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Plano ISD

 

 


career title

The Career Education Department at Plano West Senior High helps to prepare students to be successful in their future endeavors of higher education and professional life. The wide array of class offerings in our seven sub-departments allows students to explore the fields that they are interested in pursuing. Make sure you visit mypisd.net to view calendars, syllabi, and other information concerning each course.

Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources


Floral Design


Mrs. Graf

This is an activity-based course which prepares the student to develop competencies in flower classification and identification, geometric and specialized floral designs, identification and classification of plants, interior landscape development, and the use of artistic elements in personal designs. Students will learn business practices as they relate to the floral industry. Client relations and service contracts are an important component of this class.This course provides instruction and training necessary for the Texas State Florist's Certification. Students will receive their art credit for this course.

Livestock Production


Mrs. Graf

This course is designed to enhance knowledge and skills pertaining to the production and marketing of domestic livestock. It provides the student with the opportunity to work with live animals while learning technical skills relating to human, scientific and technological dimensions of animal systems, anatomy and physiology, nutrition, reproduction, genetics, pests and diseases, and business
management and operation skills. Students are given the opportunity to develop leadership skills through the FFA organization.

Wildlife Management & Recreation


Mrs. Graf

Examines the importance of wildlife and outdoor recreation with emphasis on using wildlife and natural resources.

Veterinary Medical Applications (Vet Tech I)


Mrs. Graf
This course develops knowledge and skills pertaining to the area of veterinary technician assistant. Students will gain experience in areas such as setting up and running diagnostic test, techniques used in surgery practices, keeping client records, as well as the study of employer/employee relationships.

Veterinary Medical Assistant (Vet Tech II)

Mrs. Graf
Prerequisite: Veterinary Medical Applications
This course prepares students for careers in the field of veterinary science. Instruction for this course may be delivered through arrangements such as cooperative education, preceptorships, mentoring, and job shadowing at local veterinary clinicsStudents are required to actively participate at a veterinary clinic. Students should intern a minimum of 10 hours per week.


Equine Science

Mrs. Graf
This course is designed to develop knowledge and skills pertaining to the selection, nutrition, reproduction, health, and management of horses. Students will learn the basic principles of care and training.

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Architecture and Construction

Architectural Design (Drafting I)


Ms. Sutphen

In Architectural Design, students gain knowledge and skills specific to those needed to enter a career in architecture and construction or prepare a foundation toward a postsecondary degree in architecture, construction science, drafting, interior design, and landscape architecture. Architectural design includes the knowledge of the design, design history, techniques, and tools related to the production of drawings, renderings, and scaled models for commercial or residential architectural purposes. This course teaches the basics of AutoCAD, Impression, 3dsMax, and other AutoDesk programs. Students who achieve a course grade of 80 and pass the end of course exam with a grade of 80 can earn college credit for the course through the Global Edge Tech Prep program at Collin College. Students will need to complete other requirements at the college. Architectural Design articulates to Collin course DFTG1309, Basic CAD.

Advanced Architectural Design (Drafting 2)

Ms. Sutphen
In Advanced Architectural Design, students gain advanced knowledge and skills specific to those needed to enter a career in architecture and construction or prepare a foundation toward a postsecondary degree in architecture, construction science, drafting, interior design, and landscape architecture. Advanced Architectural design includes the advanced knowledge of the design, design history, techniques, and tools related to the production of drawings, renderings, and scaled models for commercial or residential architectural purposes. This course uses AutoCAD, Impression, 3dsMax, and other AutoDesk programs. Students who achieve a course grade of 80 and pass the end of course exam with a grade of 80 can earn college credit for the course through the Global Edge Tech Prep program at Collin College. Students will need to complete other requirements at the college. Advanced Architectural Design articulates to Collin course DFTG1317, Residential Drafting.


Interior Design


Mrs. Dowd

This course assesses the basic needs of an individual in order to select a home and its decor to reflect one's personality. Emphasis is placed on the elements and principles of design, color, and periods and styles of furniture. Career opportunities in the housing area are also emphasized. Students will design and complete a kitchen.

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Arts, Audio/Visual Technology & Communication

Desktop Publishing


Ms. Wonsmos

Students learn the design theory and technology skills for producing effective print communications while developing skills in page layout, editing, and graphic design using Adobe InDesign® and Photoshop®.

