General Information
Who is eligible to take courses at the CDC?
The CDC seeks to meet the career development needs of students in grades 9-12. The CDC offers foundation courses designed for students in the ninth and tenth grades. These courses provide students with an opportunity to try out a career cluster while building the foundation skills that will help them succeed later on. These courses may be offered in 50, 60 or 90 minute blocks. While Foundation courses are designed for 9th & 10th graders, 11th & 12th graders will be accepted if space is available.
Technical programs are intended for 11th and 12th graders, although 10th graders who are motivated and show exceptional promise may be admitted. Most technical programs are made up of a two-year, six credit sequence through which students develop the skills and knowledge that will prepare them for post-secondary education or an entry-level position in their career field. Programs run for an average of two hours per day all year--90 minutes one semester (one 90 minute) and 150 minutes the other semester (one long & one 60 minute).
What if I don’t know what I want to learn?
Take an introductory level course!!! The CDC offers numerous foundation courses that give students a head start towards entering a CDC program. Another option is to dive right in. Enroll in a program. The skills you will develop will be useful to you even if you choose not to continue your training in the area where you started. Plus, each course you take at the CDC will help you to focus in on where you truly want to be in the future.
Can I meet my high school’s graduation requirements at the CDC?
YES!!! Many technical classes and programs include academic credits that meet graduation requirements. These credits are discussed with each course or program described in this booklet. It is important to talk to your high school guidance counselor to be certain that you are meeting your school’s requirements, but remember that the CDC provides you with a variety of classes and programs that will help you earn your diploma.
CDC for the College Bound? YES!
The CDC is committed to lifelong learning. We seek to prepare students to succeed in any endeavor they undertake. This includes a commitment to support students entering post-secondary education. Several CDC offerings are NCAA approved for college bound students. Some programs have direct connections with colleges, offering dual enrollment with college transcripted credits. CDC teachers encourage students to consider the opportunities available after high school. Most college admissions departments look for students who have gone beyond the regular high school requirements. A CDC program can strengthen your solid academic preparation.
Please note that course offerings are subject to change. For updated information, contact the CDC Guidance Coordinator.
The CDC Philosophy |
||
| We believe that: | ||
 |
Every individual has a need for and a right to career education. | |
|
|
Each student has unique talents, interests and needs. | |
|
|
Learning must be active and experiential, project based and an integration of academic with vocational/technical skills. | |
|
|
The curriculum must be flexible and must encourage each person to develop to their fullest capacity. | |
|
|
We are partners with the and community in developing informed, responsible and participating members of society. | |
|
|
Education includes the development of cultural, social, moral and ethical standards. | |
|
|
Our instructional role is to facilitate exploration of career areas, development of skills useful in life and careers, self-directedness, and reflection on experiences. | |
|
|
The school atmosphere must be safe, positive, and respectful. | |
|
|
Continuous evaluation of programs and performance is a means of providing the highest quality education and training results for students | |
| CDC Goals | ||
|
|
To maximize a process of systems, program, curriculum, and technology review that includes students, parents, faculty, administrators, community members and advisory boards. | |
|
|
To help learners work as a team, complete skill and safety competencies and take charge of their continuing learning. | |
|
|
To promote teaching that recognizes differences in learning styles and uses a wide variety of methods. | |
|
|
To encourage community interaction through events, activities and school and community groups (e.g., advisory boards, community school projects). | |
|
|
To provide the highest quality vocational-technical training. | |
|
|
To integrate academic skills with vocational-technical instruction to enable students to attain career and educational objectives and goals. | |
|
|
To offer workplace based experience (co-op, student apprenticeships, internships, job shadowing, etc.) that assists in all phases of career development. | |
| Program Enrollment Procedure | ||
|
|
Students who are interested in a CDC program are encouraged to complete and submit an application for the following academic year. | |
|
|
CDC Programs have limited enrollment and earning a slot may be competitive. An interview with the program teacher is part of the application process, and teacher permission is a pre-requisite for entry into all programs. Interviews allow applicants to learn more about the program and allow the teacher and the applicant an opportunity to get to know each other. | |
|
|
It is not advisable to apply to enter a full-year program in mid-year. However, mid-year applications will be
considered depending on the nature of the program, the qualifications of the applicant and on a
space-available basis. |
|
| THE APPLICATION should be completed by the student and school counselor. An application is located in the back of this booklet, your high school counseling office or the CDC office. | ||
| THE INTERVIEW will be arranged by the CDC Guidance Coordinator with the student, the program instructor and anyone else involved in the applicant’s education planning. Issues to be discussed will include: | ||
| • | The student’s interests, post high school plans and career goals. | |
