Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program Overview

Program Information

At Robert G. Cole Middle/ High School, all students have access to Career and Technical Education (CTE) options that allow them to explore career pathways through meaningful programs of study. These programs lead to endorsements and possibly industry credentials. The programs are driven by student career exploration survey data, endorsement attainment graduation data, staffing, and facilities.

Enrollment in CTE courses offers students rigorous career exploration opportunities where they learn professional expectations and career entry requirements, the nature of the career field, and specific skills required of experts in the field through experiential and work-based learning. All CTE students are offered the opportunity to participate in Career and Technical Students Organizations (CSTO), which allows them enrichment and competitive opportunities.

Each program of study offers at least three courses providing the opportunity to earn four credits for an endorsement. Each course is aligned with career and college goals and TEKS as required by the Texas Education Agency. Specific endorsement pathways are noted below. Detailed course descriptions and prerequisites can be found in the registration guide posted on the high school counselor's website.

Commercial Photography

1. Principles of Arts, A/V Technology, and Communication
2. Commercial Photography I
3. Graphic Design and Illustration
4. Commercial Photography II

Culinary Arts facilitated

1. Introduction to Culinary Arts
2. Culinary Arts (2 credits)
3. Advanced Culinary Arts (2 credits)

Health Therapeutics

1. Principles of Health Science
2. Health Science Theory
3. Practicum in Health Science (2 credits)

In addition to these pathways offered at the Robert G. Cole campus, FSHISD partners with the Alamo Colleges to provide additional programming through the Alamo Academies program. Students can apply for entry to this program following sophomore year.

CTE Advisory Council

At least twice a year, the CTE Advisory Council convenes to discuss FSHISD’s CTE program, career field needs and future program goals. The Council consists of all campus CTE teachers and at least three community business partners aligned with the offered CTE sequences. This collaboration celebrates the accomplishments of our CTE teachers and students while reflecting on and planning for future program improvements.

Program Policy

To ensure all mandates are met, FSHISD has adopted policies in compliance with state and federal requirements. Their contents can be found in EHBF(LEGAL), EHBAB(LEGAL), FNG(LEGAL) and FNG(LOCAL), and GA(LEGAL). Each year the program is evaluated through review of program data, student performance data, local and state labor market data, Texas higher education data, and national graduate data. The evaluation ensures the CTE program is in compliance and is continuously adapting to meet the needs of our students and community.

It is the policy of Fort Sam Houston ISD not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap, or age in its employment practices as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

Fort Sam Houston ISD will take steps to assure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all educational and CTE programs.

For information about your rights or grievance procedures, contact the district Title IX  and Section 504 Coordinator, Jayne Hatton at 4005 Winans Road, San Antonio, Texas 78234.