Career & Technical Education

Welcome to the Career & Technical Education (CTE) portion of the Wauconda High School website!

Here you'll find information about the courses Wauconda High School offers in  applied technology, business, and family & consumer science -- all courses with a Career & Technical Education focus. We also have information about the Lake County Tech Campus and its many resources. Please see the sections below for detailed course descriptions, required prerequisites, and suggested course sequences.

Notice of Non-Discrimination

CTE Department Members

Alexandra Luetschwager

(Dept. Leader CTE) aluetschwager@d118.org


Katie Farnsworth 

Cheryl Barch

Ryan Geary

Susan Reilly-Dose

Applied Technology

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Engineering Track

PLTW gives students the opportunity to develop skills and understanding of course concepts through activity-, project-, and problem-based (APPB) learning. Used in combination with a teaming approach, APPB-learning challenges students to continually hone their interpersonal skills, creative abilities, and problem solving skills based upon engineering concepts. It also allows students to develop strategies to enable and direct their own learning, which is the ultimate goal of education.


Introduction to Engineering Design (IED)

Introduction to Engineering Design is one of three foundation courses in the Project Lead The Way high school pre-engineering program. Introduction to Engineering Design (IED) is a course that is appropriate for students who are interested in design and engineering. The major focus of the IED course is to expose students to design process, research and analysis, teamwork, communication methods, global and human impacts, engineering standards, and technical documentation.  In addition, students use the most current issued 3D solid modeling design software to help them design solutions to solve proposed problems. The topics covered in this course are: Design Process, Technical Sketching and Drawing, Measurement and Statistics, Modeling Skills, Geometry of Design, Reverse Engineering, Documentation, Advanced Computer Modeling, and Design Challenges.


Textbook: Online textbook through PLTW  

Grade Level:   9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Algebra 1 and Geometry


Principles Of Engineering (POE) 

Principles Of Engineering is the second of three foundation courses in the Project Lead The Way high school engineering program. Principles Of Engineering (POE) is a high school-level survey course of engineering. The course exposes students to some of the major concepts that they will encounter in a post secondary engineering course of study. Students have an opportunity to investigate engineering and high-tech careers. Students will employ engineering and scientific concepts in the solution of engineering design problems. Students will develop problem-solving skills and apply their knowledge of research and design to create solutions to various challenges. Students will also learn how to document their work and communicate their solutions to their peers and members of the professional community.  The topics covered in this course are: Energy and Power, Mechanisms, Energy Sources, Energy Applications, Materials and Structures, Statics, Material Properties, Material Testing, Control Systems, Machine Control, Fluid Power, Statistics and Kinematics. 


Textbook: Online textbook through PLTW  

Grade Level:   10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Physics, Geometry and Algebra 


Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM)

Computer Integrated Manufacturing is appropriate for students interested in manufacturing and automation. Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) is the study of manufacturing planning, integration, and implementation of automation. The course explores manufacturing history, individual processes, systems, and careers. In addition to technical concepts, the course incorporates finance, ethics, and engineering design. This reflects an integrated approach that leading manufacturers have adopted to improve safety, quality, and efficiency. The topics covered in this course are: History of Manufacturing, Control Systems, Cost of Manufacturing, Designing for Manufacturability, How we make things, Product Development, Introduction to Automation, Elements of Power, Robotic Programming and Usage, Integration of Manufacturing Elements, and Manufacturing Application.


Textbook: Online textbook through PLTW  

Grade Level:   10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Introduction to Engineering Design (IED), Algebra 1, and Geometry

Potential Scope & Sequence


Grade 9                  

Introduction to Business

Information Processing I

Information Processing IIA 

 

Grade 10

Introduction to Business

Information Processing I

Information Processing IIA

Information Processing IIB

Sports Marketing and Entertainment           

 

Grade 11

Accounting I, II

Information Processing I

Information Processing IIA 

Information Processing IIB

Learning Leadership Skills

Sports Marketing and Entertainment

Career Readiness 


Grade 12

Accounting I, II

Applied Economics

Information Processing I

Information Processing IIA

Information Processing IIB

Learning Leadership Skills

Sports Marketing and Entertainment

Career Readiness

Internship

Course Descriptions &  Required Prerequisites

517S - Learning Leadership Skills

This course will emphasize skills such as goal setting, communication, and organization, along with the other skills it takes to be a good leader both in your school and community.  The structure of this class will consist of group activities, individual projects/goals, and the learning and practicing of leadership qualities/skills both as a group and as individuals.  As such, the focus of this class will be to give you the tools you need to become great leaders.


