Jackson's CTE Program

Business & Professional Services

Teacher Details

• Accounting I [Smith, Rose]
  Accounting I includes instruction in accounting principles and theory, financial accounting, budget control, tax accounting, legal aspects of accounting, auditing reporting procedures, statement creation and analysis, professional standards and ethics, and applications specific to profit, public, and non-profit organizations. Basic accounting concepts will be practiced.


• Accounting II [Smith, Rose]
  Accounting II prepares individuals on advanced levels to practice the profession of accounting and to perform related business functions. The class includes instruction in accounting principles and theory, financial accounting, cost accounting, budget control, tax accounting, legal aspects of accounting, auditing, reporting procedures, statement analysis, professional standards and ethics, and applications specific to profit, public, and non-profit organizations.


• Business Law [Mills, Daniel]
  Business Law addresses statutes and regulations affecting businesses, families, and individuals in their related roles. Knowledge of business law is useful for all students because all students eventually assume roles as citizens, workers, and consumers in their communities and in society.


• Economics [Smith, Rose]
  The purpose of this economics course is to provide students with a basic understanding of macroeconomics and microeconomics. Students explain economic systems, supply and demand, and the role of economic institutions, government and entrepreneurs in a market economy. Students explain global, national and local economic issues and learn personal finance skills to become wise consumers, savers, investors, users of credit, money managers, and to be participating members of a global workforce.


• Introduction to Law [Vincent, Joel]
  This semester long course is an introduction to law and justice in American society, tracing the roots of our legal rights, as well as how laws are interpreted in the U.S. courts and how laws are executed in the U.S. penal system. On a broader level, students wrestle with philosophical issues concerning the multiple influences on law and how laws shape society and individual lives. Students will also have the opportunity to learn the practical components of law, such as how to affect change in the legal process, file a legal action, and interact with police.


• Marketing I [Mills, Daniel]
  A hands-on DECA class that prepares students for business, marketing, and STEM-related jobs or to pursue a college degree, Marketing I explores interviewing and business communication skills, market planning, advertising, selling, leadership, and business fundamentals. Students enhance their classroom knowledge through an interactive business simulation. Students need to be members of DECA and be involved in leadership activities and opportunities to compete at local, state, and international events and career conferences.


• Marketing II, III, IV [Mills, Daniel]
  A project-based class incorporating advanced marketing concepts. All students will be members of DECA and be involved in events and conferences. The students will develop entrepreneurial skills through independent marketing projects such as writing a complete business plan for a small business, launching an advertising campaign, or managing a project related to a national DECA competitive event. The school-based enterprise (SBE) is an entrepreneurial operation in the school setting providing goods and services to meet the needs of the market. SBEs are managed and operated by students as hands-on learning laboratories integrating National Curriculum Standards in marketing, finance, hospitality, or management.

Communication & Information Technology

Teacher Details

• Exploring Computer Science [Thorleifson, Maggie]
  The course is designed to broaden the participation in computer science. Assignments and instruction are contextualized to be socially relevant and meaningful for diverse students. Ethical and social issues in computing, and careers in computing, are woven throughout the units. Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on how computing enables innovation in a variety of fields and the impacts those innovations have on society.


• AP Computer Science Principles [Thorleifson, Maggie]
  AP Computer Science Principles introduces students to the ideas of computer science with a focus on how computing can impact the world. Along with the fundamentals of computing, students analyze data, information or knowledge represented for computational use, create technology that has a practical impact and gain a broader understanding of how computer science impacts people and society. The course is designed around 7 big ideas: Creativity, Abstraction (problem-solving technique), Data and Information, Algorithms, Programming, Internet, and Global Impact.


• AP Computer Science A [Thorleifson, Maggie]
  AP Computer Science A is equivalent to a first-semester college-level computer science course and introduces students to fundamental topics that include problem solving, design strategies and methodologies, organization of data (data structures), approaches to processing data (algorithms), analysis of potential solutions, and the ethical and social implications of computing. The course emphasizes object-oriented and imperative problem solving and design using Java language. The AP Computer Science A course curriculum is compatible with many CS1 courses in colleges and universities.


• Digital Photography I [Trueit, Bill] [Gifford, Rose]
  Students start by learning the history of photography and how cameras work, and explore lighting, color and composition, in both technical and creative photographic processes. Students learn and practice several genres of photography including nature photography, action photography, and journalistic photography. Students learn to bring their pictures to life using Adobe Photoshop. Students explore career and business opportunities in commercial photography. Students prepare traditional, hard-copy and digital electronic portfolios.


