Course Selection Information

Signed into law in 2018, Act 158 mandates that students meet the requirements set forth by at least one of five defined pathway options. These pathway options include competency in the Keystone Exams, competency in a CTE program, competency in alternative assessments, and/or demonstrating evidence consistent with career goals. More information about Act 158 can be obtained at: https://pdesas.org/Page/Viewer/ViewPage/73?SectionPageItemId=3305 or the high school main offices.

The Keystone Exams are end-of-course assessments mandated by the Pennsylvania State Department of Education designed to assess student proficiency in three subjects: Algebra I, Literature and Biology. More information about the Keystone Exams can be obtained at: http://www.pdesas.org/module/assessment/pages/Keystone/ or the high school main offices.

Beginning with the 9th-grade class of 2024-25 (2028 graduation class) students will work with their counselor and administrator to complete 20 hours of community involvement in order to be eligible to graduate. This requirement aligns with Act 158 requirements, Middle Years Program Personal Project requirements and Workforce Development/Future Focused Learning Opportunities. More information about this community involvement requirement can be obtained from high school counseling staff and the administrative team.

High school class rank and grade point average (GPA) will be based on courses completed.  Weighted courses carry an additional value that will affect class rank and GPA.

Weighted courses include all honors, AP, IB, and college (dual enrollment) courses. Only grades C or better (73% or above) will be weighted. Quality points and weighted quality points will be calculated automatically by the school district’s student information system, according to the course, and put on transcripts. Weighted courses are marked with a (w) next to their allotted number of credits in this guide.

The Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs of Study offered at McCaskey High School Campus prepare students for college and/or entry-level positions in the workforce within their chosen field of interest. Students who enroll in a CTE program complete workforce development training, acquire college credits, earn industry certifications, and participate in work-based learning opportunities. Therefore, students’ future career goals and post-graduation plans should align with their chosen CTE program.

The seven state-certified CTE programs include:

• Accounting
• Building Trades & Maintenance
• Computer Aided Drafting & Design
• Cosmetology
• Early Childhood Education
• Electronics
• Health Careers

Placement Guidelines

The McCaskey High School Campus promotes an open placement policy for CTE programs. Enrollment in each program is limited by the number of seats available. For those programs that have limited annual openings, students are considered for placement based on the eligibility criteria listed below. This placement criterion helps to predict a student’s ability to succeed in a CTE program. Preference is given to students who are most likely to successfully complete their program of choice.

A student is considered a completer of a CTE program when the student has:

• Completed all secondary-level competencies necessary to achieve his/her career objective (or met appropriate related IEP objectives),
• Completed a PDE-approved occupational end-of-program assessment (NOCTI) for the student’s reported program CIP (or completed a program that has an assessment waiver), AND
• Attained a high school diploma or equivalent.
• NOTE: Completer is competency based.

 Graduation Credit waivers for McCaskey CTE Students:

• Graduation requirements of two (2.0) credits of a world language will be waived for CTE students, if needed.
• Graduation requirement of half (0.5) a credit of Art or Music will be waived for CTE students, if needed.

Career and Technical Education Competency Assessment

The National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) student assessments are job readiness exams that measure the skills of an entry-level worker or an individual who has completed coursework in a secondary or postsecondary career and technical program.  NOCTI assessments allow students to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and abilities within their chosen occupational program.  Student assessments are developed using business and industry standards and include multiple choice and performance components.

NOCTI assessments are designed to measure a student’s knowledge of basic processes, including the identification and use of terminology and tools.

• Measure curriculum effectiveness
• Link the world of education with the world of work
• Improve instructional methods
• Enhance the transition between school and work

Students are expected to demonstrate their knowledge at the competent or advanced level.  Those who demonstrate their knowledge at the advanced level receive a Pennsylvania Skills Certification, which recognizes career and technical education students who have achieved high skills in their chosen technical area. All students who have successfully completed 50% of their program hours are required to take the NOCTI exam during their graduation year.