Textbook: Introduction to Leadership: Concepts and Practice

Grades:  11 & 12

Prerequisite:  None

​ 

504S - Applied Economics

Economics deals with the way in which individuals, households, firms, industries, and governments decide to employ their given talents and material resources to best meet their many desires.  Students will discover that there is more than one way to organize economic activity, and whether participating as an entrepreneur, an employee, a consumer, or a citizen, that their fuller understanding of economics should enable them to comprehend, evaluate, and participate more successfully in the operation of the U.S. economy.  This course meets the state consumer education requirement for graduation.


Textbook:   Everfi; Knowledge Matters; Practical Money Skills; July 2016

Grade Level:  12       

Prerequisite:  None

 

510S - Introduction to Business

This semester course introduces students to the business world in which they live.  The purpose of Business Concepts is to explain the role of business in our economic system.  The content is organized by the students' three roles:  as workers in business, as consumers in society, and as citizens in the economy.  Business career opportunities are explored throughout the year.  This course will form a base for advancing in the business education curriculum.


Textbook:  Introduction to Business: The Economy and You

Grade Level:  9, 10

Prerequisite:  None

 

523S - Accounting I

Note:  Students completing both Accounting I and II with a semester grade of "B" or higher may receive credit for Accounting 112 at the College of Lake County.


This semester course is designed to develop an understanding of the basic accounting principles and procedures.  The proprietorship of ownership is studied.  The course begins with the records necessary for a service business.  It provides vocational preparation that will contribute to success in the initial entry-level job and provides the necessary foundation on which to continue studying business and accounting.


Textbook:  Glencoe Accounting, Real World Applications & Connections

Grade Level:  11, 12

Prerequisite:  None

 

524S - Accounting II

Note:  Students completing both Accounting I and II with a semester grade of "B" or higher may receive credit for Accounting 112 at the College of Lake County.


This semester course continues the study of accounting principles and procedures.  It provides further opportunities in partnership accounting, corporate accounting for merchandising businesses and accounting control systems.  This course provides vocational preparation for careers in related business fields for which mastering of some accounting knowledge applications is also needed.  It provides a foundation on which to continue studying business or accounting at the collegiate level.


Textbook:  Glencoe Accounting, Real World Applications & Connections

Grade Level:  11, 12

Prerequisite: Accounting I and Departmental Approval


530S – Sports Entertainment and Marketing

This introductory elective course for juniors and seniors to Marketing exposes students to the world of sports and entertainment.  It will help students develop a comprehensive understanding of marketing concepts and theories that apply to sports related events and entertainment.  Marketing in a vast and interesting topic for all students as it covers a wide range of career options.  The areas this course will cover will be basic marketing and target marketing as well as sponsorship proposals and planning.  This course also provides a sense of multiple future career options for the WHS student.


Textbook:  Marketing Series: Sports and Entertainment Marketing, Glencoe 2006

Grade Level:  10, 11, 12

 

532S – Information Processing I

Note:  Students completing this course may receive credit for Computer Keyboarding I at the College of Lake County (AMT 170 Computer Keyboarding 2 credits). 


Information Processing 1 is a semester course.  This course combines touch-typing and basic word processing.  Beginners learn and develop their touch-typing skills while those students with some previous experience increase their skills to a higher level. The student will learn how to create their own letters, memos, tables, correct MLA research formatting, and other documents important for school, career or personal use.  College report formatting procedures are also covered.  Internet activities are an integral part of the course. 


