Pathway Courses
Pathway courses focus on specific career pathway content and employment/postsecondary outcomes while providing the breadth of experience necessary to advance in that pathway and to move into other occupational areas within the cluster. Additionally each pathway aims to prepare students not only for employment in today’s market but to handle the future challenges they will face.
Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
Forest Resources and Land Management
2 Credits (6661) 2 Blocks/1 Semester
Prerequisite: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
Forest Resources and Land Management is recommended for students
planning to attend a two or four-year college and major in a natural
resource discipline. Students will spend a majority of time in the
field studying the economic, ecological, and intrinsic values of forest
resources including timber, water and soil, wildlife, and recreation.
Classroom studies will include writing, presentations, and planning for
fieldwork. Field projects include identification and data collection of
the flora, fauna, and soils, and investigation of the principles and
practices of land management to promote sustainability. Students will
explore career opportunities via presentations by and cooperating field
work with natural resource professionals.
Architecture and Construction
Construction Technology I
4 Credits (6633/6634)
2 Blocks/2 semesters
Prerequisite: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
Construction Technology II
4 Credits (6635/6636)
2 Blocks/2 semesters
Prerequisite: Construction Technology I; Juniors, Seniors
Construction Technology students build a structure each year, typically a commercial building for one of a variety of municipalities and non-profit organizations. The construction project is a practical lab in which students learn and practice a wide range of manual and conceptual skills, primarily carpentry related, but applicable to a number of the professional trades. Students participate in various phases of the construction project, including site layout, excavation supervision, concrete forming and placement, framing, roofing, interior and exterior trim and finish, and installation of plumbing, heating, electrical and mechanical systems. Special emphasis is placed on materials and cost estimation, blueprint reading, job scheduling, sub-trades coordination, and project management. These courses employ the Association of General Contractors (AGC) competency-based curriculum which was developed in order to achieve national standardization of skills training. Upon successful completion of sections of study, students receive an industry recognized certificate and transcript from the AGC. The AGC maintains a database of transcripts accessible by the industry, making the credit earned by students both verifiable and transportable.
Drafting
Variable Credits (6652)
1 Block/1 Semester
May be taken up to four times
Prerequisite: Sophomores by permission only, Juniors, Seniors
The Drafting sequence is the study of drafting principles that are extremely useful to many occupations. No prior knowledge or drawing ability is necessary. Students begin by creating scaled drawings and learning how to put thoughts onto paper in the internationally understandable drafting language. Students will learn spatial orientation of shapes and objects, drawing organization, projection, and other drafting skills using hand drafting techniques. Depending upon area of interest, students can then concentrate study in mechanical, architectural or civil engineering. Students will explore occupations in each field, what it is like to work in those fields, what kind of work is available in each area, and study applicable material related to the field. Included in these three areas are, architectural illustration, interior design, art, urban development, surveying, landscape design, aerodynamics, aviation, and many others. Study can be done using Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) or students may opt to further develop their hand drafting skills and learn how to “be loose” with presentation type drawings using wide felt tip markers and color pencils. Students with multiple block experience can create a portfolio of work for college application/submission.
Students learn skills used by architects and other professionals, including hand lettering techniques that can correct poor writing habits in days. An articulation agreement with Vermont Technical College allows us to teach a VTC course ARC-1021 as part of the curriculum. This is an Architectural CADD 1 class with two transferable college level credits. Focus throughout the Drafting sequence is placed on the skills needed to survive in the workplace such as motivation, organization, and a positive attitude. Drafting can be taken single or multiple blocks. Academy credit awarded is based on work completed per semester.
Electricity I
Variable Credits (6646/6647)
2 Blocks/1 or 2 semesters
Prerequisite: Intro to Electricity; Sophomores by permission only, Juniors, Seniors
Electricity II
Variable Credits (6648/6649)
2 Blocks/1 or 2 semesters
Prerequisite: Electricity I and IEE I Accreditation; Juniors, Seniors
Electricity I and II provides advanced units of study in A.C. and D.C. circuits, motor, motor controls, conduit bending, advanced blue print reading, and on the job training. Students participate in the State Apprenticeship program and earn credit toward their journeyman’s license. Credit for both courses is awarded on the number of units completed.