S.O.A.R. programs of study incorporate secondary and postsecondary education elements to ensure relevant career and technical content. Supports high demand careers.

Benefits of SOAR:

• Save money on college tuition
• Save time by shortening college attendance
• Get on the right career pathway
• Enter the job market well prepared
• Get a consistent education

How do you earn free college credits?

• Earn a high school diploma, with a minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale in the technical core courses
• Complete the approved PDE Program of Study
• Achieve proficiency on all Program of Study Competency Tasks
• Achieve competent or advanced level on the end of course NOCTI exam

To view a complete list of programs please visit: http://www.education.state.pa.us/programsofstudy

The Internship program offers junior and senior students personalized career exploration at local businesses and nonprofit organizations. Students participate in an online course where they learn essential job skills and reflect on their career exploration experiences. Each internship will be tailored specifically to address students’ career goals.

Career Exploration Internship (CE400)……………………………………………………………………………… 0.5 to 2 credits

Prerequisite: Approval from guidance counselor.

Community Involvement is a non-paid, co-op arrangement between the high school and a cooperating agency or business. The co-op experience blends high school instruction with on-the-job training. The student’s school day will be comprised of time spent in classes at school and doing volunteer work in the community. Students may earn up to three credits for these courses.

Community Involvement (CI400) …………………………………………………………………………………………… 1.0 credit

Community Involvement (Semester 1) (CI401) …………………………………………………………………………  0.5 credit

Community Involvement (Semester 2) (CI402)…………………………………………………………………………. 0.5 credit

The Dual Enrollment Program enables qualified students to take college courses while in high school. School District of Lancaster covers the cost of one college course per semester for any qualifying student through dual enrollment. School District of Lancaster is the only district in Lancaster County that offers this unique benefit. School District of

Lancaster also covers the entire cost for qualifying McCaskey students to participate in a full day of college classes at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology their senior year. Dual enrollment is a great opportunity to see if college is a good fit or to begin earning credits before high school graduation. Credits are given at both the high school and at the college for successfully completing college courses.  Students should see their counselors early in the year to apply. All dual enrollment courses are weighted courses (see page 3). For more information and applications, please contact your School Counselor. Requirements:

• SDOL completed application (includes teacher and high school administration approval)
• Students should have a 2.5 GPA or higher. Students with a lower GPA may be able to participate but require special approval from McCaskey Campus administration.
• College application
• Some colleges may have additional requirements

SUMMER DUAL ENROLLMENT

McCaskey allows students to enroll in dual enrollment courses during the summer months. McCaskey Campus hosts a Harrisburg Area Community College course, English 101, during the summer months that is available for students.

DUAL CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES

McCaskey Campus partners with two local colleges to offer no cost college credit to students enrolled in select AP and IB courses at McCaskey. The process is simple. Students complete a short enrollment application with the college and then complete their course as usual. Upon high school graduation, students can request a transcript from the college to be sent to their school of choice. This entire opportunity is completely free. Many of the college credits transfer to Pennsylvania institutions. You can find information about some of the institutions of transfer at www.pacollegetransfer.com. Courses that currently qualify for this program include:

The purpose of this required course is to provide students with the college and career readiness knowledge and skills needed for life after McCaskey. This course supports the completion of the Pennsylvania Career Education and Work standards, as SDoL is required to report to the state at the end of 11th grade. This pass/fail course – to be taken each of a student’s first three years of high school – will provide students with grade appropriate lessons on identifying career interests and pathways, exploring postsecondary education options, requesting financial aid, and obtaining a job.

Future Ready Lancaster I (FR100)………………………………………………………………………………………….. 0.25 credit

Note: This course is completed during the freshman year.

Future Ready Lancaster II (FR200)…………………………………………………………………………………………. 0.25 credit

Note: This course is completed during the sophomore year.

Future Ready Lancaster III (FR300)………………………………………………………………………………………… 0.25 credit

Note: This course is completed during the junior year.