Textbook:  Century 21 Computer Applications and Keyboarding      

Grade Level:  9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite:  None


533S – Information Processing II A  

Note:  Students completing this course may receive credit for Computer Keyboarding II at the College of Lake County (AMT 171 Computer Keyboarding II  2 credits)


This semester course reinforces keyboarding skills on a personal computer, Memos, reports, letters, and tables are some of the ways that these skills are applied, using the features of word processing software.  A series of communication skills activities also assist students do error-free work.  This course is for the student who wants more than beginning computer word processing skills. (College Credit Course.).  


Textbook:  Century 21 Computer Applications and Keyboarding

Grade Level:  9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite:  Information Processing I / Keyboarding I


554S - Information Processing II B

Note: Students completing this course may receive college credit at the College of Lake County ( AMT 112 Computer Basics Software Application 3 credits)


This course provides a comprehensive study of the use of computers and technologies. Class topics include computer hardware, software, operating systems, and electronic communications such as email, the Internet, and networks. Students will have an opportunity to analyze computer-purchasing strategies, as well as acquire knowledge on data security and storage. Hands-on software experience will be provided using MS Suite and Google Suite.


Grade Level: 10, 11, 12  

Prerequisite:  Computer

 

 641 - Career Readiness Dual Credit

This course is designed to help students develop specific job related skills as well as general personal skills.  Students’ work (job) selection will be based on ability, aptitude and interest.  Classroom study will include learning styles, how to find a job, interview techniques, personal inventory, and exploring careers relating to one’s interest and ability.  In addition, contemporary workplace issues such as employer/employee rights, handling criticism, stress on the job, sexual harassment and other current topics will be covered.  Throughout the course there will be emphasis on problem solving, decision making, interpersonal communications and workplace issues that will be a part of each student’s work setting.


Grade Level:  11, 12

Requirements:  Students must be 16 years of age; students must provide transportation to and from work, and student’s employment must meet the criteria established for the program. Credit: .5 for Internship classroom phase per semester .5 for work experience phase if minimum hours (240 hours per semester) are worked per semester, employed 16 of the 18 weeks per semester, and adhere to the Cooperative Education Student Agreement.


642 - Internship

This course is designed to help students develop specific job related skills as well as general personal skills.  Students’ work (job) selection will be based on ability, aptitude and interest.  Classroom study will include learning styles, how to find a job, interview techniques, personal inventory, and exploring careers relating to one’s interest and ability.  In addition, contemporary workplace issues such as employer/employee rights, handling criticism, stress on the job, sexual harassment and other current topics will be covered.  Throughout the course there will be emphasis on problem solving, decision making, interpersonal communications and workplace issues that will be a part of each student’s work setting.


Grade Level:   12

Requirements:  Student must be 16 years of age; students must provide transportation to and from work, and student’s employment must meet the criteria established for the program. Credit: .5 for Internship classroom phase per semester .5 for work experience phase if minimum hours (240 hours per semester) are worked per semester, employed 16 of the 18 weeks per semester, and adhere to the Cooperative Education Student Agreement.

Potential Scope & Sequence


Grade 9
Housing and Interior Design

 

Grade 10
Culinary I & II

Child Development

Housing and Interior Design

 

Grades 11 & 12
Culinary I & II

Modern Cuisine

Child Development

Interior Design

Adult Living

Introduction to Education

 

All courses listed above are one-semester courses.

 

RECOMMENDED COURSES FOR PARTICULAR VOCATIONAL PROGRAMS


Occupation of Homemaking Program


Culinary Arts Program

 

Child Care Program


FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCE

Family & Consumer Science is the study of the relationship between human beings and their environment, the science of designing, manufacturing and improving the products and services that affect our daily lives. 

 

There is an increase in the number of individuals who are assuming a dual role:  The role of homemaking, family rearing and the role of wage earning.  Many of them need preparation for both roles since the proficiency with which one can do both will help determine the quality of one's home, family life and one's effectiveness as a wage earner. Emphasis is placed on knowledge and skills related to personal growth, human relationships and management of surroundings that will enable young men and women to be satisfied and effective family members today and in the future.

 

Family & Consumer Science careers encompass the globe in business, international programs, teaching, extension service, research, social service agencies and government.