Digital Interactive Media (Multimedia)


Mrs Copher
, Mr. Harris, Ms. Wonsmos
Develops an understanding of the multimedia project process, from planning and design, to research and development, to presentation and evaluation, using text, graphics, audio, video, and multimedia tools.

Fashion Design I (Textile and Apparel Production)


Mrs. Miller

This full year course brings to life the exciting world of fashion through an in-depth look at how the fashion industries work and the unlimited career opportunities in the industry.

Fashion Design II (Textile and Apparel Production)

Mrs. Miller
Prerequisite: Fashion Design I (Textiles and Apparel Production, Management, and Services I) In this
two hour, full-year course, students will build upon the skills acquired in Fashion Design I. Activities will include designing and marketing a collection, clothing construction, fashion merchandising, business concepts, and formulation of a fashion show. Students enrolled in the 2 credit Fashion Design II qualifies for a physical education waiver. This course may not be offered on all campuses.


Graphic Design (Advertising I)


Mrs. Adams

The Graphic Design & Illustration course offered at Plano West Senior High focuses on the study of the basic components of graphic design, commercial art, illustration, design products and career opportunities in the field. Hands-on experiences in both manually produced and computer-generated graphic illustrations, as well as a basic understanding of advertising production are provided.

Advanced Graphic Design (Advertising II)


Mrs. Adams

The Advanced Graphic Design & Illustration course offered at Plano West Senior High provides job specific training for entry-level employment in advertising and visual communication industries. This course expands the students’ knowledge of the creation and design of graphic materials for use as ornamentation, illustration, advertising, and computer graphics, building on the topics covered in Graphic Design & Illustration, and provides advanced laboratory application experiences.

Video Tech


Mr. Harris

This course will provide students with an understanding of the video production process. Students will have hands-on experience with filming, capturing and digital editing of audio and video. Basic camera and lighting techniques will be covered including common settings on digital video cameras, camera angles and composition, as well as proper lighting techniques. Students will also learn about the various roles performed in the production process.

Webmastering


Mrs. Copher

Students will develop an understanding of the structure, functions, and technical foundations of the Internet and the World Wide Web, and create web pages using HTML coding and Adobe Dreamweaver®, Photoshop®, and Flash™®.

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Business , Management & Administration

Business Information Management


Mr. Hinds
, Ms. Vaughn, Mr. Gardner, Mrs. Copher, Mr. Gardner, Miss Wonsmos
Develops technology skills with applications to personal or business situations focusing on word processing, spreadsheets, databases, telecommunications, desktop publishing, presentation management, networking, operating systems, and emerging technologies.

Business Law


Mr. Gardner

Provides practical information such as how to help students effectively handle legal situations, how to obtain credit and lease a place to live. Students will develop a better understanding of the legal system and the forms it takes today.

Global Business

Mr. Gardner
Examines cultural diversity, the global economy, and international business organizations. The students will develop the appreciation, knowledge, skills and abilities needed to work in a global marketplace.


Virtual Business

Mr. Gardner
The virtual business course affords students an opportunity to analyze the process of starting and growing a business over the web. Students incorporate a broad base of knowledge that includes the
legal, managerial, marketing, financial, ethical, and international dimensions of business to make appropriate business decisions. Students assess their skills, interests & strengths to determine their
suitability for working in the virtual world. Students demonstrate online and offline marketing techniques and learn how to establish a web presence. Students develop leadership, communication and project management skills.

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Education and Training

Instructional Practice in Education (Childcare)


Mrs. Begis
, Mrs. Puglia
A two-hour class designed to give students the opportunity to explore careers in teaching and areas of working directly with children. Students experience the guidance of children physically, socially, emotionally, and intellectually six hours per week in the classroom and four hours per week at field sites, including the Early Learning Center located on campus.

Practicum in Education (Childcare II)


Mrs. Begis

A two-hour class designed to provide students the opportunity to do an in-depth study of the physical, social, emotional and intellectual growth and development of children through four hours of classroom study per week and six hours field site experience per week, including the Early Learning Center located on campus. Instructional Practices in Education and Training- prerequisite

Child Development

Mrs. Evans
This course provides content for students to acquire knowledge and skills related to the development and care of the child from prenatal to six years old. It develops concepts related to the prenatal and postnatal care, the development of children, childcare guidance techniques, and crisis issues.

