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CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION CENTER PROGRAMS Grades 10, 11, & 12 Courses The Lower Pioneer Valley Career and Technical Education Center (LPV Career TEC) is an extension of the seven-member high schools served by the Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative. Transportation to and from the LPV Career TEC is provided by the Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative. Enrolling at LPV Career TEC is a part of the process of course selection in the home high school. LPV Career TEC programs are recognized career pathways as defined by the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Act of 1990 and 1998 and as such these students are eligible to register for Tech Prep. Tech Prep is a sequence of study beginning in the junior year of high school and continuing at least two years of post-secondary education. The program parallels the college-preparatory course of general education by preparing students for high-skill occupations. Tech Prep students should be well-prepared to continue their education at a two-year college, then transfer to a four-year college, university or enter full-time employment in their chosen field. Tech Prep advantages include the opportunity for students to begin earning college credit while still in high school by taking courses in a career pathway that is articulated with area community colleges.
The Health Assisting program is a comprehensive competency based program aligned with the Massachusetts Department of Education Vocational Technical Education Frameworks - Health Services Cluster - Health Assisting. The program focuses on safe and effective performance of the student providing care in a health-care setting. In addition to holding Chapter 74 approval, the Health Assisting program is certified by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Sending Health Aide (HHA) testing site and by the Department of Public Health as a Feeding Assistant testing site. Students are introduced to career opportunities in the field of health care and are provided instruction in basic entry-level skills. The Nursing Assistant program focuses on the safe and effective performance of the student providing health care in a health care setting. The program introduces students to career opportunities in the field of allied health care as well as provides instruction in basic entry level skills. Emphasis is placed on specific nursing assistant duties and on the concept pertaining to the psychosocial aspect of care giving. Students receive a strong academic foundation as well as experiencing externships where they can practice their skills in a real world setting under the supervision of experienced medical professionals. Students become First Aid, CPR and AED certified prior to clinical rotations through nursing and rehabilitative centers and a local hospital. Students are exposed to a vast array of careers in health care through clinical rotations in a variety of heath care departments as well as numerous field trips to various health care facilities and settings. The following pre-requisites, with documentation, must be in place by September 15st of each school year in order for the student to partake in the clinical component of this program:
The Health Assisting Program has an articulation agreement with Holyoke Community College. Through this articulation agreement, registered Tech Prep students have the opportunity to earn college credit in Introduction to Computer Technology to Support Nursing Informatics (Nursing 100) - 1 credit.
The Automotive Technology program is certified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) in the following areas: Brakes, Electrical/Electronic Systems, Engine Performance and Suspension and Steering. Students are assessed on competencies aligned with the Massachusetts Department of Education Vocational Technical Education Frameworks - Transportation Cluster – Automotive Technology and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). The NATEF curriculum prepares students to meet national automotive industry standards and requires students to become proficient in a multitude of automotive procedures and diagnostic techniques. Students completing the Automotive Technology program will be able to demonstrate an understanding of careers within the automotive field, shop safety, automotive systems, related math applications for automotive technicians, automotive measurements, diagnostic and testing procedures, troubleshooting and problem solving. Students’ assignments and projects will be in various forms of communication including written and oral presentations. Assignments and projects will require students to draw upon their academic skills in language arts, science, mathematics and computer applications. It is recommended that students wanting to enter this program have a strong foundation in these academic skills. Students are prepared for employment within the automotive workforce, requiring good attendance, an exemplary work ethic, professional appearance and outstanding interpersonal and communication skills. Students are prepared for “All Aspects of the Industry” through various experiences in class, shop, and the community. These experiences consist of class discussions, independent projects, the Skills USA Professional Development Program, job shadowing, student exposure in various local shops, and field trips. Equal emphasis is placed on related automotive theory class and in shop hands-on time. The shop is designed to emulate a typical automotive shop in customer contact and repair techniques and procedures. Students are prepared for employment within the automotive workforce, which requires good attendance, an exemplary work ethic, professional appearance and outstanding interpersonal and communication skills. Students are prepared for "All Aspects of the Industry" through various experiences in class, shop, and the community. These experiences consist of class discussions, independent projects, the Skills USA Professional Development Program, job shadowing, student exposure in various local shops, and field trips. Equal emphasis is placed on related automotive theory class and in shop hands-on time. The shop is designed to emulate a typical automotive shop in customer contact and repair techniques and procedures. The Automotive Technology course also participates in the AYES (Automotive Youth Educational Systems) program. This program allows students to job-shadow in local area dealerships and gives the highest achieving eleventh grade students the opportunity of becoming interns in a specific dealership, during the summer before their senior year. This internship may carry over into their senior year as a Cooperative Education work experience opportunity, allowing the AYES student interns to continue receiving the most advanced and recent developments and procedures in the automotive industry. The AYES program provides a tremendous benefit to the school and students through the donation of curriculum, equipment, vehicles, and provides a close working relationship with area dealerships that includes career opportunities for the students.