• Digital Photography II [Trueit, Bill] [Gifford, Rose]
  For students interested in photography and Photoshop, Digital Photography II teaches how to operate digital SLR cameras, set up and use a three-point portrait studio lighting system, learn advanced processing techniques using Adobe Photoshop, and apply advanced design elements and principles. Students are strongly encouraged to enter multiple local, regional, and national photography competitions. Content for this class is based on OSPI CTE approved frameworks for commercial photography.


• Introduction to Graphic Design [Gifford, Rose]
  Introduction to Graphic Design covers the basic art concepts for studio work, layout and composition, aesthetics, and history. Students apply techniques, graphic arts vocabulary, tools and equipment, color theory, perspective, drawing, and painting. Graphic art styles and techniques with a strong emphasis on design are presented to the student and include computer assisted art and design using vector and raster graphics, concept sketching, illustrations, traditional art medias, digital imaging, communication skills, and commercial art business operations. Students will develop visual presentation skills and build personal portfolios.


• Graphic Design I [Gifford, Rose]
  Graphic Design I explores vector-based illustration methods for creating graphics, technical illustrations, and visual presentation of information and data. Students create logos, graphic designs, layouts, and basic graphic information using Adobe Illustrator. Students explore the creative process using digital imaging software, digital photography, image manipulation, and image generating techniques using Adobe Photoshop. Emphasis is placed on use of software tools and building a portfolio.


• Graphic Design II + III [Gifford, Rose]
  Instruction includes computer-assisted art and design using vector and raster optics, using traditional art media, digital imaging, communication skills, and commercial art business operations. Students begin work in 2-D and 3-D modeling and animation concepts. Numerous production techniques are used to create images for use in multimedia, print media, and web design. Students develop visual presentation skills, develop drawing skills, and build a personal portfolio.


• Publications [Johnson, Tami]
  In Publications, students are introduced to the publications and desktop publishing career using industry standard publishing software. Students receive hands-on experience publishing the school yearbook.


• Web Design [Thorleifson, Maggie]
  Web Design prepares students to apply HTML, XML, JavaScript, CSS, graphic applications, and other authoring tools to the design, editing, and publishing (launching) of documents, images, graphics, sound, and multimedia products.


• Technical Theatre [Marshall, Brian]
  Students explore the major vocational fields in technical theatre. Areas explored are set design, properties, sound, lighting, make-up and hair, costuming, publicity, and stage management. Students work on after-school productions.

Education / Energy & Sustainability

Teacher Details

• Introduction to Education [Trueit, Bill]
  This course is an introduction to the historical, sociological, political, and philosophical foundations of our American public education system. Students investigate the experience of being a teacher, observing teaching strategies and styles at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.


• AP Environmental Science [Krupin, Kathryn] [Klinich, Megan] [Leone, Melissa] [Nelson, Laura]
  The goal of the AP Environmental Science course is to provide you with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them.

Engineering & Manufactoring

Teacher Details

• Astronomy and Aerospace Engineering [Cox, Natasha]
  The goal of the AP Environmental Science course is to provide you with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them.


• Robotics Technology [Thorleifson, Maggie]
  Robotics is a project-based course in which students explore the design, programming, and fabrication of robotics equipment and technology. Students explore the industry applications of robots and understand the implications of robotics in society. The course consists of engineering, physics, electronics, mechanics, and computer programming principles. The design process is emphasized as the robots are tested and designs modified. Teamwork and collaboration are an essential component of the class.


• Engineer Your World [Poe, Greg]
  Engineer Your World is an innovative, student-centered high school curriculum teaching authentic engineering experience inspiring students to embrace an engineer’s habits of mind. Collaborative, student-directed projects build resilient problem-solving skills and empower students to think like engineers.


• Physics in the Universe [Birse, Travis] [Cox, Natascha] [Gorman, Diane] [Hall, Stacey] [Klinich, Megan] [Leone, Melissa]
  The Physics in the Universe course integrates physical science, earth and space sciences and engineering. In this laboratory science course, students engage in science and engineering practices such as defining problems, planning and carrying out investigations, engaging in argument from evidence and designing solutions to real-world problems which require the study of the connections between forces, motion, and energy as related to the formation of the universe and Earth’s structure and composition.

Health Sciences & Medical Careers

Teacher Details

• Family Health [Montzingo, Dan] [Sivertsen, Melissa] [Black, Brenda] [Andersen, Monica]
  Family Health is designed to prepare students for lifelong problem solving, critical thinking, and management skills related to health and wellness issues impacting families. The primary goal is to enable students to develop healthy lifestyles for themselves and others by focusing on healthy choices and living a productive, satisfying life.


