Program Description
The Technology Education program assists students in developing an understanding of industry and technology and in discovering and developing individual potential. This program provides students with competencies for occupational readiness that are useful for the future craftsperson, technician, engineer, designer or consumer. It provides a foundation for career preparation at either the secondary or post-secondary level. A lab fee is required for most courses.
The Technology Student Association (TSA) is a co-curricular student-led organization that reinforces the technology curriculum and provides opportunity for competition, travel, leadership and career development.
Work-based Learning
Cooperative Education (Co-op) and Internships are high-quality work-based learning experiences for juniors and seniors that place the student in a workplace environment. This placement allows the student to develop and practice knowledge and skills for a specific career field related to the student’s career interests, abilities, and goals. Co-op is a paid work-based learning experience while internships may be paid or unpaid. Co-op and internships are connected to classroom learning and are guided by a formal, written training plan that defines specific academic, technical, and workplace skills to be mastered. Applications may be obtained from a school counselor or a CTE teacher.
On-the-job hours required to earn credit through cooperative education or internship are as follows:
140 hours = .5 credit
280 hours = 1 credit
Job shadowing is a short-term experience available as a part of Career and Technical Education courses through an application process. Juniors and seniors who are currently enrolled in CTE courses or who have completed a coherent sequence of CTE courses are eligible. The application process includes student narrative and teacher recommendation. Students participating in this work-based learning experience are required to complete a reflective exercise.
Credentialing
The High School Industry Credentialing initiative encourages students to work toward a selected industry credential or state license while pursuing a high school diploma. The Virginia Department of Education evaluates on an on-going basis industry credentials against prescribed criteria for graduation requirements for the Standard Diploma (8VAC20-131-50.B) and student-selected verified credit (8VAC20-131-110.C). Credentialing exams are available to any student taking a Career and Technical Education course.