The Facilities Management program is a competency based program designed to introduce students to the many facets of facilities maintenance: interior, exterior, and seasonal grounds and lawn care. The curriculum is aligned with the Massachusetts Department of Education Vocational Technical Education Frameworks - Construction Cluster - Facilities Management. Students are introduced to a cross section of hands-on training in the basic skills related to building/facilities maintenance including: carpentry, electrical, floor care, landscaping, painting, and plumbing, with an emphasis on safe work practices and employability skills and safety. Safety within the curriculum includes the use of appropriate hand and power tools in conjunction with industry standards. Students learn preventative maintenance and repair techniques of small engines and power tools. Students work both independently and in team related projects using maintenance and repair manuals and other appropriate resources for research in problem solving. Students will gain knowledge through field studies and off-site work experiences that align with the curriculum.
The Carpentry program is a Chapter 74 approved course of study offering a comprehensive competency based curriculum aligned with the Massachusetts Department of Education Vocational Technical Education Frameworks – Construction Cluster – Carpentry. First year students focus in the classroom and shop on developing basic carpentry-related skills. Students begin by mastering basic carpentry competencies, such as ruler reading, workplace safety, and operation of both hand and power tools. Building site preparation follows, including transit set up, calculating grade elevations, properly situating the building and the construction of batter boards. Students will advance through the curriculum learning modular layout techniques for residential concrete installation and wood framing. Hands-on practice is combined with related written and computational skills development such as, but not limited to, cost estimating, blue print reading and materials take-off calculation. Students combine this curriculum with manipulative skills development associated with shop tools through a series of on-campus projects such as personal toolboxes, sawhorses, etc. Upon successful completion of the first year curriculum students have the opportunity to study one of the following: Off-campus projects: These projects range from partial or whole buildings to small renovations such as porches. This exposes students to all aspects of the building industry including compliance with building codes, city ordinances, OSHA regulations, scheduling with other sub-contractors and meeting deadlines, and contact with building inspectors. Architectural Woodworking: Students will follow a course of study that incorporates the standards of the Architectural Woodworkers Institute (A.W.I.) as it relates to the commercial side of interior finish work. Related theory and hands-on training will expose students in areas of wood types, laminating, veneers, casework (cabinets), stair parts, moldings and many other areas of millwork. The Carpentry Program has an articulation agreement with Holyoke Community College. Through this articulation agreement, registered Tech Prep students have the opportunity to earn college credit in Introduction to Building Materials (TCH 120) - 3 credits. DESIGN AND VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
The Design and Visual Communications program is a competency based program that prepares students for the visual design field and is aligned with the Massachusetts Department of Education Vocational Technical Education Frameworks – Arts & Communications Service Cluster – Design and Visual Communications. Using state of the art digital imaging, illustration, and page layout software and equipment, students learn to apply their creativity to multi-media image composing. This computer-based program allows students to explore and develop their artistic and technical skills through the creation and presentation of graphic and multi-media projects. Students enhance their skills using software programs such as Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator. Students maintain an electronic portfolio and will work on projects such as ads, logos, multi-page four color publications and posters, and products to market. Students strengthen their skills in visual design by concept development, creating corporate identities, branding and packaging, as well as design and original game and commercials. Students will also learn to create websites using Adobe GoLive software. The Design and Visual Communications program has articulation agreements with The New England Institute of Art, Springfield Technical Community College, and Holyoke Community College. Through the articulation agreement with the New England Institute of Art graduates of the Design and Visual Communications program with a grade of A have the opportunity to earn 3 credits in Fundamentals of Design (GD 102). Through the Springfield Technical Community College articulation agreement students have the opportunity to earn college credit for: Typography (GA 125) - 3 credits, Introduction to Graphic Arts Computer (GA 145) - 3 credits, Computerized Graphic Design (GA 445) - 3 credits, and Macintosh Operating Systems (GA 455) - 3 credits. Through the Holyoke Community College articulation agreement students have the opportunity to earn 6 college credits: 3 credits in Graphic Design Production - Art 258, and an additional 3 credits will be awarded in either Art 259 or will be general elective credit in the Graphic Arts major. A decision on awarding the credits for Art 259 will be made by the Graphic Arts faculty based on the student’s demonstrated proficiency with the layout software or different packages being used by the Graphic Arts department. INFORMATION SUPPORT SERVICES AND NETWORKING
