Career And Technical Education - Calvert County Public School District

Programs Offered at Career & Technology Academy

CTA Programs

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Carrie Akins

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Apprenticeship Maryland

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Planning Guide

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Programs Offered at High Schools

Business

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Students wishing to complete the Academy of Finance (AOF) Program of Study must take the courses listed below. Additionally, students completing AOF are required to complete a six-week internship during the summer prior to their senior year of high school.

Principles of Business Administration and Management (5000)

Program Description: Principles of Business Administration and Management is the introductory course in all four business pathways. It is also the course that is a pre-requisite for Advanced Business Management, Course No. 5160, and the Management Capstone course, which are the two courses required to complete the CCPS Management pathway. The Management Pathway is designed to prepare students for Business Administration and Management studies in college. Business Administration and Management is the No. 1 College major in the United States. Students will have the opportunity to take the CLEP exam in Principles of Management. If students obtain the required score, they may earn three college credits.

Students Will Learn:

The roles and work of managers.
The historical development of management.
Major management theorists and theories.
Effective supervision.
The importance of leadership.
The planning function.
The organizing function.
The implementing function.
The controlling function.
The social and ethical environment of business.
Economic environment of business.
International environment of business.
The forms of business ownership.
Legal aspects of managing a business.
Technology and information management.
Business communications.

Principles of Accounting (5050)

Recognize and define basic accounting principles, concepts, and terminology using Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) as it applies to assets, liabilities, and owner’s equity.
Explain the forms of businesses and the purpose of all steps of the accounting cycle for the different types of business entities.
Apply basic accounting principles to analyze and record financial transactions for a sole proprietorship.
Generate financial statements for different types of business operations and ownership structures.
Use Microsoft Excel and other software for simple accounting.
Apply internal controls to maintain and protect cash within the organization, including accurately preparing checks, deposits slips and bank reconciliations.
Assess the financial condition and operating results of a company by analyzing and interpreting balance sheets, income statements, and other information to make informed business decisions.
Discuss ethical and legal issues in business and accounting such as the Federal Sentencing Guidelines for Organizations (FSGO) and the Sarbannes Oxley Act (SOX).
Discuss careers in accounting and identify the role that accountants play in business and society.

Economics (5080)

Economics is a social science that analyzes the production, distribution and consumption of goods and services and the allocation of scarce resources. This course will focus on microeconomic issues such as scarcity, supply, demand, market structures, competition, the profit motive, and the types of economic systems found in most nations of the world today. Macroeconomic issues such as gross domestic product, inflation, unemployment, the role of government in the economy, fiscal policy, and monetary policy will also be explored. The course follows the 20 standards in economics as defined by the National Council on Economic Education. Students will also delve into global economic issues. This course helps students improve their decision making, become more informed citizens, and they will understand the complex issues surrounding them in the world today.

Accounting

Students who wish to complete the Accounting Program of Study are required to complete the four courses described below. Students may opt to enroll in a business course at the College of Southern Maryland instead of taking the Capstone Course.

Students who complete this program are eligible to take advantage of an articulation agreement with the College of Southern Maryland.

More Information on CTE at CSM

Principles of Business Administration and Management (5000)

Program Description: Principles of Business Administration and Management is the introductory course in all four business pathways. It is also the course that is a pre-requisite for Advanced Business Management, Course No. 5160, and the Management Capstone course, which are the two courses required to complete the CCPS Management pathway. The Management Pathway is designed to prepare students for Business Administration and Management studies in college. Business Administration and Management is the No. 1 College major in the United States. Students will have the opportunity to take the CLEP exam in Principles of Management. If students obtain the required score, they may earn three college credits.

Students Will Learn:

The roles and work of managers.
The historical development of management.
Major management theorists and theories.
Effective supervision.
The importance of leadership.
The planning function.
The organizing function.
The implementing function.
The controlling function.
The social and ethical environment of business.
Economic environment of business.
International environment of business.
The forms of business ownership.
Legal aspects of managing a business.
Technology and information management.
Business communications.

