Purpose
CTE courses emphasize practical, project-based learning that connects classroom skills to workplace contexts. This orientation outlines classroom expectations, safety, assessment practices, and how lessons build progressively.
Classroom Norms & Safety
- Follow teacher directions and posted safety signs when using tools and materials.
- Respect materials and peers. Clean up shared stations after use.
- Wear PPE when required (e.g., safety glasses, aprons) and report hazards immediately.
- Bring charged devices only when instructed; use devices for learning tasks during class.
Assessment & Evidence
Students demonstrate learning through artifacts (projects), short reflections, and quick checks (exit tickets). Rubrics focus on skills, craftsmanship, process documentation, and reflection.
Progression & Connections
Lessons are designed to scaffold: early units build core elements (line, shape, texture) and design principles (balance, rhythm). Later units integrate these into cumulative projects (poster, product design, portfolio). Each lesson explains prior knowledge required and next-step activities so substitute teachers can run the class.
Teacher Guidance
Each lesson includes:
- Clear learning objectives and measurable outcomes
- Materials and short prep checklist
- Timeboxed step sequence (Do Now → Instruction → Practice → Apply → Exit Ticket)
- Differentiation notes and rubrics
Getting Started (First Week)
- Introduce classroom expectations and safety procedures.
- Kick off with a short diagnostic task to assess baseline skills.
- Run an element/principle sampler (short activities) to create baseline artifacts for portfolios.
Resources for Teachers
Suggested rubrics, printable templates, and reference documents are linked directly from each individual lesson page (see that lesson's Resources section) rather than collected separately here.
Contact & Support
For curriculum questions or modifications, contact the curriculum lead listed on the teacher portal.