The Information Support Services and Networking program is a competency based program designed to provide students with entry level skills in personal computer maintenance and repair, data communications and networking. The curriculum is aligned with the Massachusetts Department of Education Vocational Technical Education Frameworks – Information Technology Services Cluster- Information Support Services and Networking. Students are taught the basic skills needed to install, troubleshoot, and repair computer system hardware and operating systems as it prepares students the Comp-TIA A+ technician certification. The technical support section will develop awareness of work opportunities for technically prepared individuals and, thus, help each student focus on directions for further training and meaningful work in the field. Included in the program are some fabrication skills along with electro-mechanical troubleshooting and repair. Students will have practical knowledge of analog and digital electronics, as well as competencies with tools and test equipment. The Cisco Networking Academy component provides students with a solid background in the field of data communications, which includes network design, routing and switching, and network maintenance and operation. Topics include the OSI model, internetworking devices, IP addressing, LAN media and topologies, structured cabling, PC hardware and software, patch cables, installation of structured cabling, cable management techniques, and the use of test equipment. In addition, students develop the critical skills needed to succeed in a changing economy – math, science, problem solving, reading and writing. Additionally, instruction and training are provided in the proper care, maintenance, and use of networking software, tools and equipment, as well as all local, state, and federal safety, building, and environmental codes and regulations. The Cisco Networking curriculum delivers Web-based content, online assessment, student performance tracking, hands-on labs, instructor training, and support. The program’s curriculum gives students in-demand Internet technology skills for designing, building, and maintaining networks. Combining instructor-led, online education with hands-on laboratory exercises, the curriculum enables students to apply what they learn in class while working on actual networks. The Cisco Networking Academy Curriculum™ prepares students for industry standard, as well as vendor neutral certification exams. Assignments and projects will require students to draw upon and develop their academic skills (language arts, science, and mathematics.) The curriculum emphasizes hands-on work, both individual and as a member of a team. Theory and practice are combined in order to prepare individuals to be valued assets in the technically oriented workplace.
The Cosmetology program is a comprehensive competency based three year program designed to develop skills used by cosmetologists. Students who wish to enter the program must do so by the start of their sophomore year. The Cosmetology program is certified by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Board of Registration of Cosmetologists. Upon successful competition of the course, which includes the requirement of 1000 instructional hours, students are prepared to take the Board of Registration of Cosmetologists license exam using the curriculum standards set by the Board. All of the professionals in the field of Cosmetology work closely with the public and are regulated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure Board of Registration of Cosmetologists. This Board also sets the curricula requirements, which are aligned with the Massachusetts Department of Education Vocational Technical Education Frameworks – Business and Consumer Services Cluster – Cosmetology, and regulates the schools which train candidates in these occupations. The Board protects the health and safety of the public by maintaining high standards for the industry. Students in the Cosmetology program are introduced to career opportunities in the field of cosmetology which includes hair stylist, manicurist, skin care specialist, cosmetic chemist, and make-up artist. The curriculum, following the guidelines set by the Board of Registration of Cosmetologists, emphasizes toxic use. Under the supervision of licensed instructors in a state of the art equipped classroom/shop, students will learn techniques and skills necessary for success in the beauty industry along with the sciences of the profession including anatomy, physiology, and chemistry. The level one student is exposed to the basic fundamentals of hairdressing. After 250 hours, level two students are able to perform hands-on non-chemical services on clients. Chemicals are introduced to level three students after completing 400 hours. Qualified level four students who have mastered skills in all phases of cosmetology will have the opportunity to extend their learning experience into the world of work in an area salon as part of the Co-operated Education Program.
