Computer Programming

Success Indicators

Success Indicators are recommendations of benchmarks that students should have to be successful when enrolled in this Career & Technical Education course.

Center-Wide Success Indicators

• Regular Attendance
• Shows Initiative
• Willingness to Learn
• Credit Healthy
• Transportation: Students may have the opportunity to participate in work-based learning experiences, which would require the student to provide transportation to and from the work site.

Program-Specific Success Indicators

• Academic
  • Reading: Grade level reading and comprehension is extremely important to be successful in computer programming.  Good reading and comprehension skills help dissect problems, identify patterns, and devise logical solutions.  Computer programming is about people, processes, and data all of which require good reading skills.  
  • Writing: Ability to write at grade level. The ability to write in Computer Programming will determine the quality in creating, expressing, and interpreting information and ideas. This includes technical terminology and learning new information.
  • Math: Algebra or higher needed. Good demonstrable skills in adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing, along with a good understanding of Algebra principles, are important in solving programming and logic problems.  Have a strong understanding of mathematical concepts, especially those related to algorithms and data structures.
  • Memorization/Note Taking: Good note-taking ability is helpful.  Students will need to refer to notes when writing programs. Effective note-taking and memory recall is a strong indicators of success in a computer programming class. Active note-taking helps students stay engaged, retain information, and build a solid foundation for understanding programming concepts. While memorizing syntax and basic commands is necessary, the focus is on problem-solving, logic, and the ability to adapt and troubleshoot.
• Physical
  • Physical: Students will need to display proper ergonomics and the ability to lift and handle laptop computers.
  • Clothing/Special Equipment: It’s highly encouraged for computer programming students to own or purchase a black short or long-sleeved polo shirt for field trips. 
  • Fine Motor Skills/Coordinator: Typing skills: Students should be able to type at least 35 wpm
  • Spatial Awareness: Observation of surroundings, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills are suggested.
•  Other
  • Teamwork: Indicated by effective communication, shared problem-solving, and a positive learning environment where students collaborate and learn from each other. 
  • Time Management: Managing time in class to get assignments and projects finished on time.

Careers

• Computer Systems Administrator
• Information Security Analyst
• Web Developer
• IT Manager
• Computer Programmer
• Computer Support Specialist (Help Desk) 

Additional Info on Careers, Wages and More

Articulated College Credits

Students must complete a full year (2 semesters) in the program earning a B (3.0) or higher grade each semester to be eligible.

Current List of Articulated College Credits

Embedded High School Credits

Career center programs offer the student the opportunity to receive high school academic credit upon program completion. Students MUST be a program completer to earn these credits. A program completer is defined as a student who has completed all 12 segments of the curriculum AND earned a 2.0 (C) or higher GPA per semester in the program. Credits are granted by the student's local high school and determined by their counselor.

View Embedded Credits for this Program

Centerwide

• Regular Attendance
• Shows Initiative
• Willingness to Learn
• Credit Healthy
• Review the Ionia County Career Center Student Handbook
• Review the Success Indicators (listed under each program) for detailed program-specific information on what your student needs to succeed in this program.
• If your student is interested in a Work-Based Learning Internship opportunity during the school year (subject to instructor approval), please review the Work-Based Learning Manual (located under ‘Internship’).

Before the School Year Begins

• Important Information About Field Trip Dress Code: Before the school year starts, please be aware of the following expectations for field trips, especially those held at professional locations:
  • Professional Appearance Required: Students visiting professional sites must dress appropriately to represent themselves and the school well.
  • Recommended Attire: A black polo shirt (short or long sleeve) is highly recommended. Students will have the opportunity to purchase an official CTE Student Sport Polo at the beginning of the year during class.Pants/Jeans: Students should wear a good pair of jeans or khaki pants that are free of rips, holes, or fraying. Pajama bottoms or distressed clothing are not permitted on field trips.

After the School Year Begins

• Regular Attendance: Consistent attendance is essential for hands-on learning, skill development, and staying current with the course content.
• All students will complete the Safe Schools online safety program. 
• Students will work on projects both as individuals and as a team, so good communication skills will be necessary for the successful completion of the course.

Additional Information

• All computer hardware/software is provided in the class, including laptops and desktops (when required) to complete the course.
• No mobile phones or personal computers are allowed to be used during instructional time. Mobile devices can be used outside of instructional time or during free time.    

Credentials/Certifications Available

• IT Fundamentals Pro by TestOut
• PGS 3D Dev Level I by Protege Game Studios