Graphics Technology
Course Description

EXPLORATORY AND INTRODUCTION TO GRAPHICS TECHNOLOGY (3 credits)
All Grade 9 students go through the Exploratory Program, which allows them to rotate through all of the trades available in the school (three days each), select three trades to spend more time in (six days each) and make a final selection. The Exploratory Program is a hands-on experience that encourages student discovery, provides individual student career assessments, compares aptitude with likes and dislikes, develops decision-making skills and challenges students in the application of knowledge. 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 inside production work 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 inside production work related to the curriculum. 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; OTC software; 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 inside production work related to the curriculum. Students will demonstrate the ability to complete a job application and interview and have entry-level job readiness and trade skills. 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.

* Tech Prep – Students successfully completing this program can receive advanced college credit.