The Culinary Arts program is a competency based Chapter 74 approved program aligned with the Massachusetts Department of Education Vocational Technical Education Frameworks – Hospitality and Tourism Cluster – Culinary Arts that prepares students for careers in hotels, restaurants, resorts, institutions, and corporations. The program builds on a foundation of basic knowledge, skills, attitudes, behaviors, and work habits needed to be successful in this demanding industry. Students operate a fully equipped commercial kitchen and dining room encompassing restaurant, banquet, and buffet services through the two student run restaurants: the morning Java Café, serving breakfast, and the Brush Hill Bistro, serving lunch, which are open to the general public two days a week. Students in the program receive instruction in the form of demonstration, lecture/interactive discussions, and hands-on experience. Students are assessed on industry standard competencies developed by the American Culinary Federation, the Federation of Dining Room Professionals, and the American Hotel & Lodging Association. While meeting these standards and accepting responsibility for time management, food quality, and customer service, students develop skills in baking, culinary techniques, menu planning, and food costs and hospitality management. Training in proper use and maintenance of equipment, culinary tools, sanitation, and proper storage and handling of food are all part of the curriculum. Students are prepared for the ServSafe® Certification through the National Restaurant Association’s Educational Foundation training program. The Culinary Arts program has articulation agreements with Holyoke Community College, University of Massachusetts Isenburg School of Management Hospitality and Tourism Management Program, and the International College of Hospitality Management. Through the articulation agreement with Holyoke Community College students have the opportunity to earn college credits in Culinary Foundations I (CUL100), Baking Theory and Practice (CUL110), Safety and Sanitation (HFM 111) - provided the student has received the ServSafe® Certification, Principals of Food Production (HFM130), and Cooperative Education in Hospitality Management (HFM280) - provided the student has completed 225 hours of practical experience in a supervised setting concurrent with a weekly seminar. Through the articulation agreement with the International College of Culinary Arts students have the opportunity to receive college credits in Principles of Modern Culinary Arts (FPR 110), Culinary Arts Practical Kitchen Application (FPT 111), Culinary Management (FPR 112), Introduction to the Hospitality Industry (HOS 116), and students who submit a National Restaurant Association Sanitation Certificate will be eligible for credit in Food Production Sanitation (FPR 113). Through the articulation agreement with the University of Massachusetts Isenburg School of Management Hospitality and Tourism Management Program students have the opportunity to obtain a waiver for the Introduction to the Hospitality Management course upon successfully passing a challenge examination, and a waiver for the ServSafe® course upon presenting passing test scores to the Hospitality and Tourism Management department.
