Career Technical Education CTE

Building & Construction Trades

Instructor - Jerry Harris (jharris@nvusd.org)

P CTE Construction Technology I is an overview and introduction to the construction trades. Students are introduced to measurement systems, safe use of hand and power tools, calculation and characteristics of materials, carpentry, framing, basic electrical wiring, and plumbing. Students learn about the construction trades and construction careers. Coursework is project-based, providing students with opportunities to develop teamwork and project management skills. Students demonstrate responsibility for personal and occupational safety on the job site and have the opportunity to obtain OSHA certifications verifying their competence. This introductory course is also aligned with NCCER Core Curriculum.

Students use safe and appropriate practices following construction processes and systems vital to the industry. Additionally, students work with, maintain, and troubleshoot equipment used in the industry. This year-long, multiple-project course provides a sequential series of industry experiences with the ultimate goal of providing a clear pathway for students interested in professions in the building and construction trades. These experiences will include field trips, job shadows, preliminary certifications, and other work-based learning opportunities offered through partnerships with local construction companies. These partnerships play a key role in highlighting the importance of labor unions' impact on workers’ rights, protections, and fair wages. In addition, these work-based learning opportunities provide applicable knowledge of the local construction industry and economy.

P CTE Construction Technology II builds on skills and knowledge gained from the level one course in the pathway. Students continue to grow and develop in the construction trades, working on design concept plans and procedures, electrical, green construction, weatherization, wall and roof framing, cabinetry, tile setting, concrete and masonry, and more. Coursework is project-based, providing students with opportunities to develop teamwork and project management skills. The culminating project is a structure that will include: framing, electrical, plumbing, and finish work. Students demonstrate responsibility for personal, occupational safety on the job site and have the opportunity to obtain OSHA cards certifying their competence. Through this course, students also have the opportunity to obtain NCCER certification (The National Center for Construction Education and Research).

P CTE Construction Technology II, allows for hands-on mastery of concepts within a context of construction career preparation. Students use safe and appropriate practices following construction processes and systems vital to the industry. In addition, students maintain and troubleshoot equipment used in the construction industry. This year-long, multiple-project course provides a sequential series of industry experiences with the ultimate goal of providing a clear pathway for students interested in professions in the building and construction trades. These experiences will include field trips, job shadows, preliminary certifications, and other work-based learning opportunities offered through partnerships with local construction companies. These partnerships play a key role in highlighting the importance of labor unions' impact on workers’ rights, protections, and fair wages. In addition, these work-based learning opportunities provide applicable knowledge of the local construction industry and economy. The course is project-based, which includes critical thinking, problem-solving, and analysis of problems following the progression of concepts from inception to contextual (hands-on) completion. Students understand the attributes of good design and how it applies to the design, construction and servicing of structures. In small heterogeneous work groups, students mirror construction sites by demonstrating effective leadership styles, key concepts of group dynamics, and individual decision making that will result in tangible physical products.  

Prerequisite:  CTE Construction Technology 1  

Career Pathway: Construction Technology 1 ⇒ Construction Technology 2

Health Science & Medical Technology

Instructor - Whitney Swafford (whitney_swafford@nvusd.org)

Medical Biology

Medical Science is an academically challenging laboratory science course that examines anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and medical terminology while applying scientific knowledge and research to the study of the human body and its diseases. Students will focus on the physiological, biological, and structural details of the human body, including a rigorous study of the body systems. Students will apply scientific methodologies (inquiry, developing hypotheses, gathering factual information, evaluating data, and drawing conclusions) to the practices employed by medical professionals. Medical terminology will be integrated as students understand each of the body systems. Students will exceed core academic knowledge and demonstrate critical thinking skills as they apply knowledge to laboratory experimentation, real-life scenarios, medical case studies, and physiological and pathological disorders. A variety of resources will be accessed (Internet, medical journals and books, and medical professionals) for the purpose of creating written and oral presentations that demonstrate students’ knowledge and application of scientific principles.

Human Anatomy & Medicine

P CTE Human Anatomy and Medicine is an academically challenging advanced science course for students in grades ten through twelve who are pursuing a career in the medical health field requiring post-secondary education. It is a continuance of Medical Science I and builds on a common set of skills and knowledge necessary for all health care employees. A variety of resources will be accessed (Internet, medical journals and books, and medical professionals) for the purpose of creating written and oral presentations that demonstrate students’ knowledge and application of scientific principles. P CTE Human Anatomy and Medicine instructs students in Human Biology, Medical Ethics and Legal Questions, Bioethics, Patient and Family Interaction, Medication Administration, Infection Control, Lab Techniques and Procedures, and Workplace Safety. Students will complete a career portfolio and participate in work-based and outreach experiences including job shadowing, research and discovery experiences, and volunteer or community service related to the health career field of choice.  Students who successfully complete this course will receive college credit for HEOC 171 (Medical Terminology) through Napa Valley College.

Prerequisite: Medical Biology

Career Pathway: Medical Biology ⇒ Human Anatomy and Medicine