Academies

Academy of Finance, Academy of Hospitality and Tourism, Cisco Networking Academy, Telecommunications Academy, and Teacher Prep

Academy of Finance (National Academy Foundation)

Academy of Finance (AOF)is an integrated course of study focusing on careers in the finance industry. AOF is available at Business and Management Center.

AOF Accounting I, II
- Grades 10-12, 1 credit each year
A two-year course sequence in accounting principles, concepts, and procedures that emphasizes the need for financial records. Using accounting information as a tool includes the theory and practice of measuring and interpreting financial data for business.

AOF Financial Planning
- Grades 10-12, 1/2 credit
A one-semester course introduces the students to the financial planning process and the components of a comprehensive financial plan. Students learn how to prepare a financial plan that includes saving, investing, borrowing, risk management (insurance) and retirement and estate planning.

AOF Introduction to Finance Careers
- Grades 10- 12, 1/2 credit
A one-semester course which helps to orient students to the world of work and school. Students are introduced to the various sectors of the financial services industry. It addresses the needs of students to develop good work and study habits, helps students to prepare portfolios, learn about school resources, develop career plans, and start preparing for college and develop solid interpersonal skills.

AOF Business Computer Information Systems
- Grades 10- 12, 1 credit
A one-year course provides technology skills required in the business environment focusing on word processing, spreadsheets, databases, telecommunications, desktop publishing, presentation management, networking, operating systems, and emerging technologies. It is approved for technology graduation credit.

AOF Economics - World of Finance
- Grade 12, 1 credit
A one-semester course in macro and micro-economics that provides an understanding of how our market economy functions in a global setting and a survey of economics concepts. A unit on capital markets acquaints the students with the role that various markets and securities play in our overall economic framework.

AOF Banking and Credit
- Grades 10- 12; 1/2 credit
A one-semester course presenting a survey of the principles and practices of banking credit in the United States including the economics theories and financial forces that include international business.

AOF Securities Operations
- Grades 10- 12; 1/2 credit
A one-semester course focusing on the role of the operations department in a modern securities organization. Students gain an understanding of how a securities firm services its customers and plays an important role in our economy. Students are given the opportunity to relate their knowledge of economics, accounting, and data processing to the operations areas of various sectors of the securities industry.

AOF International Finance
- Grades 10- 1; 1/2 credit
A one-semester course exploring major components of the international financial system including international business concepts of global market and economy and international trade. Included are the study of foreign trade, international monetary systems, foreign exchange rates and markets, international financial markets, international banking, and the multinational corporation.

AOF Internship
A six- to eight-week paid summer internship between the junior and senior year in a financial services industry-related company. Students may be assigned to one department or rotate through several areas of the company. An Academy supervisor plus an on-site company supervisor will be assigned to the interns. Students have learned the fundamentals of the financial services industry through their coursework and additional learning will take place on-site during their internship.

Academy of Hospitality and Tourism
(National Academy Foundation)

This academy provides an integrated approach to study of careers in the tourism industry, the second largest industry in Dallas. Academy of Hospitality and Tourism is offered at Bryan Adams High School, Thomas Jefferson High School, Justin F. Kimball High School, James Madison High School, Skyline High School, and Woodrow Wilson High School.

Introduction to Hospitality and Tourism
- Grade 10, 1 credit
This new course will replace AOHT Strategies for Success and AOHT Marketing Yourself as the introductory courses for AOHT students.

Travel and Tourism I
– Grade 11; 1 credit
This course provides an introduction to the travel and tourism industry. Students are given an overview of the various components of the industry, its history, and an introduction to the various travel/tourism careers.

Travel and Tourism II
– Grade 12; 1 credit
Prerequisite: Travel and Tourism I
This course provides the student the opportunity to study and specialize in the recreation and tourism marketing industry. The areas of specialization include hotels and lodging, travel services, transportation, cruise lines, and recreation for the traveler.

Travel and Tourism Marketing
– Grade 12; 1/2 credit
Prerequisite: Travel and Tourism I
This specialized enrichment course is designed for students who have a career interest in the travel and tourism industry and are also enrolled in either Travel and Tourism II, or Travel and Tourism Career Preparation I. This course is offered by Richland College, and eligible students may receive dual high school credit and college credit.

Telecommunication and Networking for Travel and Tourism
Computer Systems
– Grade 11; 1 credit
Prerequisite: Keyboarding preferred
The Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) of Telecommunications and Networking are taught with emphasis on the basics of airline, hotel and car rental agencies’ use of computer-based data to facilitate business and leisure travel.

