Whitney Stretcher, Pre-Tech Foundations Instructor

Course Description

Throughout the school year, students in the Pre-Tech program will explore each of the career pathways offered at RTCC. These include Automotive Technology, Construction Trades, Culinary Arts, Diesel Technology, Digital Media, Diversified Agriculture, Electrical Technology, and Fabrication, Welding & Design. Each unit will include lessons, hands-on activities, projects, opportunities for collaboration, field trips, guest speakers, and more. Through these experiences, students will develop technical, professional, and interpersonal skills that will support their success as they continue into their chosen RTCC program and prepare for future careers as they enter the workforce, pursue additional training, or continue their education after high school.

Program Structure

●        Students will rotate through short, focused units in each CTE program area.

●        Technical & Trade Exploration: Students will investigate the skills, tools, technologies, education, and careers associated with Agriculture, Culinary Arts, Manufacturing & Fabrication, Construction, Electrical, Digital Media, Diesel, Automotive, and Environmental Science.

●        Design & Project Based Learning: Students will plan, design, build, test, revise, and present projects.

●        Guest speakers and field trips connect classroom learning to real careers and the local industry.

●        Math, ELA, and science integration is embedded throughout (e.g., budgeting, research and writing, and applied science).

●        College & Career Exploration: Students will explore jobs vs. careers, career assessments, career interviews, resumes, cover letters, references, applications, interviewing, and workplace professionalism. This will be embedded into each unit, as well as being taught in our ICC course through CCV.

Units at a Glance

Program / Focus	Potential Topics
Culinary Arts	Farm-to-table, organic vs. non-organic, food safety, careers
Fabrication, Welding, & Design	Metal properties and types, the design process, manufacturing vs. fabrication, VT made products, careers
Winter Market Preparation	Product design & production for the school's Winter Market, marketing, cost/profit analysis
Construction Trades	Home project budgeting, VT Housing Demand, permits, land value, zoning, residential vs. commercial construction, careers
Electrical Technology	Discovery & science of electricity, environmental cost of production, renewable energy science (solar/wind/hydro), careers
Digital Media	History of advertising & marketing, broadcast & print media through history, analyzing information, research, careers
Diesel Technology	Science of diesel engines, past, present & future uses, careers
Automotive Technology	History of the automobile; hybrid vs. electric vehicle science; U.S. EV infrastructure, careers
Diversified Agriculture	Green Up Day, VT agricultural production, livestock production, small animal management, equine science, careers
Tech Projects	An in depth look at student’s Tech Projects. More information to come.

 

Grading Policy

Category	Weight
Projects, Tests, & Major Assignments	45%
Daily Assignments & Activities	30%
Professionalism	20%
Daily Agenda Notebook	5%

 

● Student learning will be assessed through a variety of methods, including:

          ○ Hands-on projects using project rubrics

          ○ Written assignments, research projects, and presentations

          ○ Quizzes, tests, and safety assessments

          ○ Class participation and teamwork

          ○ Self assessments and reflection activities

          ○ Career exploration, ICC, and professional skills activities

● Rubrics for each major project will be shared before the project begins.

● Assignments and projects that are not completed on time will result in a docked Professionalism grade

          ○ If you are absent, please check in with me either via email, or once you return to class, to receive any work that you may have missed.

          ○ Unless a discussion is had ahead of time, I will not accept any work one week after the initial due date.

● Grades are updated regularly.

● Everything that we do in class is for a grade.

● Students and families can check current grades through PowerSchool.

Materials & Safety

Materials

●        Classroom materials will be provided to students, but it will be the student’s responsibility to take care of them and have them in class each day.

●        Proper PPE will be provided (other than clothing and shoes), and it will be up to the student to keep up with their PPE items.

●        Long pants and closed toe shoes required for all shop, kitchen, and field-based rotations.

●        Additional program specific information and safety gear will be provided or specified at the start of each rotation.

Safety

●        Safety is a requirement, not an option, in the Pre-Tech course.

●        Students must follow RTCC safety rules and instructor directions; use tools, equipment, and materials only as instructed; wear required personal protective equipment; maintain a clean workspace; report unsafe conditions immediately; and demonstrate appropriate behavior during hands-on activities, field trips, and guest presentations.

●        Program safety is covered in depth during the opening unit and revisited at the start of every rotation. Students must pass a safety assessment before participating in hands-on shop, kitchen, or lab activities. Safety expectations follow the RTCC Student Handbook and each program's specific safety expectations and procedures.

Classroom & Program Policies

●        Attendance: Adheres to RTCC’s Attendance Policy

●        Academic Integrity: Adheres to RTCC’s academic integrity expectations

●        Cell Phones: Adheres to RTCC’s cell phone policy and Vermont State Law. Phones and any other smart devices will be placed in the designated spot in the classroom and locked up until the student leaves for the day.

●        Behavior: All students are expected to follow RTCC rules and treat peers, instructors, staff, and guest speakers with respect and professionalism.

 

Classroom Expectations

 

Expectations	What That Looks Like
Be Safe	Make choices that protect yourself and others.
Be Responsible	Come prepared, participate, and take ownership of your work.
Be Respectful	Treat classmates, instructors, guests, equipment, and facilities with respect.
Be Engaged	Ask questions, try new things, and be willing to learn, even when something is unfamiliar or difficult.
Be a Team Player	Communicate, listen, compromise, and contribute. Technical work often depends on collaboration.
Be Willing to Learn	You are not expected to know everything. You are expected to be willing to learn.

 

The Randolph Technical Career Center does not discriminate on the basis
of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender
identity, marital status, or age in its programs or activities. The following
person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: 

Nika Oakes, RTCC Director
 17 Forest Street, Randolph, VT 05060, (802) 728-9595