Principles of Accounting (5050)

Recognize and define basic accounting principles, concepts, and terminology using Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) as it applies to assets, liabilities, and owner’s equity.
Explain the forms of businesses and the purpose of all steps of the accounting cycle for the different types of business entities.
Apply basic accounting principles to analyze and record financial transactions for a sole proprietorship.
Generate financial statements for different types of business operations and ownership structures.
Use Microsoft Excel and other software for simple accounting.
Apply internal controls to maintain and protect cash within the organization, including accurately preparing checks, deposits slips and bank reconciliations.
Assess the financial condition and operating results of a company by analyzing and interpreting balance sheets, income statements, and other information to make informed business decisions.
Discuss ethical and legal issues in business and accounting such as the Federal Sentencing Guidelines for Organizations (FSGO) and the Sarbannes Oxley Act (SOX).
Discuss careers in accounting and identify the role that accountants play in business and society.

Advanced Accounting (5060/5065)

Apply advanced accounting theory including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Explain the purpose of different accounting procedures.
Assess the financial condition and operating results of a company by analyzing and interpreting financial statements using appropriate ratios.
Journalize and make necessary calculations for
- Managing inventory
- Deprivation of property, plant and equipment using multiple methods
- Estimating uncollectable accounts and adjusting accounts using a variety of methods
- Notes receivable
- Notes, mortgage and bonds payable
Explain how accounting information systems are used and use Microsoft Excel and other software for accounting operations.
Complete necessary calculations and entries for corporations and partnerships.
Evaluate ethical and legal issues in business and accounting and the impact of such measures as the Federal Sentencing Guidelines for Organizations (FSGO) and the Sarbanes Oxley Act (SOX).
Discuss careers in accounting, and identify the role that accountants play in business and society.

Business Capstone - Accounting (5067)

The Capstone course will provide instruction on managing projects, creating business plans, conducting research, and utilizing electronic tools. Students will then personally design an independently conducted activity, or Capstone project, that enables them to further their expertise of accounting. This Capstone project offers an opportunity to think critically about a subject of interest while demonstrating mastery and application of the skills and knowledge within a particular content area. The course culminates with a presentation of the students’ Capstone projects.

This course prepares students to pass the College Board’s CLEP (College Level Examination Program) exam in Financial Accounting. The CLEP exam is recognized by close to 3,000 colleges and universities nationwide. Students earn three college credits by passing this exam. The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) provides access to the CLEP exams. There is a fee required to take this exam at CSM.

CLEP Exam Information

Credit by Examination at CSM

Business Administrative Services

Students who wish to complete the Business Administrative Services program of study must complete the four courses described below. Students who complete this program are eligible to take several Microsoft Office Specialist − or MOS − certification exams.

Principles of Business Administration and Management (5000)

Program Description: Principles of Business Administration and Management is the introductory course in all four business pathways. It is also the course that is a pre-requisite for Advanced Business Management, Course No. 5160, and the Management Capstone course, which are the two courses required to complete the CCPS Management pathway. The Management Pathway is designed to prepare students for Business Administration and Management studies in college. Business Administration and Management is the No. 1 College major in the United States. Students will have the opportunity to take the CLEP exam in Principles of Management. If students obtain the required score, they may earn three college credits.

Students Will Learn:

The roles and work of managers.
The historical development of management.
Major management theorists and theories.
Effective supervision.
The importance of leadership.
The planning function.
The organizing function.
The implementing function.
The controlling function.
The social and ethical environment of business.
Economic environment of business.
International environment of business.
The forms of business ownership.
Legal aspects of managing a business.
Technology and information management.
Business communications.