The Fashion Technology program is a competency based Chapter 74 approved program aligned with the Massachusetts Department of Education Vocational Technical Education Frameworks – Business and Consumer Services Cluster – Fashion Technology. Fashion Technology offers a well rounded curriculum that allows students to develop knowledge and skills in all aspects of the Fashion Industry. Students are encouraged to develop their creative thinking and design abilities through systematic instruction in fashion illustration and fashion design. Students develop their own portfolio of fashion designs. Students learn the skills of garment construction and pattern development using state of the art industrial sewing equipment. Design ability is enhanced by the study of color theory, design principles, and textile science. Project based learning includes creating a variety of garments, costumes for local theatrical productions and custom embroidery. The business of fashion is a focus of the Fashion Technology program. Students learn the business practices of major fashion retailers from customer service and store management, to buying and visual merchandising. Students create a product and develop a business plan for their product including the financial, production and promotion aspects of business planning. Emphasis is placed on developing an understanding of fashion terminology, current fashion trends, and a creative approach to the fashion world. Students are exposed to a wide variety of real-world influences including store visits, and field trips. Students read trade publications, learn about fashion history, and study current fashion design collections to expand their understanding of the Industry. Students learn a variety of career skills vital to success in the industry including resume writing, career planning, developing business presentations, business and research writing, and computer skills. A wide variety of career opportunities in fashion are explored in the classroom setting. Students are encouraged to expand their experiences through job-shadows, internships, and co-op placements in local businesses. The Fashion Technology program has articulation agreements with Holyoke Community College and The Art Institute of Philadelphia. Through the articulation agreement with Holyoke Community College students have the opportunity to earn college credit in marketing for: Customer Services MKT227- 3 credits. Through The Art Institute of Philadelphia, students have the opportunity to earn up to 18 college credits in Fashion Design or Fashion Marketing. These credits may be applied to either the Associate of Science Degree or the Bachelor of Science Degree. Credits in the Fashion Design major (3 credits per course) will be awarded for: Fashion Design Sketch 1 FD20512, Color Theory GR10130, Clothing Construction FD 10412, Textiles and Fabrics FS 10212, Survey of Fashion Industry FS10112, Remedial Construction FD0011RC. Credits in the Fashion Marketing Major ( 3 credits per course) will be awarded for: Business Management FS10312, GR10130 Color Theory, Apparel Evaluation and Construction FM10432, Textiles and Fabrics FS10212, Survey of Fashion Industry FS10112, and Intro to Retailing FM 10412.
The Graphic Communications program is a competency based Chapter 74 approved program aligned with the Massachusetts Department of Education Vocational Technical Education Frameworks – Arts and Communication Services Cluster – Graphic Communication that prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities in the graphic arts and communications industry. Students are assessed on industry standard competencies developed by PrintED®. PrintED® is a national accreditation program, based on industry standards for graphic communications courses of study at the secondary and post-secondary levels and is a component of the Graphic Arts Education and Research Foundation (GAERF®). Graphic Communications introduces students to theory and practical aspects of the commercial printing industry. Students gain competencies in traditional and computer-based layout, design, and typesetting; copy preparation and composition; electronic plate making using the DPX Genesis computer-to-plate technology; printing press operations on three two-color presses including the state-of-the-art Hamada H234A true two-color automated off set press; finishing and binding using the Baum Ultra Fold with right angle technology; collating with a Duplo twelve station collating booklet maker; and paper cutting using a computer driven Baum paper cutter. Students use industry standard software on both Macintosh and PC computers with the advantage of gaining experience using both platforms. In addition students will be exposed to digital photography and 4-color silk screening technology. The Graphic Communications Program has articulation agreements with Springfield Technical Community College and Holyoke Community College. Through the Springfield Technical Community College articulation agreement students have the opportunity to earn college credits in Introduction to Prepress (RPH 122) - 3 credits, Printing Technology (GA 131) - 3 credits, Introduction to Graphic Arts Computer (GA 145) - 3 credits, and Offset Presswork ( GA 360) - 3 credits. Through the articulation agreement at Holyoke Community College students have the opportunity to earn college credit in Graphic Design Production (Art 258) - 3 credits. LANDSCAPING TECHNOLOGY/HORTICULTURE
The Landscaping Technology/Horticulture program is a Chapter 74 approved program aligned with the Massachusetts Department of Education Vocational Technical Education Frameworks – Agriculture and Natural Resources Cluster – Horticulture that offers a comprehensive competency based course that explores career areas in landscape maintenance, construction and design, greenhouse production, nursery production, floriculture, and retail garden center operation. The program emphasizes knowledge of plant science as a foundation to all career areas. Students learn while using equipment and materials that represent industry standards. Project based learning activities, residential landscaping projects, greenhouse sales, and floral projects provide experiences for students to reinforce, and practice skills and knowledge learned in the classroom setting. The classroom environment is geared towards preparing students for the world of work with respect to work ethic, attitude, appearance, and teamwork. Leadership and personal development skills are promoted through involvement in the Future Farmers of American (FFA) Student Organization. The Landscaping Technology/Horticulture program has an articulation agreement with Springfield Technical Community College. Through this articulation agreement students have the opportunity to earn college credits in Principles of Horticulture (GL 120) - 3 credits, Landscape Operations (GL 350) - 3 credits, and Plant Propagation (GL 410) - 3 credits.
