Career & Technology

COURSE OFFERINGS

The GPISD Career & Technology Education department offers a comprehensive program that is designed to prepare students to be successful whether they choose to pursue higher education, technical or trade school, or to enter the workforce after completing their high school education. Course offerings and content are continuously monitored to ensure that programs are current with today's technology and are relevant to the requirements of today's employer. Courses are offered at Grand Prairie High School (GPHS) and South Grand Prairie High School (SGPHS)

It is the policy of the Grand Prairie Independent School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, and/or handicap in its Career and Technology programs, services or activities.

Accounting I, II	Students will gain experience in performing data entry activities associated with accounting procedures for general ledger, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and payroll. They will become familiar with spreadsheet applications for analysis, forecasting, budgeting, and other accounting procedures.

Administrative Procedures	Students receive career and technological training for the development of marketable entry level skills in the business world emphasizing: leadership, employment skills, communication, entrepreneurship, human relations, personnel and business management, office administration, organizational abilities, record control, and the operation of business equipment. SGPHS Only


Advertising Design	This course reflects the dynamics of technology in the advertising industry. Using new and state-of-the-art computer graphics and animation programs, students learn the skills necessary for entry level positions in the advertising industry. GPHS

Anatomy and Physiology of Human Systems	This laboratory based course addresses the structure and function of the human body.

Apparel	This course focuses on clothing for the individual. Topics include the fashion industry, personal appearance, history of fashion, planning and budgeting clothing, sewing equipment, garment construction, and clothing care, storage, renovation, repair, and alteration.

Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing	This program offers the student an opportunity to develop skills in all types of auto body repair. Students work on vehicles that require frame and body straightening, welding, refinishing, and painting. A graduate of this program would possess the skills to enter a body repair position. SGPHS

Automotive Technology	Students develop the skills which are needed to service and repair all of the components of the modern automobile. This course provides an opportunity, through classroom and shop experience, to use hand tools, power tools, diagnostic and testing equipment, and computerized manuals in all phases of automotive maintenance and repair. SGPHS

Banking and Financial Systems	This course introduces the basic concepts and skills necessary for employment in financial institutions. Special emphasis will be placed on banking operations, credit administration, and legal aspects of the banking industry.

Introduction to Business	This course introduces the role of business in the lives of individuals, consumers, workers, and citizen: provides an overview of economic systems with emphasis on the free enterprise system and the American economy; explores the characteristics of business; explores international business, the government's role in business, technology in the business setting, and legal and ethical business issues.

Business Computer Information Systems	BCIS introduces the basic concepts and skills related to microcomputer systems. Special emphasis is placed on work processing, electronic spreadsheets, charts, database design, desktop publishing, and PowerPoint presentations.

Business Computer Information Systems II	BCIS II prepares students for college level computer courses and provides skills necessary for entry level employment.

Business Image Management and Multimedia	This course helps the student develop computer skills for the production of professional quality documents such as newsletters, brochures, flyers, and business reports. Students have the opportunity to utilize multimedia equipment and software to produce publications and presentations.

Business Law	Business Law familiarizes the student with some of the basic principles of law, emphasizing those that are significant in business. It acquaints the student with the function of the courts with emphasis on civil, criminal, and juvenile law.

Business Support Systems	This course introduces the basic concepts and skills needed for general office positions. Instruction and skill development are provided in keyboarding, filing, financial activities, office machines, and securing and maintaining employment.

Computer Aided Design and Drafting	Students develop skills using the computer to create graphics used in the manufacturing and construction of nearly all products used in our economy today. students learn to create accurate graphics and prints used in blue prints, aircraft design, advertisements, industrial design, architecture, electronics design, automobile design, and manufacturing. GPHS

Career and Technology Education for Students with Disabilities	This laboratory course provides curriculum designed for training in the areas of food production, management and services. Training is provided for food preparation and service, equipment operation, quantity food production, catering, safety, and sanitation. GPHS Only

Career Connections	This is an activity-based career development course which provides linkages between classroom experiences, community resources and experiences, and career choices to real-world outcomes.

Child Care and Guidance Management and Service	This course features related, paid training at a childcare center. Students receive practical experience to enhance classroom academic theory. SGPHS Only

Child Development	This course provides a study of child development. Topics include the responsibilities of parenting and the theories and principles of growth and development.

Computer Maintenance Technician	Students develop the skills necessary for the repair and maintenance of computer systems, peripherals, and networks. Students who complete the course are prepared to test for CompTIA A+ certification.

Computer Multimedia and Animation Technology	Students apply the fundamental knowledge and skills of computers to projects and problems related to designing animated and still graphics for visual communication. Students utilize basic computer application in the pre-production phase of video projects and then advance to animation and design software.