Principles of Accounting (5050)

Recognize and define basic accounting principles, concepts, and terminology using Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) as it applies to assets, liabilities, and owner’s equity.
Explain the forms of businesses and the purpose of all steps of the accounting cycle for the different types of business entities.
Apply basic accounting principles to analyze and record financial transactions for a sole proprietorship.
Generate financial statements for different types of business operations and ownership structures.
Use Microsoft Excel and other software for simple accounting.
Apply internal controls to maintain and protect cash within the organization, including accurately preparing checks, deposits slips and bank reconciliations.
Assess the financial condition and operating results of a company by analyzing and interpreting balance sheets, income statements, and other information to make informed business decisions.
Discuss ethical and legal issues in business and accounting such as the Federal Sentencing Guidelines for Organizations (FSGO) and the Sarbannes Oxley Act (SOX).
Discuss careers in accounting and identify the role that accountants play in business and society.

Business Management

Students wishing to complete the Business Management program of study are required to take the four courses listed below. Students may enroll in a business course at the College of Southern Maryland instead of completing the Capstone Course.

Principles of Business Administration and Management (5000)

Program Description: Principles of Business Administration and Management is the introductory course in all four business pathways. It is also the course that is a pre-requisite for Advanced Business Management, Course No. 5160, and the Management Capstone course, which are the two courses required to complete the CCPS Management pathway. The Management Pathway is designed to prepare students for Business Administration and Management studies in college. Business Administration and Management is the No. 1 College major in the United States. Students will have the opportunity to take the CLEP exam in Principles of Management. If students obtain the required score, they may earn three college credits.

Students Will Learn:

The roles and work of managers.
The historical development of management.
Major management theorists and theories.
Effective supervision.
The importance of leadership.
The planning function.
The organizing function.
The implementing function.
The controlling function.
The social and ethical environment of business.
Economic environment of business.
International environment of business.
The forms of business ownership.
Legal aspects of managing a business.
Technology and information management.
Business communications.

Principles of Accounting (5050)

Recognize and define basic accounting principles, concepts, and terminology using Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) as it applies to assets, liabilities, and owner’s equity.
Explain the forms of businesses and the purpose of all steps of the accounting cycle for the different types of business entities.
Apply basic accounting principles to analyze and record financial transactions for a sole proprietorship.
Generate financial statements for different types of business operations and ownership structures.
Use Microsoft Excel and other software for simple accounting.
Apply internal controls to maintain and protect cash within the organization, including accurately preparing checks, deposits slips and bank reconciliations.
Assess the financial condition and operating results of a company by analyzing and interpreting balance sheets, income statements, and other information to make informed business decisions.
Discuss ethical and legal issues in business and accounting such as the Federal Sentencing Guidelines for Organizations (FSGO) and the Sarbannes Oxley Act (SOX).
Discuss careers in accounting and identify the role that accountants play in business and society.

Advanced Business Management (5160)

Program Description: Advanced Business Management is the second course in the Business Management Pathway. Course No. 5000 is a pre-requisite to take this course. This course is a pre-requisite for the Management Capstone course, the final course in the pathway. The Management Pathway is designed to prepare students for Business Administration and Management studies in college. Business Administration and Management is the No. 1 College major in the United States. Students will have the opportunity to take the CLEP exam in Principles of Management at the end of this course or during the Management Capstone course. If students obtain the required score on the CLEP exam, they may earn three college credits.

Students Will Learn:

Advanced management theories.
Roles and work descriptions of all levels of managers.
General and specific environments.
Review of the four major management functions: planning, organizing, leading and controlling.
How to deal with changing environments.
Organizational cultures.
Types of workplace deviance.
Ethical issues in management.
Social responsibility issues of management.
Decision making techniques.
Job design and management.
Internal and external organizational processes.
Work team development and management.
All aspects of human resource management.
Motivation theories.
Leadership aspects of management.
Contingency theories.

Business Capstone - Management (5167)

The Capstone course will provide instruction on managing projects, creating business plans, conducting research, and utilizing electronic tools. Students will then personally design an independently conducted activity, or Capstone project, that enables them to further their expertise of business management. This Capstone project offers an opportunity to think critically about a subject of interest while demonstrating mastery and application of the skills and knowledge within a particular content area. The course culminates with a presentation of the students’ Capstone projects.