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Human Services

Lifetime Nutrition and Wellness


Mrs. Evans

This one semester course allows students to use principles of wellness and nutrition to help them make informed choices that promote overall wellness. It is recommended for students in grades 11-12, and is especially appropriate for students with an interest in human services, wellness/fitness, and food/nutrition related career pathways. Topics include: nutrition and wellness practices on long-term health and wellness; physical, social, and psychological aspects of healthy nutrition and wellness choices; planning for wellness and fitness; selection and preparation of nutritious meals and snacks based on USDA Dietary Guidelines. This class includes 3-5 cooking labs.

Dollars and Sense (Independent Living)


Mrs. Dowd

This is an independent living course that explores the foloowing areas: Management Skills, Money Management, Career Selection, Apartment Living, Clothing Selection and Care, and Establishing a Healthy Lifestyle.

Interpersonal Studies (Relationships)


Mrs. Dowd

This SENIOR relationship course is based on communication skills. The course topics include: The teenage years, basic needs, self-concept, friendships, dating, single living, marriage, and parenting.

Home Economics Career Preparation Co-op (HECP)


Mrs. Dowd

These students opbtain jobs at local businesses and receive training in areas including selling, customer service, child-care, restaurant and other service realated fields. Students are employed at least 15 hours per week. Classroom instruction includes, selling customer service, marketing, distribution, business math, promotion and advertising. .

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Finance

Accounting 1


Mr. Hinds

Introduces general accounting concepts, principles, and procedures; emphasizes the need for financial records; develops the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary for individuals to conduct personal business or to further an education in the field of accounting.

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Health Science and Technology

Principals of Health Science (Medical Science)

Mrs. Field
Designed to provide students the opportunity for comprehensive study of human anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, introduction to basic patient care skills, American Red Cross CPR/First Aid and CPR certification, as well as health career exploration.


Health Science (Clinical Rotation 1)


Mrs. Hellmann
, Mrs. McLaughlin
A two-hour program that provides the student with a unique opportunity to explore a variety of health careers and develop skills while training under the direct supervision of a licensed health professional.

Practicum in Health Science (Clinical Rotation 2)

Mrs. Hellmann, Mrs. McLaughlin
A two-hour intern program for seniors that provides the opportunity for in-depth study in a specialized field of the health care professions, and includes both classroom instruction and clinical internship in a hospital or other health care facility.

Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security

Law Enforcement I

Mr. Goins
Law Enforcement I is an overview of the history, organization, and functions of local, state, and federal law enforcement. This course includes the role of constitutional law, the United States legal system, criminal law, law enforcement terminology, and the classification and elements of crime.


Principals in Law

Mr. Goins
Introduction. Principles of Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security introduces students to professions in law enforcement, security, corrections, and fire and emergency management services. Students will examine the roles and responsibilities of police, courts, corrections, private security, and protective agencies of fire and emergency services. The course provides students with an overview of the skills necessary for careers in law enforcement, fire service, security, and corrections.

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Marketing

Sports and Entertainment Marketing


Miss Pendleton,
Mrs. Adams
This course focuses on the functions of marketing, their relationships, and the marketing process for goods, services, and ideas.

Entrepreneurship


Miss Pendleton, Mrs. Begis
This course focuses on the marketing and managerial functions which are critical to owning and operating a business.

Marketing Dynamics Practicum (Co-op)

Miss Pendleton
Combines classroom instruction in marketing principles such as communications, distribution and selling, and business policies with employment in a business environment.


Fashion Marketing

Mrs. Adams
Fashion marketing is the business side of the fashion industry. This course will introduce the marketing strategies used to develop, distribute, and showcase today’s fashion. By studying these factors, students will discover how consumer tastes and designer influences create fashion trends around the world.

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Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathmatics (STEM)

Engineering Design


Ms. Sutphen
Students enrolled in this course will demonstrate knowledge and skills of the process of design as it applies to engineering fields using multiple software applications and tools necessary to produce and present working drawings, solid model renderings, and prototypes. Students will use a variety of computer hardware and software applications to complete assignments and projects. Through implementation of the design process, students will transfer advanced academic skills to component designs. Additionally, students explore career opportunities in engineering, technology, and drafting and what is required to gain and maintain employment in these areas.
This course teaches the basics of AutoCAD, 3dsMax, and other AutoDesk programs.

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