Gifted Support Program provides academic services for identified gifted students. Those students formally identified as being academically gifted and in need of specially designed instruction are eligible for enrichment and/or acceleration.  How the specially designed instruction is delivered is determined in the annual Gifted Individualized Education Program (GIEP) meeting.  These services are available for students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, as indicated by standardized test scores, grades, and/or classroom teacher recommendation. Enrichment coordinators and school counselors, with the support of parents, help students select appropriate classes to meet their specific academic needs. Students and/or their parents can contact the Enrichment Coordinators or guidance counselors if they have questions about their student’s gifted services. School counselors, with the support of parents, help students select appropriate classes to meet their specific academic needs. Students and/or their parents can contact the Enrichment Coordinators or guidance counselors if they have questions about the student’s need for additional challenge within their academic program.

Independent Study courses are opportunities for juniors and seniors who wish to take higher level courses or to study a specific subject area.  These options are developed with one of the content area teachers to allow for a more diverse experience not available in the traditional courses.  Students may only apply for Independent Study if they have earned a “B” or higher in prior coursework in that content area. Application for this option must be approved by the administration before the semester that the Independent Study begins. See your guidance counselor for an application.

CTC Locations:

Brownstown, Mount Joy, Willow Street

CTC Requirements:

Students who intend to attend a Career and Technology Center (CTC) are encouraged to visit the CTC before applying.  The student must pick up an application from the counselor and submit the application form by the deadline. Students should see the counselor for details. If a lab has more students requesting it than there is space, the students who get the opportunity to move into one of the spaces are chosen using the following:

Eligibility:

• Attendance (absences and tardies)
• Credit Status (on pace to graduate on time)
• Citizenship and Discipline Record
• Academic Rigor (# of courses passed)
• Teacher Recommendation
• GPA
• Number of Failed Courses

Expectations:

• If a student misses 10 or more days at the CTC by the end of the first semester, the student will be asked to return to the McCaskey Campus as a full-time student.
• The student must be on time to take the bus to the CTC and return to campus.

Waivers for CTC Students:

• Graduation requirements of two (2.0) credits of a world language will be waived for CTC students, if needed.
• Graduation requirement of half (0.5) a credit of Art or Music will be waived for CTC students, if needed.
• Grade 11: A core social studies course will be waived in Grade 11 and be called Contract Social Studies.
• If the student passes the CTC Cluster Lab, the student will receive a grade of “P” for Contract Social Studies.
• Grade 12: Contract Communication Arts and Contract Mathematics are given through the CTC’s programs. If the student passes the full-day lab, the student will receive a “P” for CA and math and earn one (1) credit in CA and one (1) credit in math.

Note: Please refer to the Lancaster County Career and Technology Center pages at the end of this Course Selection Guide for detailed information about the programs.

McCaskey High School Campus provides a wide array of special education services for students who qualify according to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Students qualify after participating in a multidisciplinary evaluation.  Once a student is eligible for services, an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is developed to address the transitional outcomes for the student and the type and level of support necessary to meet the student’s individual needs.

The Teen Parent Program/Education Leading to Employment and Career Training (TPP/ELECT) program provides support needed for adolescent parents to remain in school. There are many facets to the TPP/ELECT program that give teen parents support in an educational setting.  Students are encouraged to speak to their guidance counselors and case managers.

Tutoring programs are available after school providing a mathematics and literacy emphasis. Additional tutoring opportunities serve students in specific subgroups such as special education and English language learners. The Extended Day Coordinator tracks individual students involved in tutoring to ensure attendance and academic success.  The lunch tutoring program allows teachers to identify groups of students, utilize existing relationships as a motivation tool, and focus on specific academic objectives needed for academic success. Tutoring opportunities also may be available before school.

This is a work study release program based on a student’s need. The school counselor must recommend the student then the Co-op Coordinator makes the final determination of the student’s entrance into the program. The student must maintain employment throughout the school year.

Work Study Release (WS500)………………………………………………………………………………………………… 1.0 credit

Prerequisite: Approval from Administration.

