CTHSS Graphics Technology

Grade 9	Grade 10	Grade 11	Grade 12
3 credits	3 credits	3 credits	3 credits
Exploratory and Introduction to Graphics Technology	Graphic Communication Fundamentals	Graphic Communication Production	Graphic Communication Advanced Processes

EXPLORATORY AND INTRODUCTION TO GRAPHICS TECHNOLOGY (3 credits)
All Grade 9 students go through the Exploratory Program. Students deciding to enter the field of graphics technology are instructed in trade-specific safety. Students will participate in inside production work that is related to the curriculum. Students are introduced to the basic concepts of product layout, various methods of reproduction and the offset printing process. Students will be introduced to the legal restrictions of the printing industry. Students receive instruction in safety requirements and demonstrate sound safety practices. Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.

GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION FUNDAMENTALS (3 credits)
In Grade 10, students receive instruction and demonstrate skills in the offset printing process; fundamentals of type; typesetting; page layout; proofreading; line photography; image assembly; plate making; press and bindery. Students continue to receive instruction in safety requirements and demonstrate sound safety practices. Students may participate in in-school graphics projects for customers as related to the curriculum. Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.

GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION PRODUCTION (3 credits)
In Grade 11, students receive instruction and demonstrate skills in intermediate typesetting, the design of multicolor documents, multicolor pre-press, multicolor press operation, press part identification, press operation, bindery, basic paper type and grades, and electronic imaging. Students continue to receive instruction in safety requirements and demonstrate sound safety practices. Students will participate in in-school graphics projects for customers. Students reaching an acceptable level of proficiency may be eligible for Work Based Learning (WBL). Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.

GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION ADVANCED PROCESSES (3 credits)
In Grade 12, students receive instruction and demonstrate skills in how to estimate jobs; advanced typesetting; color theory; the characteristics of paper grades; advanced press operation; and advanced bindery operation. Students continue to receive instruction in safety requirements and demonstrate sound safety practices. Students will participate in in-school graphics project for customers. Students will demonstrate the ability to complete a job application and interview and to perform entry-level job readiness and trade skills. Students reaching an acceptable level of proficiency may be eligible for Work Based Learning (WBL). Each student will take the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) exam, which is a performance-based test. Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.

Students successfully completing this course of study will be able to pursue a two year graphics design degree at state colleges and universities or go on to a four year degree in graphics design. Students can obtain immediate employment in the graphics field. Jobs include: layout assistant; prepress production; advertising; and, quality control. Students graduating from Graphics Technology also find success in the military in fields such as communications and public affairs.