CTE Programs Maurice J. McDonough

Curriculum for Agriculture Science Education (CASE): Natural Resources & Agriculture

This course utilizes the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resource (AFNR) standards to create pathways relevant in today’s workforce. All courses are also aligned with Science, English, and Mathematics standards. The Natural Resources Pathway begins with the Introduction to Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resource course. Students then progress to the foundation level course, Natural Resources and Ecology followed by the specialization course, Environmental Science Issues. The pathway culminates with the capstone course, Agricultural Research and Development.

INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURE, FOOD, AND NATURAL RESOURCES (AFNR)
177014                                      1 credit             Grade 11                                 Code: CTP

This course introduces students to the range of agricultural opportunities and the pathways of study they may pursue. Science, mathematics, reading, and writing components are woven in the context of agriculture. Experiences will involve the study of communication, the science of agriculture, plants, animals, natural resources, and agricultural mechanics. While surveying the opportunities available in agriculture and natural resources, students will learn to solve problems, conduct research, analyze data, work in teams, and take responsibility for their work, actions, and learning.

NATURAL RESOURCES AND ECOLOGY (HONORS)
177024                                       1 Credit                       Grade 11                      Code: CTP, W

Prerequisite: Introduction to Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources and concurrently enrolled in Environmental Science Issues

This course is a foundation course within the CASE sequence of courses. The course provides students a variety of experiences in the fields of natural resources and ecology. Students will explore hands-on projects and activities while studying topics such as land use, water quality, stewardship, and environmental agencies. Study of the natural world, including biomes, land, air, water, energy, use and care, as well as a focus on issues surrounding man's interaction with the Earth, will be addressed in this course. Students will select an ecosystem to study throughout the course and apply principles of natural resources and ecology from each unit of study to that ecosystem.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE ISSUES (HONORS)
177034                                       1 Credit                        Grade 12                    Codes: CTC, W

Prerequisite: Introduction to Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources and concurrently enrolled in Natural Resource and Ecology

This course is a specialization-level course that enables students to research, analyze, and propose sustainable solutions to environmental issues. Students are immersed in inquiry-based exercises filled with activities, projects, and problems, which develop data acquisition and analysis techniques, critical thinking and evaluation abilities related to environmental issues, as well as independent research and problem solving.

AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
177044                                      1 Credit                        Grade 12                    Codes: CTP, W*

Prerequisite: Natural Resource and Ecology and Environmental Science Issues

This capstone course is designed to culminate students’ experiences in agriculture, based on the previously taken courses in the Natural Resources Pathway.  Woven throughout the course are projects and problems based in practical applications and designed to develop and improve employability skills of students. Students will further enhance critical thinking and teamwork skills as they expand on content knowledge from previous CASE courses.

The dance program is a four-year comprehensive program that allows students to discover their own inherent aptitude for the communication of ideas, thoughts, and feelings through the art of dance. Students interested in pursuing dance in college should plan on building their performance portfolio as soon as possible. The study of dance promotes aesthetic sensitivity and provides an opportunity for students to experience intellectual, physical, emotional, and social growth. Students observe, respond, create, and perform using the body as an instrument to communicate feelings, thoughts, and ideas. Through exploring dance concepts, students demonstrate critical thinking skills and core values as well as develop personal integrity. The sequentially developed program presents a broad cultural and historical perspective and provides unique opportunities for cross-curricular connections.

DANCE I
062014    2 credits     Grade 9    Code: FA
Prerequisite: Approval of Instructor – Application and Audition during 8th grade year

This course is available to students who have been selected through an application and audition process during their 8th grade year. This course provides students with an introduction to a basic working knowledge of performance concepts that they can apply to all dance forms. Experiences are based on fundamentals of ballet, modern, and jazz dance. This course fulfills the graduation requirement for the Fine Arts elective as it provides instruction in aesthetics, dance history, anatomy, choreographic techniques, and performance components. May need to attend after-school practices, events, and 1/16/2025 C&I/Miesowitz_Cheaves/sml These codes appear with course descriptions where appropriate: ATE = Advanced Technology Credit; CC = may be eligible for college credit; CTP = Maryland State Dept. of Education Approved Career Technical Program; CTC = CTP Concentrator Course; EOC = End-of-Course Assessment; FA = Fine Arts; TE = Technology Education; W = Weighted (HONORS); W*= Weighted (AP); CERT = Certification Please note that not all courses are available at each school due to staffing/student enrollment 39 performances during a school year.