Business
Accounting I
1 Credit (6686)
1 Block/1 Semester
Prerequisite: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
Accounting I provides the necessary training for competency in keeping records for a variety of businesses. It is essential for any student planning to attend a business school, a two or four-year college, or to enter the work force. Units include career exploration; “accounting cycles” for sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations; employability skills; and taxes. Industry certification will be awarded upon successful completion through VTECS and Brainbench. Students successfully completing the Accounting sequence earn transferable college credit through the Vermont State College System (Vermont Technical College or The Community College of Vermont).
Accounting II
1 Credit (6687)
1 Block/1 Semester
Prerequisites: Accounting I; Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
Accounting II continues the work introduced in Accounting I by focusing on the corporate “accounting cycle” utilizing textbook work and simulation. Hands on “real life” work is continued and stressed. Industry certification will be awarded upon successful completion through VTECS and Brainbench. Students successfully completing the Accounting sequence earn transferable college credit through the Vermont State College System (Vermont Technical College or The Community College of Vermont).
Corporate Structure
1 Credit (6684)
1 Block/1 Semester
Prerequisite: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
Students become interns or “virtual” employees at Corporate View, the fictional name of a multi‑national corporation. Using the Internet and the Intranet to conduct business, students work in teams, make decisions, send e-mail and electronic memos, receive feedback, and more. Students also complete projects using Internet research including links to the New York Stock Exchange and the U.S. Census Bureau. Critical functions include: Corporate Communications, Finance and Accounting, Human Resource Management, Marketing, Sales and Customer Support, Legal Services, Information Technology, and Research and Development. Industry certification will be awarded upon successful completion through VTECS and Brainbench. Students successfully completing Corporate Structure earn transferable college credit through the Vermont State College System (Vermont Technical College or The Community College of Vermont).
Business Formation & Management
1 Credit (6688)
1 Block/1 Semester
Prerequisite: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
Business Formation & Management explores all phases of beginning a business, including developing a product or service, creating and implementing a marketing strategy, and writing a formal business plan. Students learn how businesses collect, organize, and use data in different decision-making processes. Industry certification will be awarded upon successful completion through VTECS and Brainbench. Students successfully completing Business Formation & Management earn transferable college credit through the Vermont State College System (Vermont Technical College or The Community College of Vermont).
Hospitality and Tourism
Culinary Arts I
4 Credits (6602/6603)
2 Blocks/2 Semesters
Prerequisite: Sophomores by permission only, Juniors, Seniors
This course provides a foundation in the methods and chemistry of cooking and baking. Instructors provide relevant learning experiences and expose students to the many facets of production through our licensed bakery, catering facility, and Culinary Café at The Hilltopper. One semester is spent at the Culinary Café studying basic prep, soups, and sauces. One semester is spent in the culinary bake shop and catering kitchen. Students are required to be trained in the American Culinary Federation approved ServSafe program.
Culinary Arts II
4 Credits (6604/6605)
2 Blocks/2 Semesters
Prerequisite: Culinary Arts I; Juniors, Seniors
Students build on their skills learned in Culinary Arts I by concentrating on the production of all food types, menu planning, food handling, front of the house skills which include serving and the use of a point of sale computer system, cost analysis, purchasing, food equipment, and sanitation. The class is held at the Culinary Café at The Hilltopper. Students are required to be trained in the American Culinary Federation approved ServSafe program. At the completion of the two-year curriculum, students will take the ACF written examination to be eligible to earn the organization’s “Certified Secondary Graduate” designation. St. Johnsbury Academy’s culinary program is one of 120 secondary and vocation programs throughout the United Stated accredited by the American Culinary Federation.
