Course Information

2026-2027 Academic Year

DRAFT CMS until August 14, 2026.

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WO05 CTE Cooperative Education DTCS

Course Code	WO05
Course Title	CTE Cooperative Education DTCS
Course Description	Experience paid employment aligned with classroom instruction, creating a structured work-based learning experience. Devise a jointly agreed training plan involving the student, teacher, employer, and parent, which outlines specific learning outcomes aligned with the student's career objective. Synthesize classroom content, career goals, roles, and responsibilities through a written agreement between the school and employer. Experience real-world application of technical skills, durable employability skills, and related education in an authentic workforce environment. Gain the knowledge and skills for careers in the pathway of choice.
Cluster Grouping	Connecting and Supporting Success
Career Cluster	Digital Technology and Computer Science (DTCS)
Course Lead Consultant	Jeanne Turner jeanne.turner@dpi.nc.gov
Course Status	Standard
Course Type	Developed
POL (Proof of Learning)	Local
Credential as POL	N/A
Curriculum Date	Summer 2025
Hours of Instruction	135-150: 120 hours minimum on the job
Recommended Maximum Enrollment	20
Course Credit	1
Inherently Honors	No
Meets Computer Science (CS) Graduation Requirement	No
Math Option Credit	No
Prerequisites	To get academic credit, the aligned coursework and related paid employment must be completed in the same academic year, which may be concurrent or consecutive semesters.
Cluster Grouping(s)	Connecting and Supporting Success
Career Cluster(s)	Digital Technology and Computer Science (DTCS)
Pathway Level(s)	AP Computer Science (APCS) - Career Major Cisco Network Engineering (CNEN) - Career Major Computer Engineering (COEN) - Career Major Computer Science Principles (CSPR) - Career Major Data Science (DTSC) - Career Major Network Administration (NEAD) - Career Major Network Security (NESE) - Career Major Python Programming (PYPR) - Career Major Robotics (ROBO) - Career Major Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UMAS) - Career Major
Aligned Credential(s) or Certification(s)	N/A
CTSO(s) (Career and Technical Student Organization)	An Association for Marketing Education Students (DECA) Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) HOSA - Future Health Professionals North Carolina FFA Association SkillsUSA Technology Student Association (TSA) The National FFA Organization
SOC Code(s) (Standard Occupational Classification Code)	Computer and Information Systems Managers (11-3021) Computer Network Support Specialists (15-1231) Computer Systems Analysts (15-1211) Computer User Support Specialists (15-1232) Data Scientists (15-2051) Information Security Analysts (15-1212) Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists (13-1161)

Proof of Learning (POL) Specifications

CTE State Assessment: The post-assessment will be a 100-item multiple choice test administered through the NC Instructional Management System.
Credential: Please work with the specified vendor(s) to coordinate and schedule.
Performance-based Measurement (PBM): Please follow the PBM guidelines set forth in the Performance-based Measurement Guide for the specified course.

Recommended Maximum Enrollment
Indicates the recommended maximum number of students who should be enrolled in a course based on best educational practice.

Meets Computer Science (CS) Graduation Requirement

Yes: The course meets the Computer Science graduation requirement.
Yes*: The course can be offered in both middle and high school and meets the Computer Science graduation requirement.
No: The course does not meet the Computer Science graduation requirement.

Refer to the DPI website for more detailed Computer Science graduation requirement information.

Math Option Credit
Refer to the Math Options Charts on the DPI website for more detailed math options information.

Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO)
Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO) are an integral part of this curriculum.

CTSOs incorporate strategies used to teach course content, develop leadership, citizenship, responsibility, and proficiencies related to workplace needs.

Work-based Learning (WBL)
Work-based Learning (WBL) is an integral educational strategy within the North Carolina Career and Technical Education (CTE) system. It provides students with real-world work experiences, allowing them to apply academic and technical skills while developing crucial durable employability skills. These experiences occur at employer worksites, coordinated with school-based activities to illustrate the practical relevance of academic learning.

Work-based learning strategies, integral to all CTE career clusters in North Carolina, encompass the four phases of the Career Development Continuum: career awareness, exploration, preparation, and participation as noted in the image below. Learn more at Career Development and Work-based Learning | NC DPI.

WBL Courses with Academic Credit:

CTE Advanced Studies
CTE Cooperative Education
CTE Entrepreneurial Experience
CTE Internship
CTE Pre-apprenticeship
CTE Apprenticeship

WBL Activities without Academic Credit:

Guest speaker
Career fair
Job fair
Transition fair
Field trip (workplace tour)
Job shadowing
Workplace challenge/Industry-sponsored project