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CTE (Career & Technical Education)

EFISD CTE

Career and Technical Education (CTE) in Elysian Fields ISD is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to thrive in today’s competitive workforce and postsecondary education. By offering a variety of career-focused pathways—ranging from agriculture and business to health sciences and technology—the program allows students to explore their interests while building marketable skills. CTE courses connect academic learning with real-world applications, ensuring that students graduate with both a strong educational foundation and practical, hands-on training relevant to their chosen fields.

The importance of CTE lies in its ability to prepare students for multiple post-graduation options, whether that means entering the workforce directly, pursuing technical certifications, or continuing on to college. Through partnerships with industry professionals, community organizations, and higher education institutions, Elysian Fields ISD’s CTE program provides students with opportunities for internships, job shadowing, and industry-recognized certifications. This not only enhances employability but also fosters adaptability and problem-solving skills—qualities that are essential in a rapidly changing economy.

Beyond career readiness, the CTE program supports personal growth, responsibility, and leadership development. Students gain confidence by applying their skills in real-world settings, collaborating with peers, and managing projects from start to finish. By integrating academic rigor with career relevance, Elysian Fields ISD’s CTE program helps students see the connection between their education and their future success. In doing so, it empowers them to make informed choices, contribute to their communities, and excel in whatever path they choose after graduation.

Contact


Jana Sims
CTE Coordinator
jana.sims@efisd.org

The Plant Science Pathway is part of the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources career cluster in Texas CTE curricula. It focuses on the science, research, and business aspects of plants and vegetation, enabling students to apply biology and life science concepts to real-world plant processes – whether in laboratories or field settings.

Course Sequence and Progression


Foundational Courses (typically 9th-10th grade)

These introductory courses build core knowledge in agriculture and plant-related fundamentals. Common examples include:

  • Principles of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
  • Horticultural Science
  • Floral Design

Advanced Coursework (typically 11th-12th grade)

Once foundational skills are in place, students can enroll in Advanced Plant and Soil Science and Advanced Floral Design -- a rigorous, science-centered course designed to: 

  • Highlight the pivotal role of plant and soil science across science disciplines
  • Emphasize academic, technical, and workplace readiness
  • Use hands-on tools like microscopes, employ scientific method and inquiry, and incorporate supervised agricultural experience (SAE), FFA integration, and research Texas Talent Development Center+1.

CTE Completion Levels and Industry Ties

Under Texas CTE guidelines, students achieve different levels based on completed courses:

  • CTE Concentrator: Completes at least two credits (two courses) within a program of study.
  • CTE Completer: Completes three or more courses, including one advanced-level course like Advanced Plant and Soil Science, often culminating in an industry-based certification.

This structured pathway provides not only academic rigor but also real-world applicability, aligning with FFA involvement and certification opportunities in plant science and horticulture domains.


Summary Table

Tie-ins: FFA and Certifications

  • FFA is typically woven throughout both foundational and advanced courses—especially in Advanced Plant and Soil Science, where students conduct research, participate in SAE projects, and prepare for leadership roles.
  • Many districts integrate industry-based certifications aligned with these courses (e.g., nursery professional, landscape associate, floral design), though offerings vary by region and school.

Key Features

  • Hands-On Learning
    Students engage in both experimental lab work and practical field applications, fostering a deep understanding of plant life and ecosystems.
     
  • Career Skills & Industry Certifications
    The pathway offers a range of certifications that enhance students’ employability and technical knowledge, including:
    • Benz School of Principles of Floral Design
  • Aligned Career Outcomes
     Students can prepare for several roles in the plant sciences, such as:
    • Soil and Plant Scientist
    • Floral Designer/Business Owner
    • Pesticide Handler/Sprayer/Applicator
    • Landscaping Supervisor

Plant Science 1

Plant Science 2

Plant Science 3

Plant Science 4

Plant Science 5

Plant Science 6