This course prepares students to pass the College Board’s CLEP (College Level Examination Program) exam in Financial Accounting. The CLEP exam is recognized by close to 3,000 colleges and universities nationwide. Students earn three college credits by passing this exam. The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) provides access to the CLEP exams. There is a fee required to take this exam at CSM.

CLEP Exam Information

Credit by Examination at CSM

Computer Science

The Computer Science (CS) 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 consists of these four courses (select a panel to view more):

Foundations of Computer Science (3505)

AP Computer Science Principles (3506)

AP Computer Science Principles introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and challenges them to explore how computing and technology can impact the world. More than a traditional introduction to programming, it is a rigorous, engaging, and approachable curriculum that explores many of the foundational ideas of computing so all students understand how these concepts are transforming the world we live in.

App Development (3511)

This second course is designed to enhance students' computing concepts and knowledge further, focusing on programming in the modern world. In the year's first half, students will master creating apps with physical computing, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Students will use sensors and microcontrollers to create endless possibilities for “Internet of Things” applications. In the second semester, students will learn the basics of Java programming.

AP Computer Science (A) Coding (3519)

AP Computer Science A is a rigorous curriculum that introduces students to software engineering and object-oriented programming and design using the Java programming language. This curriculum covers a broad range of topics, including the design of solutions to problems, the use of data structures to organize large sets of data, the development and implementation of algorithms to process data and discover new information, the analysis of potential solutions, and the ethical and social implications of computing systems.

Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC)

The NJROTC program is available to students as a Career & Technical Education (CTE) graduation pathway. To meet CTE pathway graduation requirements, students must successfully complete Naval Science I, Naval Science II, and Naval Science III in order to be designated as CTE completers through NJROTC. Students who are able are encouraged to take Naval Science IV as a further benefit to future career possibilities. Satisfactory completion of the program gives students the life and career skills to significantly contribute to success in careers in government, private industry entrepreneurship and non-profit organizations. It can also lead to advanced placement credit in the Senior ROTC program at an accredited college or university, or advanced rank in the armed forces.

Established by the Congress of the United States in 1964, the Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) Program teaches self-discipline, self-confidence, and leadership skills. The main objectives of this program are to promote patriotism, develop informed and responsible citizens, promote habits of orderliness and precision, develop respect for constituted authority, and develop a high degree of personal honor, individual discipline, and self-reliance. The program includes classroom study in the areas listed in the course descriptions. In addition, physical fitness, personal appearance and good grooming habits, respectful conduct, and leadership training are stressed. Those who enroll in naval science courses join a unit and agree to wear the Navy uniform one full day a week and to comply with the standards of academic performance and personal conduct required of NJROTC cadets. All textbooks, regular uniforms, and training equipment are provided by the Navy at no cost to the student. Cadets interested in competing for admission to the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy (West Point) or the U.S. Air Force Academy are required to obtain a nomination.

NJROTC is a nominating source and cadets are eligible to compete for a nomination from their NJROTC unit. Units also provide significant assistance in competing for four-year college ROTC scholarships. The student who elects to take naval science incurs no military obligation. However, successful completion of three years or more of naval science allows entry into the armed forces at up to two pay grades higher than other enlistees. To broaden each cadet’s horizons, frequent field trips are made to visit various military bases, ships, and other government installations of interest. Cruises and visits aboard Navy ships provide practical, hands-on training experiences. Extracurricular activities include interscholastic competition at the local, regional, and national levels in academics, marksmanship, orienteering, drill team, and color guard. Selected cadets may attend special advanced training or educational opportunities.

Some NJROTC units offer cadets the opportunity to compete in an Air Force Cyber Defense competition called CyberPatriot, a national Cyber Education program created to inspire K-12 students toward careers in cybersecurity or other science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines critical to our nation’s future.

To enroll in any NJROTC unit, a student must be of good moral character and physically fit. He or she must agree to accept and maintain the high standards of behavior and personal appearance required of cadets.