Each School Pathway allows students to explore a broad career pathway in greater depth aligned with their interests and future career goals. Electives are centered on their School Pathway theme and connect with college, community agencies, and business partners.

Regardless of School Pathway, students take the same core courses in Communication Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies and Physical Education/Wellness. The School Pathway elective courses differ.  The School Pathway elective course descriptions can be found in this guide immediately following the respective School Pathway course sequence matrix.

Community Connections: The goal of each School Pathway includes forming partnerships that allow students to extend their learning beyond traditional classroom settings and make a smooth transition from high school to college, work, or other post-secondary opportunities. For example, connections with colleges, universities and technical schools provide students with opportunities for dual enrollment, on-line learning, and advanced studies.  Partnerships with businesses and community organizations enable students to explore potential careers through internships, job shadowing, and work-based learning experiences. In addition, strong partnerships with colleges and businesses help ensure that our academic standards remain rigorous, and that our core curriculum prepares students to meet college and workplace demands.

School of STEM Elective Course Sequence

School of Business & Human Services Elective Course Sequence

Advanced Manufacturing Center

Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology

• Design, invent, and develop a vast array of electro-mechanical simulations for a dynamic experience.
• Interactive lab provides an opportunity to use robotics, hydraulic-pneumatic, and electrical technology systems.
• Analyze, diagnose, maintain, and repair electro-mechanical systems.

Precision Metal Working

• Apply technical knowledge and skills in a variety of metalworking occupations with emphasis on machining trades.
• Instruction includes welding and cutting processes.
• Setup and operation machining equipment including CNC machines and manual lathes.

Sheet Metal Technology

• Create and fabricate custom metal work.
• Build and troubleshoot advanced sheet metal systems.
• Operate state of the art metal-shaping equipment.

Welding Technology

• Perform a wide range of welding processes using advanced welding techniques.
• Assemble and fabricate specialized metal products.
• Practice welds needed for weld certification, use modern power tools/equipment, and interpret fabrication blueprints.

Agri-Science Center

Animal Production Science & Technology

• Explore the care, management, evaluation, treatment and marketing of agricultural production animals such as beef, dairy, swine, poultry, sheep, goats, and horses.
• Experience the passion of working with animals in a variety of farm settings.
• Interact with experts in the field through job shadowing, clinical experience, co-op opportunities, and FFA membership.

Veterinary Assistant

• Experience the reward of caring for animals in a clinical setting.
• Practice customer service and professional ethics when interacting with patients, clients and coworkers.
• Actively participate in live surgical clinic weekly as part of a professional veterinary team.

Cluster Programs

Construction Cluster

• Experience the basic construction trades.
• Operate professional hand and power tools.
• Perform basic carpentry, masonry, plumbing, and electrical skills, plus!

Culinary Cluster

• Create desserts from traditional recipes such as cookies and cheesecakes to pastries with artistic presentation.
• Experience the latest trends in food preparation such as Asian Cuisine, Barbecue, and Vegetarian dishes as well as traditional cuisine.
• Plan, prepare, and serve meals for special events.

Health Care Cluster

• Perform a wide range of medical skills in various healthcare careers.
• Use medical equipment in exploring the human body.
• Practice ethical standard, confidentiality, leadership and professionalism when interacting with patients, clients, and co-workers.

Manufacturing Cluster

• Fabricate and build custom metal projects.
• Operate the same welding and cutting equipment as industry professionals.
• Design, invent and develop electrical and robotic systems.

Transportation Cluster

• Develop the skills to diagnose and troubleshoot today’s hi-tech vehicles and equipment.
• Explore and experience the operating systems and repair procedures for a wide range of vehicles.
• Interact with Trade Professionals from Transportation Industry.

Visual Communications Cluster

• Experience drawing, computer graphics, and photography to deliver powerful visual arts.
• Capture photographs with current digital cameras.
• Create and design reproductions utilizing the same hardware and design software as professional graphic artists and commercial printers.

