Understanding CTE
WSWHE BOCES Career and Technical Education programs provide hands-on learners with an opportunity to master academic and technical skills within a subject that interests them and leads to a rewarding career.
Goals
- Provide curriculum that is based on Industry Standards
- Enable students to gain work experience in Business and Industry
- Preparing students to earn National and State Industry Certifications
- Prepare students to pass Industry-Approved Technical Assessment
- Encourage students to continue their education through Articulation Agreements with colleges
- Prepare students for positions that are available in the region
Each CTE program offered at WSWHE BOCES include English Language Arts and Mathematics. English and Math are taught at the commencement level and meet NYS Standards for students to obtain (1) credit for each over a two-year period.
The Career and Technical programs listed below will be offered at the F. Donald Myers Education Center. Transportation is arranged so that students can take classes at Saratoga as well as the Career and Technical course. Students are urged to visit the appropriate programs and the campus to help them understand the courses that are offered before they decide to attend. Saratoga is committed to paying tuition for students who take these courses. It is not always possible to provide other courses to replace a Career and Technical course that is dropped once the school year is underway. For these reasons, the students, parents/guardians, and counselors should consider all the issues before deciding on a specific program.
Enrollment Process
These two-year programs are certified by New York State to provide technical training specific to business and industry standards. Students in grades 11 and 12 may select any of the course offerings if they have successfully completed two units in English, History, Mathematics and Science and passed the required Regents exam for these classes.
Students must apply for the program of choice. Upon receipt of the application, the student will be placed in a lottery for a seat in the program. If you don’t receive a seat in your program of choice after the lottery, you will be placed on a waiting list for subsequent lotteries.
Approximate Program Hours
AM Session: 8:00 -10:30 am
PM Session: 11:45 am – 2:15 pm
Connect with WSWHE BOCES at www.wswheboces.org
AUTO BODY
A two-year program based on Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Task Lists for Painting and Refinishing and Non-Structural Analysis and Damage Repair. Curriculum includes, but is not limited to: Body Alignment, Dent Removal, Welding, Painting, Refinishing, Trim, Glass Work, Shop Operations, Safety Training, Use of computers, tools and technology. Students apply their knowledge and skills in the paint booth and mixing room and use the industry standard in our on-site shop. The program prepares students for entry-level employment in the auto body industry and to achieve Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification after they have met all the requirements. Students are also prepared and encouraged to continue their education and training at post-secondary institutions and industry-supported training centers. The curriculum includes Applied Math and English Language Arts. Certification & Endorsements:
After all requirements are met, students are eligible for the ASE Technician Certification in Painting and Refinishing, SP2 Certification in Collision Safety, and SP2 Certification in Collision Pollution.
AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY
A two-year program based on the National Automotive Technician Education Foundation (NATEF) model for Maintenance and Light Repair. The certification track is designed to graduate entry-level technicians with a broad skills set, a solid foundation in electrical/electronics, and a general understanding of all automotive systems. The program offers live work on school-owned vehicles using high-tech equipment. Students benefit from strong relationships with industry partners that result in a wide variety of internships, equipment and vehicle donations. The curriculum also includes Applied Math and English Language Arts. Heavy use of computers and high-tech equipment increases students’ diagnostics and repair skills in the following areas: Brakes, Electrical and electronic systems, Steering and suspension, Engine repair, Engine performance, Manual drive train and axles, Automatic transmission/transaxle, Heating and air conditioning, Certifications & Endorsements: National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and Prepared to take the test for NYS Department of Motor Vehicle Inspector Certification.
