital electronics and circuit design, giving them an opportunity to learn about different engineering disciplines before beginning post-secondary education or careers.
In order to complete the program, students take these five courses:
Teacher Academy of Maryland (TAM)
The Teacher Academy of Maryland (TAM) is a rigorous four course Career and Technology Education program developed through a partnership between Maryland State Department of Education and Towson University. The program is specifically designed for students who intend to pursue a career as an elementary, middle, or high school teacher. Instructors for these courses are provided with professional development through Towson University.
An integral component of the TAM program is providing students with experiences that demonstrate what being a teacher is really like. Academy students have the opportunity to conduct formal observations, develop and deliver lesson plans in a K-12 setting, and participate in special events and activities with other future educators. Students may elect to join TAM as tenth graders. TAM is for students interested in any of these careers: instructional assistant, daycare center owner/operator, early childhood teacher, high school teacher, school administrator, social worker, preschool teacher, elementary teacher, speech therapist, child psychologist, middle school teacher, and school counselor.
The TAM program consists of these four courses (select a tab to view more):
- 1. Human Growth and Development through Adolescence (5500)
- 2. Teaching as a Profession (5510)
- 3. Foundations of Curriculum and Instruction (5520)
- 4. Education Academy Internship (5530)
1. Human Growth and Development through Adolescence (5500)
This is an exciting first course in the Teacher Academy of Maryland (TAM) program because it appeals directly to what gets most prospective teachers interested in an education career-the joy of working with children. It is also a course that appeals to something fundamental to adolescents-studying and understanding themselves.
This course focuses on human development from birth through adolescence. Emphasis is placed on theories of physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development, the effect of heredity and the environment, the role of caregivers and the family, health and safety concerns, and contemporary issues. Students explore special challenges to growth and development. Students will have opportunities for guided observation of children from birth through adolescence in a variety of settings to help students further understand theories of human development. Students will begin to develop the components of a working portfolio to be assembled upon completion of the internship.
2. Teaching as a Profession (5510)
This is the second course in the Teacher Academy of Maryland (TAM) program. The course focuses on the profession of teaching – its history, purposes, issues, ethics, laws and regulations, roles, and qualifications. Emphasis is placed on identifying the current, historical, philosophical and social perspectives of American education, including trends and issues. Students will explore major approaches to human learning. Students will participate in guided observations and field experiences in multiple settings to help them assess their personal interest in pursuing careers in this field and to identify effective learning environments. Students will continue to develop the components of a working portfolio to be assembled upon completion of the internship.
3. Foundations of Curriculum and Instruction (5520)
This course explores curriculum delivery models in response to the developmental needs of all children. Emphasis is placed on the development of varied instructional materials and activities to promote learning, classroom management strategies, and a supportive classroom environment. Students will explore basic theories of motivation that increase learning. Students will participate in guided observations and field experiences to critique classroom lessons in preparation for developing and implementing their own. Students will continue to develop the components of a working portfolio to be assembled upon completion of the internship. This course is taken concurrently with the Education Academy Internship.
4. Education Academy Internship (5530)
The internship is the culminating course of the Education Academy Program. Students will have an opportunity to integrate content and pedagogical knowledge in an educational area of interest. They will have an opportunity to extend and apply their knowledge about teaching in a classroom setting under the supervision of a mentor teacher. This internship may be with a teacher in their school or a neighboring elementary or middle school. The students will complete their working portfolio and present it for critique. Students are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from their internship. Students complete the internship during the same school year as completing the Foundations of Curriculum and Instruction course.
"Grow Our Own Teachers" Scholarship Program
Students who graduate from CCPS on or after June 1, 2017 and complete the TAM program are eligible for the "Grow Our Own Teachers" Scholarship Program. To be considered for this scholarship, please fill out an application and return it to Carrie Akins, Director of Career and Technology Education. For questions concerning this program, Carrie Akins can be contacted at 443-550-9940 or by email.