College Prep

Intro to Health Careers

• Shadow health care professions in a variety of clinical settings to observe patient care.
• Practice ethical standard, confidentiality, leadership, and professionalism when interacting with patients, clients, and coworkers.
• Develop student interest in a healthcare profession by using a college-level curriculum.

Construction Technologies Center

Architectural CAD/Design

• Work with experienced home and building designers.
• Create, design and produce complex working drawings from conception to completion.
• Use advanced state of the art software and hardware identical to what professional architects and engineers use.

Cabinetmaking & Wood Technology

• Manufacture custom furniture, cabinetry and millwork.
• Operate state-of-the-art industrial machinery, computer controlled equipment, hand and power tools.
• Earn valuable industry certifications in safety, tools, and equipment operations.

Commercial Construction/Management

• Construct building projects from site prep and layout, to roofing and finish work.
• Operate the latest industry tools and equipment, including hand and power tools, excavation equipment, and safety gear.
• Develop valuable industry certifications in safety, tools, and equipment operations as well as apprenticeship.

Electrical Construction Technology

• Experience – Interact with electrical industry experts.
• Outcome – Develop skills and knowledge needed to build electrical systems.
• Bottom Line – Design and construct electrical systems in homes and businesses.

Heavy Equipment Operation & Basic Maintenance

• Operate, trouble-shoot, and maintain heavy equipment.
• Interpret blueprints and site plans for site development.
• Collaborate and perform heavy equipment related activities in a team setting.

HVAC/R

• Work side by side with experienced HVAC industry professionals.
• Analyze and upgrade climate control systems to the ever changing HVAC field.
• Install, maintain and repair air conditioning and heating equipment.

Masonry

• Develop practical masonry skills through lab practice and actual construction projects in the community.
• Attain the knowledge required to advance in the workforce.
• Participate in an employability program enabling job procurement, retention, and career satisfaction.

Painting, Ceramic Tile & Vinyl

• Apply professional painting skills to provide property upgrades.
• Install ceramic tile and vinyl flooring utilizing professional hand and power tools.
• Operate various types of “state of the art” spray equipment.

Plumbing

• Experience – Interact with plumbing industry experts.
• Outcome – Perform plumbing systems installation in homes and businesses.
• Bottom Line – Interpret and construct plumbing systems in homes and businesses.

Residential Carpentry

• Experience the construction of a new home using green technology.
• Develop the skills and knowledge needed to interpret and construct current building systems.
• Operate a wide range of hand, power, and air tools.

Consumer Services Center

Cosmetology

• Interact with professional cosmetologist to develop the skills needed in preparation for state licensing exam and continuing education.
• Express individual creativity by providing a wide range of hair, nail and skin care experiences.
• Experience and manage professional full service interactive salon environment.

Early Childhood Education

• Explore the early childhood profession by interacting with infants, toddlers, preschoolers and elementary school children in our modern daycare center.
• Create a professional portfolio for college and careers in early childhood education.
• Design, develop, and deliver early learning activities.

Culinary Arts Center

Baking & Pastry Arts

• Work in a state of the art facility with professional pastry chefs.
• Combine creativity and skills to design specialty cakes and pastries.
• Produce baked goods and plated desserts for our restaurant, store, and catering events.

Culinary Arts/Chef

• Plan, prepare and serve meals for upscale catered events and casual to fine dining restaurant service.
• Work side by side with professional chefs starting in the school kitchens and moving into professional placements.
• Prepare for job opportunities locally, abroad, and in exotic locations in the diverse culinary and hospitality industry.

Event Planning & Tourism Services Management

• Deliver superior customer service to hotel and event guests.
• Team with industry professionals to plan and assemble upscale events and experiences.
• Design promotional flyers and presentations.

Health Care Center

Clinical Care Assistant

• Be a driving force on a professional healthcare team delivering high quality patient care.
• Deliver basic patient care and perform therapeutic and diagnostic procedures in a hospital setting, physician office or home health agency.
• Practice ethical standards, confidentiality, and professionalism when interacting with patients, clients, co-workers.