• Independent Living [Siverstsen, Melissa]
  Independent Living is designed to prepare students for responsible decision making in a variety of areas (career, food, and financial management) that confront young adults as they leave high school. The primary focus of the class is the development of essential skills for living on one’s own, in a family, or with others.


• Nutrition I [Littler, Deb] [Andersen, Monica]
  Nutrition I is an introductory course which includes hands-on practice in food preparation techniques, kitchen safety, equipment use, nutrition, menu planning, leadership development, and careers in food related industries.


• Nutrition II [Anderson, Monica]
  This course includes hands-on advanced menu planning and food garnishing, and exploring ethnic foods, and preparing regional foods of the United States. The class covers cooking with herbs, food seasoning, sauce preparation, specialty desserts, as well as main dishes using pasta, cheese, dairy, and protein foods. Students continue to explore food related careers while working in a variety of individual and group lab activities.


• Sports Medicine I [Black, Brenda]
  Sports Medicine I is a hands-on class exploring athletic taping and wrapping, CPR, first aid, health occupations, and medical terminology. Students complete the course with usable skills to help family and friends and with an understanding of health career choices.


• Sports Medicine II + III [Black, Brenda]
  The course continues the study of musculoskeletal anatomy and physiology, injury prevention, injury evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation programs and completes the study of major joints.


• Biotechnology [Tanner, Carole] [Gallaher, Brandon]
  Designed to provide a broad overview of the science of Biotechnology, as well as develop the technical skills needed by local industry, this course covers laboratory investigations with an emphasis on techniques being used in bioscience labs to address current world issues. Topics may include DNA technology to make insulin, genetically modified foods, forensic investigations, and gene therapy to treat genetic diseases.


• Anatomy and Physiology [Acheson, Erin]
  Students are introduced to the relationship between structure and function within the body’s 11 basic organ systems, as well as disorders and diseases. The course incorporates an exploration of bioscience medical careers. The course includes laboratory activities, animal dissection, discussions, student presentations, individual and group research, and problem solving.


• AP Psychology [Acheson, Eric] [Shee, Bridget]
  The AP Psychology course introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. While considering the psychologists and studies that have shaped the field, students explore and apply psychological theories, key concepts, and phenomena associated with such topics as the biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, learning and cognition, motivation, developmental psychology, testing and individual differences, treatment of abnormal behavior, and social psychology. Students employ psychological research methods, including ethical considerations, as they use the scientific method, analyze bias, evaluate claims and evidence, and effectively communicate ideas.

CTE Internships / Worksite Learning

• Communication & Information Technology Internship
  Experience a career and apply academic skills in the communication and information technology workplace. Students complete a combination of worksite learning, research, reflection, and performance demonstration.


• Business & Professional Services Internship
  Experience a career and apply academic skills in the business and professional workplace. Students complete a combination of worksite learning, research, reflection, and performance demonstration.


• Educational Studies Internship
  Experience a career in education. Students complete a combination of worksite learning, research, reflection, and performance demonstration.


• Energy & Sustainability Internship
  Experience a career and apply academic skills in workplaces focused on energy and sustainability. Students complete a combination of worksite learning, research, reflection, and performance demonstration.


• Engineering Internship
  Experience a career and apply academic skills in the engineering and manufacturing workplace. Students complete a combination of worksite learning, research, reflection, and performance demonstration.


• Worksite Learning Experience
  The Worksite Learning Experience occurs outside of the school day where students combine work experience with a connecting CTE class. Once a week, students meet with the instructor to update forms, turn in pay stubs and meet their required student worksite learning plan. Credit is awarded for meeting required work hours and on evidence of improvement of employability skills. A worksite supervisor provides a performance evaluation before credit is granted.


• Medical Careers Internship
  Experience an internship in medical careers. Students complete a combination of worksite learning, research, reflection, and performance demonstration.


• Sports Medicine Internship (with Sports Medicine II + III)
  Internship hours may be completed at off-campus sites and/or under less supervision with proven competence. The Washington Vocational Sports Medicine Association State Competition is a major, class activity.


• Worksite Learning Volunteer
  The purpose of this class is to promote student participation in the community by volunteering. As an unpaid experience students are required to have an approved learning plan. Students complete the required forms with a reflective paper on their experience. A worksite supervisor provides a performance evaluation before credit is granted.