Construction Trades (Not offered for the 2006-2007 school year)	This course helps students to develop skills necessary for entry level employment in the construction industry. Students study blue print reading, construction concepts and techniques, and rough and finish carpentry. SGPHS

Cosmetology	The purpose of this course is to prepare the student to obtain a Cosmetology license from the Texas Cosmetology Commission. Students are taught shampooing, scalp and hair treatments, hair cutting, hair styling, permanent waving, manicuring, hair tinting, sanitation, personal hygiene, and salon management.

Introduction to Security Services	This course provides instruction in the history and philosophy of security; ethical considerations; the nature and impact of security; and an overview of security systems, agencies, and practices. This course also includes the concepts and skills for security officers plus Texas' rules and regulations, security specialist training and certification.

Correctional Systems and Practices	This course is designed to provide a study of correctiional systems in the criminal justice system, correctional roles, institutional operations, alternatives to institutionalization, treatment, rehabilitation, and current and future issues.

Criminal Investigation	This course provides a basic understanding of investigative theory, collection and preservation of evidence, and sources of information. Methods of conduction interviews and interrogations will also be covered. Students will be provided opportunities to discover uses of forensic sciences and preparation for cases and trials.

Computer Science	Computer Science provides an introduction to problem solving, algorithm development, top-down design, and structured programming techniques using the appropriate programming language. This course satisfies the state Technology Applications requirement.

AP Computer Science	This course includes: concepts associated with programming methodology, concepts and skills associated with data type and structure, concepts and skills associated with algorithms, concepts associated with numerical algorithms, concepts associated with application of computing, and concepts associated with computer graphics. This course satisfies the state Technology Applications requirement.

Introduction to Criminal Justice	This course provides a study of the history and philosophy of criminal justice and its ethical considerations. Crime is defined, and its nature and impact are explored. Instruction includes an overview of the criminal justice system, law enforcement and the court system, a study of prosecution and defense, trial processes, and corrections and penal systems.

Fundamentals of Criminal Law	A study of the nature of criminal law, its philosophical and historical development with major definitions and concepts. Instruction will include the classifications of crimes with the elements of crimes and penalties using Texas statutes as illustrations.

Culinary Arts	Students are introduced to a variety of careers in the food service industry. The curriculum provides instruction in 25 subject areas including safety and sanitation, quality fine food preparation, gourmet dessert preparation, baking, garnishing, restaurant management, and much more. Upon completion of the program students are eligible for scholarship opportunities and a certificate of completion from the National Restaurant Association. SGPHS

Entrepreneurship	This course provides a guided study showing students the process of planning and creating a small business of their own design.

Family and Consumer Science Career Preparation	This course is designed to provide the knowledge and skills needed for entry into employment in one of a number of family and consumer science related careers. Areas of specialization include food service, child care, fashion, care of the elderly, home furnishings, floristry, institutional maintenance and hospitality services. GPHS Only

Food Science and Technology	Provides an in-depth study of foods and nutrition. This laboratory course includes advanced food preparation, processing foods, marketing, and meal planning.

Graphic Arts	This program introduces students to the concepts and skills used in the printing industry. Students develop skills involved in pre-press to production and prepares them for entry level positions in the graphics and printing industry. SGPHS

Emergency Medical Technician	This course is offered in conjunction with Methodist Medical Center in Dallas. Students learn the skills necessary to take the examination for certification as an Emergency Medical Technician. Students who participate in this program are expected to complete the practical clinical portion of the course and to take the certification exam.

Interior Design	This course covers the concepts and skills to successfully design a home and/or business. The content addresses period styles of both furniture and housing, surface treatments, lighting, use of design, space planning, and related career options.

Keyboarding	Develops psychomotor skill in operating the keyboard as well as achieving acceptable speed and accuracy levels; provides for instruction in formatting basic documents for both personal and business use; emphasizes mastery of touch control of keyboard characters, correct key stroking, and provides instruction in the production of various business related documentation.

Management	This course is designed to improve management skills for young adults. Practical applications include money management, decision-making skills, time management, utilization of resources, and managing family crisis. Concepts and skills related to career options and preparation for career are also addressed.

Marketing Education Career Preparation	Marketing Dynamics is a first year course designed to provided correlated classroom, instruction and on-the-job training that will build knowledge and skills needed for employment in retailing and wholesaling businesses. Marketing Management is the second year of study emphasizing marketing skills in management and specialized studies such as the stock market.