Dental Assistant

• Experience the satisfaction of providing high quality patient care in a team oriented modern dental office environment.
• Perform a wide variety of dental office duties with other dental professionals that include taking x-rays, mixing materials, passing instruments, sterilization and receptionist duties.
• Work alongside other dental professionals to ensure patients receive the highest quality dental care.

Medical Administrative Assistant

• Perform computerized medical office operations in scheduling, billing, and medical records.
• Be a driving force on a professional healthcare team by delivering high quality customer service while performing clerical and other administrative duties in medical centers, physician offices, and hospitals.
• Practice ethical standards, confidentiality, and professionalism when interacting with patients, coworkers, and other medical professionals.

Medical Assistant

• Apply advanced diagnostic procedures to patient care such as phlebotomy and pharmacology; assist in minor office surgeries.
• Participate in a 7 week medical assistant externship in a medical facility.
• Be a driving force on a professional healthcare team delivering high quality patient care.

Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide

• Experience the passion of providing high quality patient care in a long term care facility and private home setting.
• Perform a wide range of basic nursing skills, personal care skills, and enhanced dining experiences in a classroom & real world setting.
• Work with various healthcare team members in providing direct patient care.

Sports Medicine/Rehabilitation Technician

• Motivate students to continue their education in fields such as athletic training, physical therapy, occupational therapy, sports medicine and other related fields.
• Perform a wide variety of duties with other professionals to aid in the successful treatment of patients.
• Strive to be a driving force on a professional healthcare team to deliver high-quality patient care.

Information Technology Center

Computer System Technology

• Build, upgrade, maintain and repair desktop and laptop computers.
• Design, install, and troubleshoot computer network configurations.
• Perform custom work for clients: individuals, schools, and businesses.

Protective Services Academy

Protective Services Academy

• Experience the thrill and pride of saving lives and protecting your community.
• Use latest technology and equipment available by operating fire engines, ambulances, computer crime scene mapping system, Segways, and more!
• Engage in lifesaving emergency medical treatment, firefighting/rescue techniques, and law enforcement operations.

Transportation Technologies Center

Automotive Mechanics

• Work on today’s high tech vehicle’s electronic, computerized, and mechanical systems.
• Develop the skills to be successful in a constantly changing automotive industry.
• Analyze, diagnose, maintain, and repair basic and advanced automotive systems.

Automotive Technology

• Work side by side with experienced Automotive Technicians.
• Experience the thrill of diagnosing today’s vehicles complex computer programs and mechanical systems.
• Develop the skills needed to become a part of the Automotive Technology Team!

Collision Repair

• Perform necessary processes using state-of-the-art welding, refinishing, and painting equipment.
• Diagnose damage and estimate repairs to frame, unibody, and suspension.
• Experience the thrill of repairing real vehicles to a pre-accident condition.

Diesel Equipment Technology

• Use the same advanced diagnostic equipment and repair equipment as master technicians to troubleshoot and repair commercial vehicle systems.
• Perform preventative maintenance and inspection on medium and heavy duty trucks.
• Maintain and operate today’s high tech vehicle’s computer systems.

RV Outdoor Power Equipment

• Diagnose, maintain and repair a wide range of lawn and garden tractors and equipment from motorcycles to ATVs.
• Use same advanced diagnostic and repair equipment as a master technician uses to troubleshoot complex systems.
• Work on any outdoor power equipment and recreational vehicle in a rapidly changing industry using a full systems approach.

Visual Communications Center

Commercial Art

• Work directly with Advertising and Design Professionals.
• Experience the same hardware/software as professional illustrators, graphic designers, and art directors.
• Create high-impact art using traditional drawing tools and pro apps for advertising and marketing materials.

Digital Design/Print Media

• Work side-by-side with graphics industry professionals.
• Create projects and art works on state-of-the-art equipment.
• Design printing works using various techniques.

Photography & Digital Imaging

• Shoot photos like a professional photographer.
• Creatively enhance photos with Adobe Photoshop.
• Work side-by-side with established industry professionals.