Curriculum and Instruction
The Middle School Program (Grades 6-8)
TECHNOLOGY AND CAREER EDUCATION COURSES

TECHNOLOGY AND CAREER EDUCATION COURSES
EXPLORATIONS IN TECHNOLOGY COURSES

CAREER SKILLS (HE 8252)

Career Skills is a one semester course designed for eighth grade students. The competencies reflect current job readiness requirements in the work force. The importance of quality work that entails showing concern for the customer, continuously improving processes, making decisions based on accurate data, problem solving, and demonstrating the universal values as practiced in teamwork are stressed. Students outline a four-year plan of high school courses that will help them achieve their career goals.

EXPLORATORY TEEN LIVING 6 (HE 8204)

Exploratory Teen Living 6 is a nine-week course designed to help young adolescents discover and develop personal interests, abilities, and choices related to their future education, careers, and life. This course empowers the student to assess the importance of solving problems effectively, identifying information, selecting choices, weighing consequences, and identifying techniques for solving problems. The competencies also include: improving communication and social skills; acquiring a basic knowledge of nutrition, safety, and management in the food laboratory; using clothing management skills; and exploring career options. Leadership skills are developed through participation in the student youth organization.

EXPLORATORY TEEN LIVING 7 (HE 8207)

Exploratory Teen Living 7 is a nine-week course that emphasizes fundamental skills for lifelong use. Career and job skills are explored. Student competencies include: preparing to be a competent babysitter; identifying emergency procedures; identifying the developmental tasks of children; describing supervision and care of infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children; relating the dietary guidelines to personal eating habits; practicing safe use and care of small and large appliances; using rules for table setting service; practicing table manners; calculating measurements and preparing nutritious meals; and constructing a clothing project. Students may participate in school, regional, and state youth organization competitions.

EXPLORATORY TEEN LIVING 8 (HE 8210)

Exploratory Teen Living 8 is an eighteen-week course that emphasizes consumer and resource management skills. As active consumers, employees, managers, and decision-makers of the present and future, students gain an understanding of how to use higher order thinking skills and Total Quality Management (TQM) concepts in preparing for careers. Student competencies include: identifying business opportunities for teens; executing a business plan for an entrepreneurial project including a spending plan, a marketing plan, and practicing business banking procedures; planning and preparing nutritious meals; operating sewing equipment and constructing a garment; organizing an individual living space; and creating a pleasing environment. The student youth organization encourages personal growth, leadership development, and family and community involvement.

TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION 6 (TE 8481)

Technology Education 6 (Introduction to Technology) is a nine-week exploratory course. Students study the elements of technology, including tools / machines, materials processes, energy, information, and humans. They explore at least one of the three systems of technology: transporting, communicating, and producing. The impact of technology is related to future consequences and decisions. Students have the opportunity to participate in school, city, regional, and state technology activities.

TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION 7 (TE 8482)

Technology Education 7 (Inventions and Innovations) is a nine-week course in which students make projects or models of significant inventions that have advanced society and human potential. Students follow formal procedures to create new solutions or inventions to solve problems.

TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION 8 (TE 8483)

Technology Education 8 (Technological Systems) is an eighteen-week course designed to be the third technology education experience at the middle school level. Students experience hands-on activities that help them use a systems approach to solve problems and understand technology. Working in teams or groups, students rotate through a number of activities and simulations. They operate systems, construct models, and use computers to describe or control systems. A case study of a major technological advancement helps students study the impact of technology on their world and future careers.

If you need additional information on these courses contact Linda Spruill, Office of Technical and Career Education, at Linda.Spruill@vbschools.com.

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