CONSTRUCTION TRADES
A two-year program based on the Residential Construction Academy Series. Students’ complete competency-based modules include Small to large-scale residential construction, Safety, Tools and equipment, Blueprints, Building materials, Floors, Walls, Ceilings, Stairs and roofing, Window and doors, Site layout, Foundations, Interior and exterior finishing, Project management. Students obtain a basic knowledge of tools, methods, materials, and technologies currently used in the construction industry; emphasis is placed on theory, as well as related math concepts. Practical experience is gained through on-site and community service-based construction projects throughout the year, and students will also complete the construction of a modular home during the school year. Curriculum includes applied math and English language arts. Certifications & Endorsements: Home Builders Institute (HBI) certification – affiliate of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), Red Cross CPR, First Aid and AED Certification and OSHA 10 Hour Construction Specific Safety Certification
COSMETOLOGY
A two-year, 1000-hour program dedicated to preparing students for current and emerging careers in the professions of natural hair styling, esthetics, nail specialty, cosmetology. Combines crucial elements of art, science, technical skills, interpersonal skills, and entrepreneurship. Adheres to all ethical and professional standards of the cosmetology industry. Students are expected to participate, under supervision, in the actual operation of a full-service salon on each campus, catering to real customers, to gain management skills and customer service experience. Curriculum includes commencement level math and English language arts. Certifications & Endorsements Upon successful completion of the 1,000-hour program, students are eligible to sit for the New York State Licensing exam to obtain a cosmetology license.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE STUDIES
A two-year program for students interested in careers in law enforcement, investigations, security, corrections, courts, law, social work and counseling, or other related fields. The comprehensive curriculum covers topics such as: The Study of Crime, The Foundations of Law Enforcement, The Courts, Emergency and Fire Management, Introduction to Criminal Justice, Legal Aspects and the Law, Investigations, Corrections, Crime Prevention, Interpersonal Communications. Students participate in mock trials, crime scene investigations, accident investigations, crime scene sketching, budget development, police reports, educational field trips, and community service projects. The curriculum is presented through classroom instruction, computer-based learning, and hands-on related activities and labs. It also includes applied math and English language arts. Certifications & Endorsements: Certified Protection Officer Certification, NYS 8-hour Pre-assignment Security Guard Certification, and First Aid/CPR and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) per the Red Cross.
CULINARY ARTS AND HOSPITALITY
The Culinary Arts & Hospitality Program at BOCES implements an industry-based program that includes kitchen basics, safety and sanitation, purchasing and inventory control, customer service, and food and control cost. Students complete two years of instruction and pass national assessments during each year. They must also complete a minimum of 10 hours of non-paid internship. Upon completion, the students are ready for careers in the hospitality industry and post-secondary opportunities. The Curriculum includes Basic food preparation, Purchasing, Inventory control, Introduction to culinary nutrition, culinary fundamentals, Sanitation, Introduction to baking , Workplace safety, Hospitality management, Front and back-of-house operations, Introduction to food cost and control, Culinary math, Introduction to menu writing. The program places an emphasis on teamwork and interpersonal skills, academics, and technical skills. It requires adherence to dress, food sanitation, and safety codes.
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
A two-year program based on Child Development Associate (CDA) competencies and requirements: Focuses on developing skills in early childcare and the education profession. Provides students with the opportunity to work with children three and four years old, under supervision, in an on-site preschool that is free to the community. Students learn to provide guidance, promote positive and productive relationships with families, and ensure a well-run childcare program. Students learn to establish and maintain a safe, healthy learning environment, while nurturing the physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development of young children. Curriculum includes commencement level math and English language arts. Certifications & Endorsements CPR/First Aid/AED, and students earn hours toward the Child Development Associate Credential and may pursue this certification after completing the program.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY
A two-year program that aligns with the Society of American Foresters Programs in Forest Technology standards and procedures. The program emphasizes forest ecology and silviculture, forest management, woods safety, forest land usage, forest protection, fish and wildlife management, forest recreation, trends in urban forestry, and current and emerging environmental conservation issues. Students spend over 75% of their time outdoors in “land labs.” These labs enable students to participate in approved projects that put theory into practice. There are several different types of land labs from entrepreneurial endeavors to community service projects. Curriculum includes commencement level math and English language arts. Certifications & Endorsements, New York Trained Logger Certification, First Aid/CPR/AED, Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-B), Land/forest management practices, Tree identification, Wildlife identification, Tree scaling, Lumber grading, Timber harvesting, Reforestation techniques, Orienteering, Soil conservation, Stream bank repair, Equipment safety and operation and utilization/forest products production.