DANCE II
062024    2 credits    Grade 10     Code: FA
Prerequisite: Dance I

This course is available to students who successfully completed Dance I. Students will continue to focus on the fundamentals of ballet, modern, and jazz dance styles. This will provide students with a deeper understanding of dance techniques, which they will apply to their own dance development. This course fulfills the graduation requirement for the Fine Arts elective as it provides instruction in aesthetics, dance history, anatomy, choreographic techniques, and performance components. Students may need to attend after-school practices, events, and performances during a school year.

DANCE III
062034    2 credits    Grade 11     Code: FA
Prerequisite: Dance II

This course is available to students who successfully completed Dance II and provides students with an intermediate working knowledge and application of performance concepts they will apply to all dance forms. This intermediate level of Ballet, Modern, and Jazz will challenge students to apply technical skills, critical thinking, and creativity for making connections and a deeper aesthetic interest in dance. Students will deepen their knowledge of various dance artists and companies around the world, growing a multicultural base. Fundamentals of ballet, modern, and jazz dance styles continue to be the foundation of the experience’s students receive. This course fulfills the graduation requirement for the Fine Arts elective as it provides continued instruction in aesthetics, dance history, anatomy, choreographic techniques, and performance components. Students may need to attend after-school practices, events, and performances during a school year.

DANCE IV
062044    2 credits    Grade 12     Codes: FA, W
Prerequisite: Dance III

This course is available to students who successfully completed Dance III and provides students with a more advanced working knowledge and application of performance concepts. This advanced level of Ballet, Modern, and Jazz will continue to challenge students to apply technical skills, critical thinking, and creativity for making connections and a deeper aesthetic interest in dance. Students will continue to investigate various style of dance as well as aesthetics, dance history, anatomy, choreographic techniques, and performance components. Students may need to attend after-school practices, events, and performances during a school year.

The Interactive Media Production (IMP) program includes a strong foundation in arts and communication with particular emphasis on design, graphic and media communications, interactive technologies, and project development. The program consists of four courses.

Required Courses: All four (4) of these courses are required to achieve Completer Status.

PRINCIPLES OF ARTS, MEDIA, AND COMMUNICATION
170314 1 credit Grade 10 Code: CTP
Prerequisite: Concurrently enrolled in Interactive Media and Design I
This course provides students with an understanding of the arts, media, and communication industries. Students will examine the opportunities and requirements of the major careers in this industry, including communication and broadcast technologies, multimedia production, graphic design, and print communication.

INTERACTIVE MEDIA AND DESIGN I
171324 1 credit Grade 11 Code: CTP
Prerequisite: Concurrently enrolled in Principles of Arts, Media, and Communication
In this course, students’ learning will focus on three pathway areas: Graphic Design, Digital Media, and Interactive Media. Emphasis will be placed on group project development, and individual portfolio development.

INTERACTIVE MEDIA AND DESIGN II
171334 1 credit Grade 11 Code: CTC
Prerequisite: Principles of Arts, Media, and Communication and Interactive Media and Design I
In Interactive Media and Design II, students will continue their learning of the three pathway areas. Emphasis will be placed on group project development, project management, and individual portfolio development. Students will update their IMP Project Portfolio with exemplars of their best work. Students will advance their knowledge and skills in multimedia design and production through project planning and product development. Students will demonstrate the use of multiple tools and modalities in the production process.