English III for Tourism
– Grade III; 1 credit
Prerequisite: English II
This course is an American literature course (selected works are travel related) combined with oral and written communication. The Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for English III are taught with emphasis on the travel and tourism industry. Students complete a major research project on a travel and tourism topic.

Travel and Tourism Destination Geography/World Geography
– Grades 9-11; 1 credit
The Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) World Geography are taught with an emphasis on geographic perspectives, tools, and techniques, and their relevance to travel and tourism.

Economics for Tourism
– Grade 12; 1/2 credit
Prerequisite: U.S. Govt. preferred
The Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for Economics are taught with emphasis on the travel and tourism industry. Students learn how economies, culture, and political issues all impact upon economics as related to travel/tourism.

Travel and Tourism Career Preparation I
– Grade 12; 3 credits
Prerequisite: Age 16+, Travel and Tourism I
This program provides job training in travel and tourism industry. Class work includes development of skills needed to be successful in such jobs. Training stations are focused on tourism and vary according to student interest, ability, and employment opportunities available. This course provides a waiver from the P. E. requirement on a semester by semester basis.

Travel and Tourism Sociology
– Grades 11-12; 1/2 - 1 credit
Prerequisite: World Geography
The Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for Sociology are taught emphasizing a systemic study of individuals, groups, and their basic institutions. Topics include history and systems of sociology, cultural and social norms, social institutions, and mass communication. Applications include matching industry products to client needs and exploring major tourism destinations, including geographic and cultural studies of North and South America, Africa, Asia, Australia, and Europe.

Travel and Tourism Strategies for Success
– Grade 9-10; 1/2 credit
This enrichment course is an introduction to the travel and tourism industry, one of the leading growth industries worldwide, presented in a context of the relationship between success in school and the skills and knowledge required
for success in travel and tourism careers.

Travel and Tourism Marketing Yourself
– Grade 9-10; 1/2 credit
This introductory enrichment course is designed as a portfolio-based personal development course. Students will develop a systematic approach for evaluating  and seeking career opportunities by discovering how personal qualities relate to  successful performance in travel and tourism careers.

Travel and Tourism Principles of Marketing
– Grade 9-10; 1/2 credit
This exploratory enrichment course is designed to focus on each of the functions of marketing, their relationships, and the marketing process for goods, services,  and ideas. Students will apply these principles and concepts focusing on travel and tourism careers.

Travel and Tourism International Marketing
– Grades 10; 1/2 credit
Prerequisite: Principles of Marketing
This technical enrichment course is designed for students with an interest in
global or multinational marketing, including a focus on travel and tourism
opportunities, money exchange, political and social influences, cultural norms, and strategic planning.

Travel and Tourism Independent Study
– Grade 12; 1/2 - 1 credit
Prerequisite:Three (3) courses completed in Travel and Tourism Marketing Education coherent sequence
This enrichment course is a project-based learning experience developed by a student or group of students and an interdisciplinary mentor team. The project provides opportunities for an in-depth study focusing on at least one aspect of the travel and tourism marketing field.

Networking Essentials I (IT Essentials)
Grades 9-12; Credit: 1
Networking Essentials is an industry-standard course that covers the fundamentals of computer hardware and software as well as advanced concepts. Students who complete this course will be able to describe the internal components of a computer, assemble a computer system, install an operating system, and troubleshoot using system tools and diagnostic software.

Cisco IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software v4.0 course presents an in-depth exposure to computer hardware and operating systems. Students learn the functionality of hardware and software components as well as suggested best practices in maintenance, and safety issues. Through hands on activities and labs, students learn how to assemble and configure a computer, install operating systems and software, and troubleshoot hardware and software problems. In addition, an introduction to networking is included. The fundamentals part of the course, prepares students for the required CompTIA A+ Essentials exam. The advanced part of the course, prepares students for CompTIA’s three job-environment certification exams:

• IT (field) technician (2 2 0-602)
• Remote support technician (2 2 0-603)
• Bench technician (2 2 0-604)

Internetworking Technology I
Grades 11 - 12; Credit: 1
Prerequisite: (Recommended) Technical Reading Skills, Computer Proficiency, Prior Courses in Electronics and/or Computer Science, Instructor Approval.
A technical course primarily designed for students within the Cisco Networking Academy® who are looking for career-oriented, IT-skills instruction or a quick path to job entry and career exploration.  These courses comprise the first year of a two-year preparatory program in which students will follow a rigorous course of instruction. This curriculum presents basic networking education to equip students with knowledge and skills that can be applied toward entry-level careers in IT networking CCENT™ certification and CCNA certification. (CCNA Discovery courses; Networking for Home and Small Business, and Working at a Small-to-Medium Business or ISP)

After completing the first two courses of CCNA Discovery, Networking for Home and Small Businesses and Working at a Small-to-Medium Business or ISP, a student has the option to take the CCENT™ (Cisco Certified Entry Network Technician) certification exam. CCENT™ certifies the practical skills required for entry-level IT positions. In addition, this certification assesses a student’s aptitude and competence to work in an environment that features Cisco networking devices and software. CCENT™ certification is an optional first step toward earning Cisco CCNA® network associate certification, the foundation level certification for networking careers. After completing all four CCNA Discovery courses, students will be prepared for the industry standard CCNA certification exam.