Course Descriptions & Required Prerequisites

 

745 - Introduction to Education- Dual Credit

This course provides the prospective teacher with a historical and philosophical overview of American public education.  Other topics included are school organization, ethical and legal issues, the nature of teaching, curriculum, the social context, diversity, professional leadership, and current issues. This course will be a combination of discussion, lecture, projects, and hands-on experiences. The students will experience hands-on learning while working with students in Kindergarten through 7th grade at the local elementary and middle schools. This one-semester course is designed to mimic the College of Lake County’s EDU 121 course.  A passing grade will result in 3 semester hours of credit approved by CLC, which is then transferable to any public university in Illinois along with many other colleges throughout the country. 


Textbooks:   Teachers, Schools, and Society, Sadker, Zittleman, Koch, 2022.

Grade Levels: 11, 12

Prerequisites set by CLC: 3.0 GPA AND top third of graduating class or 470 or high on SAT reading


710S – Adult Living

This one semester course helps students understand their development as an individual, family member and as part of society.  Students will evaluate the alternatives they face in order to make wise decisions.  All aspects of life are explored: personality development, health, communication, relationships with family and friends, mate selection, marriage, parenting, managing family living, handling crises, divorce, ageing and death.  Practical information is given in order to help students deal with real-life situations.  Other topics students will find relevant include identifying values and goals, deciding on career, getting and keeping a job, lifestyle options and consequences, group behaviors involving violence and characteristics of strong families.  Balancing family and work will also be explored.


Textbook:  Contemporary Living, Ryder/Harter, 2004

Grade Levels:  11, 12

Prerequisite:    None

 

711S – Culinary  I

This semester course introduces the student to the fundamental areas of food management, nutrition, consumer skills and food preparation. The basic concepts presented will be on selecting, storing, preparing and serving foods while preserving their nutrients, flavors, textures and colors.


Textbook:    Guide to Good Food, Largen/Bence, 2015.

Grade Level:   10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: None


712S – Culinary II

This sequential semester course broadens the students' understanding of the importance food has on their lives.  The concepts studied will include food preparation, special diets, cultural heritage as well as career opportunities in food and nutrition.


Textbook:  Food for Today, Helen Kowtalik, 2004.

Grade Level:   10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: “C” or above in 711S - Culinary I, or consent of teacher

 

713 - Modern Cuisine

Modern Cuisine enables students to realize the components and lifelong benefits of sound nutrition and wellness practices and empowers them to apply these principles in their everyday lives.  Students will advance their food preparation techniques and nutritional knowledge through various laboratory experiences, impact of daily nutrition and wellness practices on long-term health, current nutritional issues, preparation of nutritious meals and snacks based on USDA Dietary Guidelines; physical, social, and psychological aspects of healthy nutrition and wellness choices, and nutrition and wellness career paths.


Textbooks:     Guide to Good Food, Largen/Bence, 2004; 

                     Food for Today, Helen Kowtalik, 2015

Grade Level:    10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: “C” or above in Culinary  I, or consent of teacher.


743S - Child Development

This semester course is designed to examine children's physical, intellectual, social and emotional development.  Students will obtain practical information about how to manage the routines of childcare that permit a person to nurture and enjoy children, as well as effectively deal with their needs as an individual. Units covered include children and childhood, skills for effective parenting, responsibilities of parenthood, teenage pregnancy, prenatal development, birth, infancy, the child from one to six years of age, the special needs child, health and safety of children, and careers relating to children.


Textbook:   The Developing Child, Brisbane, 2016.

Grade Levels:  10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: None

 

753S - Housing and Interior Design

This area of study is designed to help students recognize housing choices that will await them after graduation.  The students will gain information and understanding that will assist them in arriving at intelligent decisions regarding the selection of a place to live.  The area of interior design will provide students an opportunity to develop aesthetic skills through a knowledge and application of the art elements and principles of design.  This area also offers opportunity to understand good design; to encourage creativity; and to make critical judgments regarding the household articles and furnishings.  Major class assignments include drawings, floor plans, creating room accessories, exploring new trends in housing, designing rooms, apartments and houses.


Textbooks:   Homes Today & Tomorrow, Ruth Sherwood, 1990.

Grade Levels:  9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: None