INTERACTIVE MEDIA PORTFOLIO CAPSTONE
171344Z 1 credit Grade 12 Codes: CTP, CC, W*
Prerequisite: Principles of Arts, Media, and Communication and Interactive Media and Design I
This capstone course enables students to apply what they learned in their previous academic and IMP classes to complete a challenging, client-driven project. Students work in teams to design and create a solution to satisfy or fill a client’s need or want. Students are also expected to refine the products that comprise their portfolio to meet the specifications identified by the affiliate partner. Student teams make progress reports to their peers, meet regularly with their clients, and exchange constructive criticism and consultation. At the end of the course, teams present their projects to industry partners for feedback and professional review. Students are able to earn several Adobe certifications at the end of the course.

The theatre program is a four-year comprehensive program designed to help students discover their passion and talent for acting and technical theatre. Students interested in pursuing theatre in college or as a career will build their performance and technical portfolios throughout their studies. This program fosters creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking while providing opportunities for intellectual, physical, emotional, and social growth. Students explore acting, script analysis, character development, and improvisation, alongside technical theatre elements such as lighting, sound design, set construction, costume design, stage management, and directing. Through hands-on projects and performances, students develop essential skills like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. The program also incorporates a broad cultural and historical perspective on theatre and encourages interdisciplinary connections, equipping students for college and a vibrant future in the arts.

THEATRE FOUNDATIONS
67014    1 credit    Grade 9    Code: FA
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the CTE Theatre Program
This course provides students who are interested in acting, musical theatre, or technical theatre with a rigorous overview of theatre arts. Through scene work, monologues, improvisation, and ensemble activities, students develop essential performance skills such as vocal development, movement, character development, and script analysis. Technical theatre topics include basic set, costume, lighting, and sound concepts, along with tool safety and theatre terminology. Students will also be introduced to theatre history and careers in the performing arts. This course lays the groundwork for all future CAPA theatre study and introduces students to both college and industry pathways.

This course is part of the CAPA pathway and offers hands-on training for students preparing for college-level theatre programs or direct entry into the professional industry.

THEATRE FUNDAMENTALS (HONORS)
167024 1 credit Grade 10 Codes: FA, W
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Foundations of Theatre
Building on the broad foundation developed in Year 1, this course deepens students' acting and musical theatre performance and technical theatre skills. Students will train in acting for stage and screen, including character work, voice and movement, audition techniques, and resume building, while also gaining hands-on experience in scenic, lighting, sound, costume, and prop design. Although students receive a well-rounded theatre education, they will also have opportunities to explore and grow in the area of theatre they connect with most, whether performance-based or technical. Students will contribute to CAPA productions and begin compiling theatre resumes and portfolios aligned with industry models.

This course is part of the CAPA pathway and offers hands-on training for students preparing for college-level theatre programs or direct entry into the professional industry.

THEATRE COMPANY I (HONORS)
167034 1 credit Grade 11 Codes: FA, W
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Theatre Fundamentals

In this advanced course, students function as a collaborative theatre company, taking on roles as directors, writers, performers, designers, and technicians to produce original and scripted work. Building on the foundational and specialized skills from prior CAPA courses, students develop and present fully realized performances in the Black Box Theatre, exploring theatre from a wide range of historical periods, cultures, and styles. Students refine their personal artistic focus while preparing audition books, technical portfolios, resumes, and college or conservatory applications. Technical theatre students contribute directly to co-curricular mainstage productions. After-school performances and productions work are required.

This course is part of the CAPA pathway and prepares students for postsecondary training and employment in professional theatre and is under review for potential college credit.

THEATRE COMPANY II
167044 1 credit Grade 12 Codes: FA, W*
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Theatre Company I

In this capstone course, students operate as an advanced production company, taking on key artistic and leadership roles, including directors, stage managers, writers, designers, technicians, and performers, to produce original and scripted works. Students lead the creation of Black Box productions, serving as the core production team under the guidance of the Theatre teachers. Class time is primarily dedicated to production team tasks, with students managing rehearsals, designs, and logistics. Seniors continue developing resumes, audition materials, and portfolios for college or professional opportunities. After-school production involvement is required.

This is the culminating CAPA theatre course, designed to prepare students for entry into the professional industry or advanced theatre programs, and is under consideration for additional college credit.