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Career and Technical Education

Career & Technical Education
Career & Technical Education courses are offered in Garland ISD in the following sixteen (16) Career Clusters so that students are introduced to specific career areas and given options for further education or immediate employment through the use of the most current technology and resources available.

  • Agriculture Food and Natural Sciences
  • Architecture and Construction
  • Arts, A/V Technology and Communications
  • Business Management and Administration
  • Education and Training
  • Finance
  • Government and Public Administration
  • Health Science
  • Hospitality and Tourism
  • Human Services
  • Information Technology
  • Law, Public Safety corrections and Security
  • Manufacturing
  • Marketing
  • Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
  • Transportation Distribution and Logistics

Specialties within these clusters are:

  • Agriculture Food and Natural Sciences (Horticulture – at Naaman Forest High)
  • CCM Arts, A/V Technology and Communications (College & Career Magnet at Lakeview Centennial High)
  • MST Architecture and Construction (Math, Science and Technology – at North Garland High)

The State Plan for Career and Technical Education 2008-2013 is focused on improving the academic and technical educational opportunities for students, including rigorous and relevant of career preparation.  The State Plan for CTE has been developed with the understanding that an academic education and technical education are compatible concepts and the academics are reinforced and applied through a high quality, rigorous technical education.
The State Plan for Career and Technical Education is based on four (4) goals.  The public education systems must take immediate action by addressing the following challenges:

  • Recognize the unique needs of a diverse student population;
  • Prepare students for college and career success;
  • Provide students with a quality education that prepares them to be competitive within a global economy
  • Recruit and retain qualified teachers.

The Career and Technical Education goals for GISD for 2009-2010 are:

  • Promote career assessments and programs of study to enhance college and career readiness.
  • Seek sustainability of Career & Technical Education through preparation for the implementation of the new TEKS,
  • Expand postsecondary opportunities for all students through rigorous and relevant courses including dual credit, Tech Prep, and industry certifications and licensures.
  • Increase student achievement for students enrolled in Career & Technical Education that are also identified as Special Education that are also identified as Special Education, Limited English Proficiency and/or Non-traditional.

Our goal is to offer students skill development that meets industry standards and leads to an industry certification when possible. Earning a certification while in high school has many benefits. It gives students a sense of accomplishment, a highly valued professional credential, and helps make them more employable. The following certifications are currently offered in our department:

  • Automotive Collision Repair - I (CAR)
  • Certified Cisco Network Associate
  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
  • Cosmetology Shampooing & Conditioning License
  • Electric Apprentice
  • EKG Technician
  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
  • Final Cut Pro Level I
  • Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)
  • Office Proficiency & Assessment Certification (OPAC)
  • Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
  • American Welding Society SENSE Certification
  • Floral Certification

Students enrolled in CTE courses are encouraged to join and participate in related Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO).  Career and Technical Student Organizations are an integral part of the Career & Technical Education program in Garland ISD. These organizations provide an opportunity for students to participate in a variety of activities, community service projects and local, state and national competitive events, which enhance the CTE instructional programs. Through these youth leadership organizations, students have the opportunity to develop leadership and communication skills.
Tech Prep, or technical preparation, allows students to begin earning college credit while in high school. Many of the courses offered through the CTE Department will articulate college credit through Tech Prep programs. Students take courses in high school that may earn college credit in specific associate degree plans. Garland ISD has tech prep articulation agreements with the Dallas County Community Colleges in the areas of

  • Accounting
  • Auto Body Technology
  • Business and Fashion Marketing
  • CISCO
  • Child Development
  • Computer Aided Drafting and Design
  • Computer Information Technology
  • Criminal Justice
  • Electronic Commerce
  • Electronics/Computer Technology
  • Electronics Technology
  • Engineering Technology/Electronics Technology
  • Health Professions
  • Hospitality Management
  • Office Technology
  • Ornamental Horticulture Technology
  • Semiconductor Manufacturing/Equipment Technician
  • Travel, Exposition & Meeting Management
  • Video Technology
  • Visual Communications

For more information concerning Tech Prep, contact a Career & Technical Education Counselor or go to the DCCC website at www.dcccd.edu/vcea/dtechp/techprep.htm
Dual Credit courses also allow students the opportunity to earn college credit while in high school.  The CTE Department offers several courses for dual credit taught by credentialed teachers to high school juniors and seniors who qualify to take these classes.  For more information concerning Dual Credit, contact a Career & Technical Education Counselor or go to the DCCC website.

Career counseling is available at each high school from the Career & Technical Education counselors. The Career & Technical Education counselors are available to assist CTE students and parents in helping plan their high school course of study by providing information on Career & Technical Education courses and how they might build skills and knowledge toward a particular career goal. All students enrolled in CTE courses and programs in Garland ISD are given a career interest and aptitude assessment in order to provide a focus for skill development. This information is available for review to assist students in making meaningful career choices and decisions. The following career resources are available to students and parents:

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION STAFF
Dr. Phillip Gilbreath, Director
Kelly Hartmann, Coordinator
Cheryl Jacobs, Coordinator
Barbara J. King, Coordinator
Donna Young, Secretary
Rebecca Gray, Secretary