Career and Technical Education

At Martin Luther King, Jr. Magnet High School, students have the opportunity to develop both career and college readiness skills through the variety of Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways offered.

CTE courses provide students with an opportunity to develop specific academic, technical, and 21st-century skills necessary to be successful in career and in life. Students have a choice of three different pathways offering a practical, hands-on approach to learning in fields that interest them, including:

Applied Computing in STEM
Engineering
Technology

Applied Computing in STEM

The Applied Computing in STEM Special Program of Study provides an opportunity for advanced coursework in a cross section of modern computer science disciplines for students interested in STEM. This Special Program of Study provides students access to the special course The Frontiers of Computing and is designed to teach students to think logically, problem solve, work in teams, and apply their knowledge to real world challenges. The Frontiers of Computing curriculum is an in-depth, project-based approach to help students understand how advanced computer science topics impact STEM areas like the health sciences, earth science, and engineering.

National Career Cluster Alignment

The Applied Computing in STEM Special Program of Study is a part of the STEM career cluster. The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Cluster involves planning, managing, and executing research, analysis, and technical services. This cluster includes laboratory testing, and research and development in the physical sciences, engineering, and math.

Pathway Courses

Level 1 Course: Principles of Engineering and Technology

Principles of Engineering and Technology is a foundational course in the STEM cluster for students interested in learning more about careers in engineering and technology. This course covers basic skills required for engineering and technology fields of study. Upon completion of this course, proficient students are able to identify and explain the steps in the engineering design process. They can evaluate an existing engineering design, use fundamental sketching and engineering drawing techniques, complete simple design projects using the engineering design process, and effectively communicate design solutions to others.

Aligned Industry Credential: OSHA 10 General Industry. The OSHA 10-Hour General Industry certification allows students to increase their value as entry-level workers by demonstrating mastery of the recognition, avoidance, abatement, and prevention of safety and health hazards in the general industry workplace. The program also provides information regarding workers' rights and employer responsibilities. OSHA training and certification ensures that workers are more knowledgeable about workplace hazards and their rights.

Level 2 Course: AP Computer Science Principles

AP Computer Science Principles introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and challenges them to explore how computing and technology impact the world. The course is rigorous and rich in computational content, includes computational and critical thinking skills, and engages students in the creative aspects of the field. Students will also gain a broad knowledge of Computer Science by being introduced to a variety of concepts such as programming, data analysis, algorithms, cryptology, basic networking and more. This is an Advanced Placement course and will require a greater time commitment than many other classes, a good mathematical background and strong problem solving skills. At the end of this course, students will take the AP Computer Science Principles exam, which has the potential to earn them college credit. With a unique focus on creative problem solving and real-world applications, AP Computer Science Principles prepares students for college and career.

Level 3 Course: Frontiers of Computing

The Frontiers of Computing (TFC) course challenges students who want to explore recent topics in computing that are especially relevant to careers in science, engineering and technology. The curriculum draws on knowledge students obtained in previous courses in this special program of study as it introduces modern computing concepts such as distributed computation, the internet of things, and machine learning. It also emphasizes how computing is applied in other STEM fields such as engineering, health, and earth sciences. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will demonstrate the use of algorithms to obtain, analyze and visualize data from online scientific databases and networked sensors, be able to utilize various internet-based tools and services from their programs as well as apply various advanced computing concepts like cybersecurity, machine learning and wireless communication in their projects. Course content is reinforced through project-based, hands-on activities that enable students to work both individually and collaboratively in small groups on advanced problems that are culturally relevant and engaging while following the engineering design process.

Level 4 Courses:

Robotics and Automated Systems
Robotics and Automated Systems is an applied course for students who wish to explore how robots and automated systems are used in industry. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will have an understanding of the historical and current uses of robots and automated systems; programmable circuits, interfacing both inputs and outputs; ethical standards for engineering and technology professions; and testing and maintenance of robots and automated systems.

Aligned Industry Credential: Autodesk Inventor Certified User. The Autodesk Certified User - Inventor certification measures users' knowledge and technical skills for the Inventor product, which provides a comprehensive set of design tools for producing, validating, and documenting complete digital prototypes.