The Medical Office Technology program is a competency-based program that is aligned with the Massachusetts Department of Education Vocational Technical Framework – Business and Consumer Services Cluster – Office Technology. The program is designed to help students develop the skills needed to meet with success in the workplace and is intended to provide students with an opportunity to become proficient in performing the clerical and office technology skills necessary to work in a medical office environment. The Medical Office Technology program is a two-year program and is intended to provide students with an opportunity to become proficient in medical office technology skills including: medical terminology, medical transcriptions and medical coding as well as word processing, filing, scheduling, billing and keyboarding using the latest in office technology and appropriate software. Successful students will be prepared for a variety of non-clinical entry-level positions in the medical related office environment through a competency-based curriculum that includes at least one semester of cooperative education/internship. Classroom standards of expectations are geared toward promoting the development of workplace ethics. The integration of math and language arts is evident as students obtain new skills from the course work. Students will learn and demonstrate:
Students will be prepared to perform the duties of an administrative support staff person for medical practices, hospitals, outpatient facilities, medical laboratories, rehabilitation centers, nursing, convalescent, or other health care facilities, medical billing companies, health insurance companies and other service administrators or health care professionals. The Medical Office Technology program has articulation agreements with Greenfield Community College, Holyoke Community College, and Springfield Technical Community College. Through the articulation agreement with Greenfield Community College students have the opportunity to earn college credit in Keyboarding through the Computer Information Systems Department (ADM-106) 1 credit. Through the program’s articulation agreement with Holyoke Community College students have the opportunity to earn college credit in keyboarding and Microsoft Word through the Business Department (OTC 111) 1 credit each. Through
the articulation agreement with Springfield Technical Community
College students have the opportunity to earn college credits through
the Computer Information Technology Department Powerpoint (CMPA-120)
1 credit, Word (CMPA-102) 3 credits, and Data Entry Keyboarding
TECHNICAL CAREER EXPLORATORY (Grade 10-11 students )
The Technical Career Exploratory is a one-year introductory program designed to introduce students to the career training options available at the Lower Pioneer Valley Career Vocational Technical Education Center (LPV Career TEC). The course of study is divided into two segments. The first half of the course consists of a series of projects taught through modular instruction. These projects are designed to give the students the skills necessary for success in all shops at the LPV Career TEC. The skills, such as problem solving, independent thinking, teamwork, and self-motivated creativity can be utilized in any job area and are necessary for success after formal education. The second half of the course allows students to participate in a shop exploration. The students select three shops from the fifteen available, after having first been introduced to the shops as part of a one-day informational visit. Selection is based on personal interest as well as results of a self-directed search. Students also draw from knowledge gained during the modular projects. Upon completion of these shop visits, during which students become part of the existing program for approximately three weeks, a final shop selection is made to complete the school year. Upon completion of the Technical Career Exploratory program, students have the knowledge and experience necessary to make a well informed decision as to which shop they wish to enter into to further continue their career training. CAREER TEC STUDENTS EARN CREDITS IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER: LHS students who attend the half-day program at Career TEC will receive 15.0 credits each year of attendance for the three courses they take at Career TEC. No student can earn more than 15.0 credits a year for the half-day program at Career TEC. LUDLOW HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS IN MATHEMATICS/SCIENCE/ ENGLISH/PE CAN BE COMPLETED AFTER TWO CONSECUTIVE YEARS AT CAREER TEC AA student who attends the Career Technical Education Center for two full years in the same vocational program (as a Junior and as a Senior) will be granted credits as indicated below. The student must successfully pass the program at Career TEC for both years in order to earn 5.0 credits in Technical Mathematics, Technical Science, Technical English, and/or Technical PE.. Mathematics Credits (which will appear on the transcript as Technical Mathematics 5.0 credits) in the following areas:
Science Credits (which will appear on the transcript as Technical Science 5.0 credits) in the following areas:
English credits (which will appear on the transcript as Technical English 5.0 credits) in the following areas:
Physical Education (PE) credits (which will appear on the transcript as Technical PE credit) in the following areas:
Technical Career Exploratory Program Students in the Technical Career Exploratory Program do not receive reciprocol mathematics, science, English, and/or PE credit.
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