Introduction to Media Technology	This technical laboratory course provides an understanding of the various careers in media technology. Students are introduced to media technology, commercial photography, advertising design, and computer generated graphics. SGPHS

Media Technology I & II	This course is designed for students who desire to pursue a media-related career. First year students apply their knowledge and skills to the production of weekly "Video Announcements", while the second year students produce a "Video Yearbook" and serve as mentors to 8th grade students on feeder campuses. SGPHS

Medical Microbiology	This course is a laboratory-based study of the relationship between microbes and health maintenance. Emphasis is placed on the chemical processes and characteristics of microorganisms and their roles in infectious diseases. Students will be introduced to microbiological lab techniques and research.

Medical Terminology	Students learn the basic structure of medical terms, be able to use abbreviations, acronyms, symbols, and anatomical terms, and use resources to interpret technical material. Students learn to communicate effectively in diagnostic, therapeutic, informational, and environmental systems of the health care industry.

Nutrition and Food Science	This course provides a comprehensive study of food and nutrition. Topics include individual nutrient needs; meal management and planning; nutritious snacks; and food safety, sanitation, and costs.

Pathophysiology	This course is a laboratory-based study of the mechanisms of pathology. Emphasis is placed on the biological and chemical processes at the cellular level. Topics covered include mutations and other factors that contribute to disease, stages of the progression of diseases and the body's natural prevention/control.

Personal and Family Development	This class provides a broad background in daily living skills. The topics covered include family living, child development, clothing, interior design, management, consumer education, nutrition and food preparation, and home safety.

Principles of Marketing	Students receive and introduction to the field of marketing, the function of marketing, the relationships of marketing functions, market identification, product planning, packaging, pricing, channels of distribution, physical distribution, market research, promotion, and management.

Preparing for Parenting	This course focuses on concepts related to preparation for parenthood, the physical, intellectual and emotional development of the child, as well as techniques for guidance and discipline. Special parenting situations, family relationships, and career opportunities in the field of child development are explored.

Ready, Set, Teach	This course is a field-based internship which provides students a background of knowledge of child and adolescent development principles as well as principles of effective teaching practices. Students work under the joint supervision of both a family and consumer sciences teacher and exemplary educators in direct instructional roles with elementary, middle, and/or high school-aged students. They plan and direct individualized instruction and group activities, prepare instructional materials, assist with record keeping, make physical arrangements, and complete other responsibilities of classroom teachers. Students who successfully complete this course and meet specified criteria may receive a letter of intent for employment with GPISD.

Recordkeeping	This course develops an understanding of and skill in maintaining accurate records; includes skills used in everyday business activities both for personal and professional use; provides an opportunity to develop skills related to personal financial management as well as budgeting, financial planning, cashier's records, handling of money, and tasks common to simple office practices.

Retail Merchandising	This course focuses on the retail phase of marketing and at the same time addresses topics related to store operations, buying, selling, planning, advertising, display, credit merchandising math, control, security, staffing, ownership, and management.

Introduction to Advertising Design	This class teaches the basics of graphic design, commercial art, illustration, design production and career opportunities in the field of visual communications.

Tech Systems	Introduces the student to basic concepts of technology in a variety of areas. Special emphasis is placed on teamwork and effective written communication of the results observed during the exploration of each technology. Students will explore and gain a basic understanding of technology areas including work processing, desktop publishing, basic machine concepts, CAD, computer animation, flight, video imaging, laser communication, robotics, etc.

Telecommunications and Networking	This class provides a basic introduction to the development and impact of telecommunications and the operational and technical aspects of network and telecommunications systems; explores the various types and uses of networks and on-line services; develops skills in accessing, navigating, and applying on-line services with appropriate supervision; and develops skills in creating, editing, and installing web pages (web mastering).

Trade and Industrial Career Preparation	The objective of this course is to prepare students for gainful employment in industrial occupations of their choice where openings are available. The training is two-fold; the employer provides the student with work experience in basic skills of an occupation; the teacher-coordinator provides technical instruction directly related to the student's work experience in a regularly scheduled class. SGPHS Only

Introduction to Auto Technology	This class introduces job-specific training for employment in the automotive repair and service industry. Emphasis is placed on using repair manuals, service and/or repair of basic auto systems such as fuel systems, engines, emmissions controls, electrical systems, brakes, and suspension systems.

Diversified Career Preparation	Like Trade and Industrial Career Preparation, the objective of this course is to prepare students for gainful employment, however the student is not limited to the type of occupation that they choose.
Introduction to Auto Body	This course introduces job-specific training for entry-level employment in the auto body repair and refinishing industry. Students learn frame and body repair; metal, fiberglass, and synthetic materials repair; welding; and preparation and application of primers and paints.
Introduction to Graphic Arts	This course explores graphic communications-related careers such as graphic design commercial printing, and advertising design.
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