AP Computer Science A
AP Computer Science is a comprehensive programming course using the computer language - JAVA. This course is an excellent foundation for students planning to study technical fields, engineering, physics and many other areas that require a computer science course in their curriculum. In addition, it is an excellent opportunity to develop sound problem solving and logical thinking skills. The emphasis of the course is to study object-oriented programming methodology, algorithm development, data structures, design and abstraction. Throughout the course, students will develop solutions to programming problems in a variety of application areas as well as work with a large case study program that will demonstrate the concepts of computer programming. The course curriculum and case study will be tested on the AP Computer Science Test.

Engineering

This pathway is designed for students interested in the exciting careers available in the high-demand fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This program of study is uniquely structured to offer students an overview of STEM fields, occupations, and applications, followed by more specialized study of the scientific inquiry or engineering design process.

National Career Cluster Alignment

The Engineering Pathway is a part of the STEM career cluster. The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Cluster involves planning, managing, and executing research, analysis, and technical services. This cluster includes laboratory testing, and research and development in the physical sciences, engineering, and math.

Pathway Courses

Level 1 Course: Principles of Engineering and Technology

Principles of Engineering and Technology is a foundational course in the STEM cluster for students interested in learning more about careers in engineering and technology. This course covers basic skills required for engineering and technology fields of study. Upon completion of this course, proficient students are able to identify and explain the steps in the engineering design process. They can evaluate an existing engineering design, use fundamental sketching and engineering drawing techniques, complete simple design projects using the engineering design process, and effectively communicate design solutions to others.

Aligned Industry Credential: OSHA 10 General Industry. The OSHA 10-Hour General Industry certification allows students to increase their value as entry-level workers by demonstrating mastery of the recognition, avoidance, abatement, and prevention of safety and health hazards in the general industry workplace. The program also provides information regarding workers' rights and employer responsibilities. OSHA training and certification ensures that workers are more knowledgeable about workplace hazards and their rights.

Level 2 Course: Engineering Design I

Engineering Design I is a fundamental course in the STEM cluster for students interested in developing their skills in preparation for careers in engineering and technology. The course covers essential knowledge, skills, and concepts required for postsecondary engineering and technology fields of study. Upon completion of this course, proficient students are able to describe various engineering disciplines, as well as admissions requirements for postsecondary engineering and engineering technology programs in Tennessee. They will also be able to identify simple and complex machines; calculate various ratios related to mechanisms; explain fundamental concepts related to energy; understand Ohm’s Law; follow the steps in the engineering design process to complete a team project; and effectively communicate design solutions to others.

Aligned Industry Credential: Autodesk Inventor Certified User. The Autodesk Certified User - Inventor certification measures users' knowledge and technical skills for the Inventor product, which provides a comprehensive set of design tools for producing, validating, and documenting complete digital prototypes.

Level 3 Course: Engineering Design II

Engineering Design II is an applied course in the STEM career cluster for students interested in further developing their skills as future engineers. This course covers knowledge, skills, and concepts required for postsecondary engineering and technology fields of study. Upon completion of this course, proficient students are able to explain the differences between scientists and engineers, understand the importance of ethical practices in engineering and technology, identify components of control systems, describe differences between laws related to fluid power systems, explain why material and mechanical properties are important to design, create simple free body diagrams, use measurement devices employed in engineering, conduct basic engineering economic analysis, follow the steps in the engineering design process to complete a team project, and effectively communicate design solutions to others.

Aligned Industry Credential: Autodesk Inventor Certified User. The Autodesk Certified User - Inventor certification measures users' knowledge and technical skills for the Inventor product, which provides a comprehensive set of design tools for producing, validating, and documenting complete digital prototypes.

Dual Credit and/or Dual Enrollment Opportunity in this Pathway

Credit Type: Industry Credential for Dual Credit
Institution: NSCC - Nashville State Community College
Industry Credential for Dual Credit- Credit by assessment. Students are enrolled in a high school course that is identified as a match with a post-secondary course. Students complete the aligned industry credential assessment at the end of the course to prove mastery of content. If the student passes the assessment and earns the aligned industry credential, the student can use the college credit at that institution or request a transcript to use at a different institution.

Affiliated Career and Technical Student Organization: TSA

The Technology Student Association (TSA) is a national organization devoted exclusively to the needs of students interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). TSA chapters take the study of STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) beyond the classroom and give students the chance to pursue academic challenges among friends with similar goals and interests.