Human Services
Public Safety and Social Services I (Standard)
2 Credits (6700)
2 Blocks/1 Semester
Prerequisite: Juniors, Seniors
Public Safety and Social Services II (Standard)
2 Credits (6701)
2 Blocks/1 Semester
Prerequisite: Juniors, Seniors
Emphasizes skills needed to provide services to individuals and families in crisis. Subjects studied include crisis intervention, communication, social issues, conflict resolution, career and skills assessment, human development, criminal justice, geriatrics, health issues, emergency services, CPR, and First Aid. Internships are self-selected and include fire and rescue services, police department, department of corrections, social work, and health related fields. Students will work in a classroom two days each week and serve internships in the community three days each week.
Infants and Toddlers
(Standard or Accelerated*)
2 Credits (6801) 2 Blocks/1 Semester
Prerequisite: Juniors, Seniors
This course explores processes of human development from conception through 36 months of age. Emphasis is on the physical, emotional, social, and intellectual growth of infants and toddlers. Topics include developmental theories and research, assessment tools, inclusion, social issues affecting families and children, and design of curriculum for infants and toddlers. The course is recommended for students interested in child psychology, social work, health care, teaching or any career working with children and families. Each week, students meet four blocks in the classroom and spend six on internships. It is offered both semesters.
Early Childhood Development (Standard or Accelerated*)
2 Credits (6803) 2 Blocks/1 Semester
Prerequisite: Juniors, Seniors
This course is an overview of early childhood education examining historical, philosophical, and practical issues related to the education of children aged three to eight. Topics include early childhood learning, behavior, and motivation; curriculum models and materials; observation techniques; and instructional issues. Each week, students meet four blocks in the classroom and spend six on internships. It is offered both semesters.
In addition to the preceding two courses, two other courses are offered in Early Childhood Development: Fostering Creativity in Children (Standard or Accelerated*) and Communication in a Workplace with Children (Standard or Accelerated*). These will be offered 2010-2011.
*Students may be eligible for 3 to 12 transferable college credits through the Community College of Vermont. When students meet the criteria for college credit which includes college level assignments, their transcript will indicate the course as “Accelerated.”
Human Services Internship (Standard)
2 Credits (6704/6705)
2 Blocks/1 Semester
Prerequisite: 2 semesters of a Human Services course/may be repeated once for credit.
For students who want additional exposure, Human Service Internship is a course in which students are in class one day each week and serve internships four days each week. Students participate in internships including social work, health related fields, criminal justice, public advocacy, early childhood education, physical therapy, natural resources, and geriatrics.
Information Technology
A+ Computer Certification
1 Credit (6693)
1 Block/1 Semester
Prerequisite: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
This class provides personal computer maintenance and repair training toward A+ hardware and operating system certification using a curriculum designed by Hewlett Packard and delivered online by Cisco Certified Network Academy. Specific topics will address the system board and memory architecture, hard drive technology, introduction to network concepts, and DOS and Windows operating system usage. The recommended culminating event for this class is the industry recognized A+ Certification exam for hardware and operating systems. There is an exam fee associated with these tests.
Network+ Certification
1 Credit (6695)
1 Block/1 Semester
Prerequisite: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
Students will gain the knowledge and skills necessary for installation, configuration, and administrative tasks required in a network environment using a curriculum designed by Hewlett Packard and delivered online by Cisco Certified Network Academy. Specific topics will include network fundamentals, OSI modeling, major network operating systems, TCP/IP basics and utilities, network installation, and network administration. The recommended culminating event for this class is the industry recognized Network+ certification test. There is an exam fee associated with the course.
