In January, CATEC students focused on WRS #9 Customer Service Orientation and WRS #21 Reading and Writing.

CATEC offers academic courses that are both embedded in trade curricula and offered as stand-alone courses. Taking trade and academic courses at CATEC allows students more flexibility with their scheduling as well as learning class materials in authentic ways.

English 11 & English 12: Megan Panek

Students have begun unit 3 of the class, which is called “What do you stand for?” They are learning all about how to build a strong argument and will be writing their own arguments and sending them out into the world in February. English 11 students are also doing ongoing grammar lessons to prepare for the SOL Writing test that many of them will take at the beginning of March.

US Government and English 12: David Topper and Megan Panek

Students are starting unit 3, which is called “Looking back and looking forward.” They will begin by reading some short stories about the danger of clinging to traditions and the danger of being swayed by the crowd. They will then connect these themes to the legislative branch of government. They’ll look at how Congress operates, both effectively and sometimes ineffectively, and consider what changes could be made to this branch of government in the future. They’ll wrap up the unit by focusing on the issue of voting rights, since it’s been a hot topic and undergone lots of changes in recent years. Students will complete a final project called “Does my vote count?”

Economics and Personal Finance: David Topper

Geometry: John Baran

Students have switched from Carpentry I to Electricity I to start the second semester. They will begin a unit on Polygons & Quadrilaterals, which will culminate in building 3D straw structures.

AFDA: John Baran

The second semester begins students' focus on financial algebra. The first unit of the semester will looking at investing and exponential equations. The final project will be to create portfolio of stocks and bonds.

Classes that are proposed for the 23-24 school year, but pend approval, include:

HUMANITIES

US Government/English 12

This class is interdisciplinary, meaning it combines US Government and English 12. It is a stand-alone class, which means it is not embedded in a trade class. The study of the origin and role of government in US society is the focus of the class. English 12 communication, reading, writing, and research standards of learning are incorporated into each unit. The class is project-based, with an emphasis on helping students understand their rights and responsibilities as US citizens, how government systems impact their daily lives, and how the media influences politics and society as a whole. Students also learn how they can affect change through political engagement.

PVCC English 111/112 College Composition 1/2

This is a stand-alone class, meaning it is not embedded in a trade class. It is also a dual enrollment class, meaning students receive 6 credits through PVCC for the course. English 111 College Composition 1 introduces students to critical thinking and the fundamentals of academic writing. Through the writing process, students refine topics; develop and support ideas; investigate, evaluate, and incorporate appropriate resources; edit for effective style and usage; and determine appropriate approaches for a variety of contexts, audiences, and purposes. Writing activities will include exposition and argumentation with at least one research essay.

English 112 College Composition 2

This course continues to develop college writing with an increased emphasis on critical essays, argumentation, and research, developing these skills through the examination of a range of texts about the human experience. Requires students to locate, evaluate, integrate, and document sources and effectively edit for style and usage.

MATH

Algebra, Functions & Data Analysis (AFDA)

Students use algebraic functions and analyze data to solve practical problems relating to their trade class. The prerequisite is Algebra 1.

Algebra II

The Algebra 2 course focuses on graphing, interpreting and transforming functions, including linear functions, absolute value functions, quadratic functions, and polynomial functions. Students will solve quadratic equations, work with complex numbers, and factor polynomials. You’ll also focus on graphing, interpreting and transforming functions, including exponential functions, logarithmic functions, rational functions, and trigonometric functions. Students also evaluate sequences and series. Most importantly, they'll apply this new understanding to everyday situations related to your trade course through new problem-solving techniques.

Geometry

This class is embedded within the Carpentry I curriculum. This means students must complete year 1 of Carpentry to earn the Geometry credit. Students will use geometric concepts and formulas to solve practical problems relating to core construction trades concepts.

ADDITIONAL ACADEMIC OPTIONS

Personal Finance & Economics

This class is a stand-alone class, meaning it is not embedded in a trade class. Students will learn how to navigate the financial decisions they must face and to make informed decisions related to career exploration, budgeting, banking, credit, insurance, spending, taxes, saving, investing, buying/leasing a vehicle, living independently, and inheritance. Development of financial literacy skills and an understanding of economic principles will provide the basis for responsible citizenship and career success. In addition to developing personal finance skills, the students will have the opportunity to earn the Working in Support of Education (W!SE) Financial Literacy Credential.

Biology II: Anatomy & Physiology

This class is embedded within the EMT and Veterinary Science curriculums. EMT students learn the organization of the human body, including the purpose and features of all body systems. Veterinary Science students learn the organization of amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals, including the purpose and features of all body systems. Focusing on mammals, classes will conduct laboratory investigations to support their learning. There is no SOL exam required at the finish of this course. The prerequisite is Biology I.