Preparing for College and Careers addresses the knowledge, skills, and behaviors all students need to be prepared for success in college, career, and life. The focus of the course is the impact of today’s choices on tomorrow’s possibilities. Topics to be addressed include twenty-first-century life and career skills; higher-order thinking, communication, leadership, and management processes; exploration of personal aptitudes, interests, values, and goals; examining multiple life roles and responsibilities as individuals and family members; planning and building employability skills; transferring school skills to life and work, and managing personal resources. This course includes reviewing the 16 national career clusters and Indiana’s College and Career Pathways, in-depth investigation of one or more pathways, reviewing graduation plans, developing career plans, and developing personal and career portfolios.

Prerequisites: 2.8 G.P.A. and Instructor approval.  An interview is required.

Peer Tutoring provides high school seniors with an organized exploratory experience to assist students in junior high and high school, through a helping relationship, with their studies and personal growth and development.  The course provides opportunities for the students taking the course to develop a basic understanding of individual differences and to explore career options in related fields. Peer Tutoring experiences are preplanned by the teacher trainer and any cooperating teacher under whom the tutoring is to be provided.  The course provides a balance of class work relating to the development of and use of: (1) listening skills, (2) communication skills, (3) facilitation skills, (4) decision-making skills, and (5) teaching strategies.

Nutrition and Wellness is an introductory course valuable for all students as a life foundation and academic enrichment; it is especially relevant for students interested in careers related to nutrition, food, and wellness. This is a nutrition class that introduces students to the basics of food preparation so they can become self-sufficient in accessing healthy and nutritious foods.  Major course topics include nutrition principles and applications; influences on nutrition and wellness; food preparation, safety, and sanitation; and science, technology, and careers in nutrition and wellness. A project-based approach that utilizes higher-order thinking, communication, leadership, management processes, and fundamentals to college and career success integrates these topics into the study of nutrition, food, and wellness. Food preparation experiences are a required component.

Medical Terminology prepares students with language skills necessary for effective, independent use of health and medical reference materials.  It includes the study of health and medical abbreviations, symbols, and Greek and Latin word part meanings taught within the context of body systems.  This course builds skills in pronouncing, spelling, and defining new words encountered in verbal and written information.  Students have the opportunity to acquire skills in interpreting medical records and communications accurately and logically. Emphasis is on forming a foundation for a medical vocabulary including meaning, spelling, and pronunciation. Medical abbreviations, signs, and symbols are included.

Introduction to Housing and Interior Design is an introductory course essential for those students interested in academic enrichment or a career within the housing, interior design, or furnishings industry. This course addresses the selection and planning of designed spaces to meet the needs, wants, values and lifestyles of individuals, families, clients, and communities. Housing decisions, resources, and options will be explored including factors affecting housing choices and the types of housing available. Developmental influences on housing and interior environments will also be considered. Basic historical architectural styling and basic furniture styles will be explored as well as basic identification of the elements and principles of design. Design and space planning involves evaluating floor plans and reading construction documents while learning to create safe, functional, and aesthetic spaces. Presentation techniques will be practiced to thoroughly communicate design ideas. Visual arts concepts will be addressed. A project-based approach will be utilized requiring higher-order thinking, communication, leadership, and management processes as housing and interior design content is integrated into the design of interior spaces while meeting specific project criteria.

Class limit: 15 students

Introduction to Fashion & Textiles is an introductory course for those students interested in academic enrichment or a career in the fashion, textile, and apparel industry.  This course addresses knowledge and skills related to design, production, acquisition, and distribution in the fashion, textile, and apparel arena.  The course includes the study of personal, academic, and career success; careers in the fashion, textile, and apparel industry; factors influencing the merchandising and selection of fashion, textile, and apparel goods and their properties, design, and production; and consumer skills.  A project-based approach integrates instruction and laboratory experiences including the application of the elements and principles of design; selection, production, alteration, repair, and maintenance of apparel and textile products; product research, development, and testing; and application of technical tools and equipment utilized in the industry. Visual arts concepts will be addressed. There will be a supply list for the semester for materials that students will need to buy for the class. Materials will total between $30-$50.

Child Development is an introductory course for all students as a life foundation and academic enrichment; it is especially relevant for students interested in careers that draw on knowledge of children, child development, and nurturing of children. This course addresses issues of child development from conception/prenatal through age 3. It includes the study of prenatal development and birth; growth and development of children; child caregiving and nurturing; and support systems for parents and caregivers. A project-based approach that utilizes higher-order thinking, communication, leadership, management processes, and fundamentals to college and career success integrates these topics into the study of child development. Direct, concrete mathematics and language arts proficiencies will be applied. This course provides the foundation for continuing and post-secondary education in all career areas related to children, child development, and nurturing of children.

Prerequisites:  2.0 G.P.A. Instructor approval and provide own transportation. 

This elective course provides students the opportunity to learn about themselves and a career interest area.  Students also gain an awareness of the type of occupational preparation or training needed for various occupations and careers in their field of interest.  Opportunities are provided to students to observe job situations and gain work skills through internships. Evaluation is based upon the intern’s cooperation, day-to-day practical performance, classwork, and attendance.  Résumé development, portfolio, and career research are also provided to students. Students are responsible for securing an internship placement. Transportation to the job is the student’s responsibility. Students interested in gaining work experience in their career interest would benefit from this course.

Prerequisites:  2.0 G.P.A. Instructor approval and provide own transportation.

This elective course provides students exploratory teaching experiences in grades kindergarten through grade 8.  This course provides a balance of class work relating to 1) classroom organization, 2) classroom management, 3) the curriculum and instructional process, 4) observations of teaching, 5) instructional experiences. Cadet teaching students will work under the guidance of a teacher at the participating school, usually a West Deanery feeder school.  Evaluation is based upon the cadet teacher’s cooperation, day-to-day practical performance, class work and attendance. Résumé and portfolio development and career related research is also provided to students. Students will be responsible for securing a cadet teaching placement. Transportation to the school is the student’s responsibility. Students who are interested in working with children or pursuing a career in education would benefit from this course.