View Course Information

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.

The program consists of these four courses (select a panel to learn more):

Principles of Biomedical Sciences (PBS)

Students can take this course in ninth grade. In the introductory course of the PLTW Biomedical Science program, students explore concepts of biology and medicine to determine factors that led to the death of a fictional person. While investigating the case, students examine autopsy reports, investigate medical history, and explore medical treatments that might have prolonged the person’s life. The activities and projects introduce students to human physiology, basic biology, medicine, and research processes while allowing them to design their own experiments to solve problems.

Human Body Systems (HBS)

Students typically take this course in tenth grade. Students examine the interactions of human body systems as they explore identity, power, movement, protection, and homeostasis. Exploring science in action, students build organs and tissues on a skeletal Maniken®, use data acquisition software to monitor body functions such as muscle movement, reflex and voluntary action, and respiration; and take on the roles of biomedical professionals to solve real-world medical cases.

Medical Interventions (MI)

Students typically take this course in eleventh grade. Students follow the life of a fictitious family as they investigate how to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease. Students explore how to detect and fight infection; screen and evaluate the code in human DNA; evaluate cancer treatment options; and prevail when the organs of the body begin to fail. Through real-world cases, students are exposed to a range of interventions related to immunology, surgery, genetics, pharmacology, medical devices, and diagnostics.

Biomedical Innovation (BI)

Students take this course in the twelfth grade after having completed the previous three courses. In the final course of the PLTW Biomedical Science sequence, students build on the knowledge and skills gained from previous courses to design innovative solutions for the most pressing health challenges of the 21st century. Students address topics ranging from public health and biomedical engineering to clinical medicine and physiology. They have the opportunity to work on an independent design project with a mentor or advisor from a university, medical facility, or research institution.

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.

The program consists of these five courses (select a panel to learn more):

Introduction to Engineering Design (IED)

Students can take this course in ninth grade. Students must be at least concurrently enrolled in Algebra I to enroll. This course is a prerequisite to all four of the other courses in the program. Students dig deep into the engineering design process, applying math, science, and engineering standards to hands-on projects. They work both individually and in teams to design solutions to a variety of problems using 3D modeling software and use an engineering notebook to document their work.

Principles of Engineering (POE)

Students typically take this course in tenth grade. This course provides an overview of engineering and engineering technology. Through problems that engage and challenge, students explore a broad range of engineering topics, including mechanisms, the strength of structures and materials, and automation. Students develop skills in problem solving, research, and design while learning strategies for design process documentation, collaboration, and presentation.

Digital Electronics (DE)

Students typically take this course in eleventh grade, concurrent with Aerospace Engineering. From smart phones to appliances, digital circuits are all around us. This course provides a foundation for students who are interested in electrical engineering, electronics, or circuit design. Students study topics such as combinational and sequential logic and are exposed to circuit design tools used in industry, including logic gates, integrated circuits, and programmable logic devices.

Aerospace Engineering (AE)

Students typically take this course in eleventh grade, concurrent with Digital Electronics. This course propels students’ learning in the fundamentals of atmospheric and space flight. As they explore the physics of flight, students bring the concepts to life by designing an airfoil, propulsion system, and rockets. They learn basic orbital mechanics using industry-standard software. They also explore robot systems through projects such as remotely operated vehicles.

Engineering Design and Development (EDD)

Students take this course in the twelfth grade after having completed the previous four courses. The knowledge and skills students acquire throughout PLTW Engineering come together in EDD as they identify an issue and then research, design, and test a solution, ultimately presenting their solution to a panel of engineers. Students apply the professional skills they have developed to document a design process to standards, completing EDD ready to take on any post-secondary program or career.

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 program consists of these four courses (select a panel to view more):

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.

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.

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.

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 Steve Williams, Supervisor of Human Resources. For questions concerning this program, Steve Williams can be contacted at 443-550-8321 or by email.