GRAPHIC AND VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
A two-year program based on current and future trends and practices in the industry with a concentration on Adobe Creative Suite applications, including Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. Students learn the following applications and skills: principles of design theory, concentrated use of Adobe Creative Suite software: Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, Art history and influential designer’s research, Computer literacy, creative industry specific project work, digital photography and basic video production. Students use Apple computers and industry standard software to create multimedia projects. They receive comprehensive instruction with an emphasis on technical excellence with industry standard design software. In addition, students learn skills necessary to build, maintain, and grow client relationships.
HEALTH OCCUPATIONS
A two-year program that implements two state curriculums, Health Occupations (CORE) and Nurse Assisting. The program builds on the CORE care curriculum, which is a set of interdisciplinary courses, clinical training, and other educational exposures designed to provide health occupations students at each level with the common knowledge, skills, and values necessary to perform effectively in the evolving health care workplace. In conjunction with supervised clinical experience, this course prepares students to become efficient and caring members of health care teams. Students participate both years in clinical settings at hospitals, nursing homes, physicians’ offices, clinics, and community agencies. The curriculum includes commencement level math and English language arts. Certifications & Endorsements (upon successful completion of all requirements of the program): NYS Certified Nurse Assistant, First Aid/CPR/AED, Personal Care Aide
HVAC-R
A two-year program aligned with the most current HVAC-R Excellence modules relevant for this geographic area and industry needs and trends. The program imparts skills and knowledge for the following areas: installation, service and repair of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration equipment, systems in both residential and commercial applications, emphasis on safety and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements and regulations. Coursework integrates shop operations, job planning and estimating, customer service, professionalism, and ethics. The curriculum is enhanced by the Home Performance with the ENERGY STAR Program, which helps students understand how the house works as a system.
HEAVY EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION
A two-year program based on the National Center for Construction Education and Research Contren Learning Series for Heavy Equipment and Repair. Students learn to operate, maintain, diagnose, and repair construction-related equipment such as backhoes, bulldozers, bucket loaders, excavators, dump trucks, and skid steers. The program enjoys corporate collaboration with Milton/Caterpillar, and Bobcat among others, through which students receive specialized training at their corporate site, as well as instructional opportunities at our education centers, field trip experiences, internships, and job shadowing opportunities. Students study the following modules throughout the program: introduction to trade, heavy equipment safety, identification of heavy equipment and basic operational techniques, tractors, grades and slopes, diesel engines and hydraulics.
HORSE CARE
A two-year program that includes training of Morgan horses for riding, using all related tack and equipment. Students learn the role of the caretaker, safety, professionalism, handling horses, and riding. Students spend most of their time at the Rolling Oaks Farm in Gansevoort where they learn and apply equine and veterinary science on Saddlebred horses. Curriculum includes commencement level math and English language arts. All students are given the opportunity to participate in a Work-Based Learning experience, which exposes them to the operation of a business and specific job duties related to future careers. The curriculum includes equine systems, equine physiology, nutrition, health, disease, emergency medical care, stable management, bloodlines and breeding and equine sales. Certifications & Endorsements: Precision Agricultural Education Technical Assessment System
HORTICULTURE, LANDSCAPING AND FLORAL DESIGN
A two-year program aligns with the NYS Nursery & Landscape Association and incorporates contemporary knowledge, skills, and trends found in the horticulture, floral, and landscaping industries. Students design and implement landscaping for some of the area’s finest gardens. They operate and manage on-site greenhouses and floral shops that are open to the public, gaining hands on experience in retail sales, merchandising, customer service, and shop management. The curriculum includes commencement level math and English language arts. All students are given the opportunity to participate in a Work-Based Learning experience, which exposes them to the operation of a business and specific job duties related to future careers. The curriculum includes landscape design, floral design, greenhouse crop production, landscape installation and maintenance, ornamental horticulture, integrated pest management, plant biology, soil science, hydroponics, retail sales, merchandising and shop management.