Transportation, Distribution and Logistics
Automotive Technology I
4 Credits (6612/6613)
2 Blocks/2 Semesters
Prerequisite: Sophomores by permission only, Juniors, Seniors
This course introduces basic principles of automobile systems and the relationships between the different systems. Students learn procedures to use when servicing foreign and domestic automobiles. Hands-on experience reinforces the need for quality workmanship. Students learn to find and repair typical problems affecting engine power and performance, the theory of operation, and the recommended preventative maintenance schedule for all automotive systems. The curriculum is based on the National Automotive Technician Education Foundation (NATEF) guide, which is also the Vermont State approved Auto Technology curriculum. The automotive industry is in need of new technicians with higher skill levels than the mechanics of the 20th century. The auto technicians of tomorrow must be skilled in computer systems and electronics as well as the mechanical operating systems.
Automotive Technology II
4 Credit (6614/6615)
2 Blocks/2 Semesters
Prerequisites: Automotive Technology I; Juniors, Seniors
Automotive Technology II builds on Auto Technology I and allows students to improve troubleshooting techniques through more extensive hands-on experience. Students perform computer scan and performance testing on a variety of automobiles. They also become familiar with power train components such as engines and transaxles through the use of training units.
Auto Collision Repair & Painting I
4 Credits (6622/6623)
2 Blocks/2 Semesters
Prerequisite: Sophomores by permission only, Juniors, Seniors
This class will teach the latest repair techniques for repairing and painting everything from cars, trucks, ATVs, snowmobiles, motorcycles, helmets and just about anything with paint on it. Students will learn to repair or replace bumpers, doors, fenders, hoods, lights, and any body part that can be damaged in some way due to accidents, weather or age. Students will learn to paint and install vehicle accessories like visors, ground effects, spoilers, and stereo systems; estimate damage costs using estimating software; locate and order parts via the web or telephone; inventory parts and materials and bill them to jobs. The course prepares students to spray a variety of primers and paint systems including basecoat/clearcoat systems. Some custom paint techniques like flames, stripes, and two-tone paints will also be included in the painting instruction. Other areas covered are Uni-body repair using 3D Laser measuring; wire feed welding; plasma arc cutting; plastic welding; and welded on panel replacement. The majority of the work will be done on real vehicles belonging to parents, students, teachers, staff, or the general public. This shop-based program will give the student a great head start toward further education in the transportation field or a career in the collision technology industry.
This course provides the opportunity to earn the Safety and Pollution Prevention credential, required by the EPA and OSHA for every employee working in automotive repair and maintenance.
Auto Collision Repair & Painting II
4 Credits (6624/6625)
2 Blocks/2 Semesters
Prerequisites: Autobody Collision & Repair I; Juniors, Seniors
Students will continue to improve and strengthen skills learned in the first year. Second year students will work both individually and as teams on larger and more difficult projects with more exposure to straightening uni-bodies and replacing semi-permanent panels which are either welded on or held on using epoxies. Emphasis in the second year will be on producing very high quality repairs and quality paint jobs. Job shadowing and co-op opportunities in local shops will be available to second year seniors who have demonstrated good professional skills. Students will be encouraged to pursue further education at a technical college, obtain ASE or ICAR credentials or seek an apprenticeship program in the industry
This course provides the opportunity to earn the Safety and Pollution Prevention credential, required by the EPA and OSHA for every employee working in automotive repair and maintenance.
Truck & Diesel I
4 Credits (6616/6617)
2 Blocks/2 Semesters
Prerequisite: Sophomores by permission only, Juniors, Seniors
Truck and Diesel covers two areas of the trucking industry. One component includes classroom and lab instruction relating to the federally mandated Commercial Driver’s License. The second component is mechanical and includes classroom and lab instruction in the following areas: engine, driveline, electrical systems, brakes, suspension systems, and preventative maintenance.
Truck & Diesel II
4 Credits (6618/6619)
2 Blocks/Semesters
Prerequisites: Truck and Diesel I; Juniors, Seniors
This course fine tunes the basic skills introduced in Truck & Diesel I. Students complete unit repair projects involving engines, transmissions, rear ends, and brakes. Live work on trucks and buses will be included as part of the instruction.
The Career Clusters icons are being used with permission of the:
States’ Career Clusters Initiative, 2007, www.careerclusters.org
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