Technology

National Career Cluster Alignment

The Technology Pathway is a part of the STEM career cluster. The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Cluster involves planning, managing, and executing research, analysis, and technical services. This cluster includes laboratory testing, and research and development in the physical sciences, engineering, and math.

Pathway Courses

Level 1 Course: Principles of Engineering and Technology

Principles of Engineering and Technology is a foundational course in the STEM cluster for students interested in learning more about careers in engineering and technology. This course covers basic skills required for engineering and technology fields of study. Upon completion of this course, proficient students are able to identify and explain the steps in the engineering design process. They can evaluate an existing engineering design, use fundamental sketching and engineering drawing techniques, complete simple design projects using the engineering design process, and effectively communicate design solutions to others.

Aligned Industry Credential: OSHA 10 General Industry. The OSHA 10-Hour General Industry certification allows students to increase their value as entry-level workers by demonstrating mastery of the recognition, avoidance, abatement, and prevention of safety and health hazards in the general industry workplace. The program also provides information regarding workers' rights and employer responsibilities. OSHA training and certification ensures that workers are more knowledgeable about workplace hazards and their rights.

Level 2 Course: Digital Electronics

Digital Electronics is intended to provide students with an introduction to the basic components of digital electronic systems and equip them with the ability to use these components to design more complex digital systems. Proficient students will be able to (1) describe basic functions of digital components (including gates, flip flops, counters, and other devices upon which larger systems are designed), (2) use these devices as building blocks to design larger, more complex circuits, (3) implement these circuits using programmable devices, and (4) effectively communicate designs and systems. Students develop additional skill in technical documentation when operating and troubleshooting circuits. Upon completion of the Digital Electronics course, proficient students will be able to design a complex digital system and communicate their designs through a variety of media.

Aligned Industry Credential: OSHA 10 General Industry. The OSHA 10-Hour General Industry certification allows students to increase their value as entry-level workers by demonstrating mastery of the recognition, avoidance, abatement, and prevention of safety and health hazards in the general industry workplace. The program also provides information regarding workers' rights and employer responsibilities. OSHA training and certification ensures that workers are more knowledgeable about workplace hazards and their rights.

Level 3 Course: Robotics and Automated Systems

Robotics and Automated Systems is an applied course for students who wish to explore how robots and automated systems are used in industry. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will have an understanding of the historical and current uses of robots and automated systems; programmable circuits, interfacing both inputs and outputs; ethical standards for engineering and technology professions; and testing and maintenance of robots and automated systems.

Aligned Industry Credential: Autodesk Inventor Certified User. The Autodesk Certified User - Inventor certification measures users' knowledge and technical skills for the Inventor product, which provides a comprehensive set of design tools for producing, validating, and documenting complete digital prototypes.

Additional Course(s) in this Pathway:

AP Computer Science Principles
AP Computer Science Principles introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and challenges them to explore how computing and technology impact the world. The course is rigorous and rich in computational content, includes computational and critical thinking skills, and engages students in the creative aspects of the field. Students will also gain a broad knowledge of Computer Science by being introduced to a variety of concepts such as programming, data analysis, algorithms, cryptology, basic networking and more. This is an Advanced Placement course and will require a greater time commitment than many other classes, a good mathematical background and strong problem solving skills. At the end of this course, students will take the AP Computer Science Principles exam, which has the potential to earn them college credit. With a unique focus on creative problem solving and real-world applications, AP Computer Science Principles prepares students for college and career.

AP Computer Science A
AP Computer Science is a comprehensive programming course using the computer language - JAVA. This course is an excellent foundation for students planning to study technical fields, engineering, physics and many other areas that require a computer science course in their curriculum. In addition, it is an excellent opportunity to develop sound problem solving and logical thinking skills. The emphasis of the course is to study object-oriented programming methodology, algorithm development, data structures, design and abstraction. Throughout the course, students will develop solutions to programming problems in a variety of application areas as well as work with a large case study program that will demonstrate the concepts of computer programming. The course curriculum and case study will be tested on the AP Computer Science Test.

Dual Credit and/or Dual Enrollment Opportunity in this Pathway

Credit Type: Dual Credit
Institution: NSCC - Nashville State Community College
Dual Credit- Credit by assessment. Students are enrolled in a high school course that is identified as a match with a post-secondary course. Students complete a college assessment at the end of the course to prove mastery of content. If the student passes the test, the student can use the college credit at that institution or request a transcript to use at a different institution.