Internetworking Technology II
Grades 11 - 12; Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Internetworking Technology I
The second year course for the Cisco Networking Academies is a technical course primarily designed for students within the Cisco Networking Academy® who are looking for career-oriented, IT-skills instruction or a quick path to job entry and career exploration.  These courses comprise the second year of a two-year preparatory program in which students will follow a rigorous course of instruction. This curriculum presents basic networking education to equip students with knowledge and skills that can be applied toward entry-level careers in IT networking CCENT™ certification and CCNA certification. (CCNA Discovery courses; Introducing Routing and Switching in the Enterprise, and Designining and Supporting Computer Networks)

The Cisco Networking Academy (CNA) is currently offered at Business and Management Center, Carter, Kimball, Madison, Roosevelt, Smith, South Oak Cliff, Spruce, and White.

Telecommunications Academy

Four-level technical laboratory instruction designed to provide job-specific skill development for entry-level employment in the telecommunications industry. This Academy is offered at Madison High School and is part of the JROTC program.

Telecommunications Technology I
- Grade: 9-12, Credits: 1
First-level instruction is designed to provide an overview of the various telecommunications systems in use today and to introduce new innovations in the communications field which are in the experimental field. Both classroom and laboratory instruction will be provided through the use of experimental modules and computer programs.

Telecommunications Technology II
- Grade: 10-12, Credits: 1
Second-level instruction is conducted through study and lab projects to demonstrate the basic principles of electricity, alternating current inductance and capacitance, reactance, alternating current circuit theory, diodes, transistors and transistor switches, resonant circuits, oscillators, and transformers.

Telecommunications Technology III
- Grade: 11-12, Credits: 1
The third level of instruction enhances skill development in soldering techniques employed in electronics and the manufacture of various types of circuit boards. Telecommunications radio circuitry will be included.

Telecommunications Technology IV
- Grade: 12, Credits: 1
Fourth-level instruction will include the history and evolution of telecommunications, analog and digital transmission, switching hierarchy and systems, North American digital hierarchies, transmission standards, the local telephone loop, and microwave transmission. Offered at Madison High School.

Teacher Prep

Teacher Prep Dallas is a coordinated menu of offerings to encourage students to consider the teaching profession as a career option. Teacher Prep Dallas includes coherent sequences of high school courses, youth leadership organization activities, unpaid field experience and paid internships in Dallas ISD schools, and transition into college programs. In additional to Child Development, Exploring Education Careers, and Ready, Set, Teach!, students interested in pursuing a career in teaching should consider electives in Art, Psychology, Individual and Family Life, Speech.

Child Development
– Grades 10-12; Credits: 1/2
This technical laboratory course is designed to focus on knowledge and skills related to the development, care, guidance, and protection of children. Instruction addresses the principles and procedures for promoting the physical emotional, social, and intellectual development of young children, including those with special needs. Other topics include characteristics of quality child care, career options related to the care and education of children, and the management of multiple family, community, and family roles.

Exploring Education Careers
– Grades 10-12; Credits: 1/2 - 1
This course is focuses on child and adolescent development principles and principles of effective teaching practices. Students from the Exploring Education Careers class plan and direct individualized instruction and group activities, prepare instructional materials, assist with recording keeping, make physical arrangements, and complete other activities of classroom teachers. During the course of the week, students enrolled in Exploring Education See Ready,Set, Teach!.(Dual Credit)

Ready, Set, Teach!
– Grades 11-12; Credits: 3;
Prerequisite: Child Development recommended
This work-based paid internship program that provides students a background knowledge of child and adolescent development principles as well as principles of effective teaching practices. Students in Ready, Set, Teach! under the joint direction and supervision of both a family and consumer sciences teacher and exemplary educators in direct instructional roles with elementary, middle, and/or high school-aged students. Students from the class plan and direct individualized instruction and group activities, prepare instructional materials, assist with record keeping, make physical arrangements, and complete other responsibilities of classroom teachers. The students are involved in observations as well as direct student instruction; placement rotations are utilized to allow students to have experiences in a full range of education career roles, grade levels, subject areas, and ability groups.