SMALL ANIMAL SCIENCE
A two-year program based on Industry Standards from National Agricultural, Food & Natural Resources. The Cornell University Veterinary Curriculum is used as the guide for developing topics to be covered. The program is integrated with ELA and math aligned to NYS Next Generation Standards. Topics covered are personal safety & animal handling, animal roles in society, issues in the animal industry, veterinary terminology, care & management of species: small animals, exotic animals, microbiology, biosecurity, anatomy & physiology, various body systems: skeletal, muscular, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, endocrine, and immune, animal reproduction & genetics, pharmacology, parasitology, physical exams, hospital procedures, office management and laws & ethics. Certifications & Endorsements Technical Assessment: Precision Small Companion Animal Science Fear Free Certification, Pet CPR and Basic First Aid (American Red Cross), and Groomer (not certified).
WELDING
This two-year Welding program is based on the American Welding Society (AWS) curriculum, which provides broad exposure to the operation, standards, and current practices in the field of welding and fabrication. Students learn through classroom instruction, demonstrations, field trips, guest speakers, and hands-on practice of welding techniques. The curriculum includes commencement level math and English language arts. Curriculum includes safety, structural welding, oxygen/acetylene welding, oxygen/acetylene cutting, Mig and Tig welding, basic rod identification and use and blueprint reading/layout and design, electrode selection, joint design, metallurgy, quality control. Symbols and technology. Certifications & Endorsements: American Welding Society (AWS) certification.
CAREER EXPLORATION PROGRAMS
Career Exploration Programs prepare 11th and 12th grade high school students for entry-level trade positions. Upon successful completion of the program, students can earn a completion certificate, employability profile, portfolio, internship experience, and National workforce Readiness Credential. These are career exploration programs that are designed to introduce students to various CTE programs and corresponding careers while emphasizing the development of soft skills and the world of work. The programs are open to students in grades 11 and 12.
Programs offered are:
NEW VISIONS HEALTH AND CAREERS EXPLORATION
An academically rigorous one-year program for college-bound high school seniors who plan to major in pre-med or other allied health fields. Students learn and observe in a hospital setting from a wide range of health care professionals. The academic curriculum is combined with clinical experience to provide students with a rich and rewarding learning opportunity.
Admission
Admission to the New Visions Health Careers Exploration Program is competitive and highly selective. Students from 31 school districts compete for a limited number of Health Careers Exploration positions. Successful applicants must demonstrate solid academic ability, a commitment to continued education in the medical field, and strong study/organizational skills.
Specific requirements include
- Three years each of New York State Regents math, science, English and social studies
- Advanced academic ability, strong study/organizational skills, and a solid attendance record
- A commitment to continued education in the health-care field
- Once accepted, students must provide a record of immunization and a physical examination report
- Once accepted, students must attend a pre-employment orientation at the hospital
- Once accepted, students must provide their own transportation to and from school and clinical sites
Setting
Classrooms are located at the F. Donald Myers Education Center in Saratoga Springs and in the Southern Adirondack Education Center in Hudson Falls. Students meet for 3.5 hours daily, attending classroom instruction two days per week and clinical rotations in a variety of health professions the other three days. Clinical rotations are assigned at Glens Falls Hospital, Saratoga Hospital, Wesley Health Care Center, and several private practices and clinics throughout the region. Students observe acute and routine medical procedures, as well as providing ancillary support services to patients.
Schedule
8am – 11:30am
Academic Credit
Students receive one credit each for anatomy and physiology, health careers exploration, English 12 honors, and one-half credit each for economics, and participation in government. Students also can earn 3 college credits through SUNY Adirondack for BIO109 – Medical Terminology and 4 college credits through SUNY Schenectady for BIO112 – Human Biology with a lab.