high sChOOL PROgRAMs
hErE ArE the programs of study
available within the Information Technology
cluster in Texas high schools.* The state
has created descriptions of each of these
P
programs of study. These documents detail
high school classes you might take, extended
Keys to
R
learning opportunities, and postsecondary
o
programs. To download them, visit www.
achievetexas.org/implementation.htm and
G
click on the cluster icon for the area that
interests you.
R
Success
iNFOrmATiON SUPPOrT & SErviCES
A
professionals in this field are involved with the
deployment of information technology, including
M
implementing computer systems and software,
providing technical assistance, and managing
finD A fuTuRE in information Technology
information systems.
while still in high school.

P
iNTErACTivE mEDiA
R
specialists in Interactive media create, design,
and produce interactive multimedia products
o
and services.
I
f high school students master IT iT Required
courses, they can have a nice jumpstart All Texas students need at least one credit
on a career,” says Scott Ford, an A+ in technology applications to graduate
academy instructor in the Humble from high school.
F
NETWOrk SySTEmS
Independent School District. Many school districts, however, are
In this field, employees plan, implement, and The A+ academy training program upgrading their IT programs to make
I
analyze computer networks. Their work includes prepares individuals for careers as their graduates more marketable.
the design, installation, maintenance, and computer technicians. Students in Hermalinda Garcia is the career
L
management of network systems. Humble ISD can also earn the Cisco and technical chair at Gladys Porter
Networking Academy certification, High School in Brownsville. She says
E
PrOGrAmmiNG &
CCNA. she strongly encourages students to go
SOFTWArE DEvELOPmENT Ford insists that all students need beyond classroom learning to achieve
S
professionals in this field design and implement
to realize the impact of the global, certifications as Microsoft Office, Excel,
computer systems and software by applying their
technology-driven economy. “Twenty or Word specialists. She says, “When
expertise in programming languages, operating
years ago, students were competing students realize the possibilities when
systems, and software development.
against students from other states for they pass the certification exams, they
jobs,” he says. “Now they’re competing think, ‘Wow, this could be my career!’”
with students from India, Japan, and
* not all schools offer all programs elsewhere. The world is connected with get the Basics
of study or clusters. ask your
counselor which programs are
teleconferencing in real time across the Such programs make high school the
available at your school.
globe. Students need to be ready perfect time to get started on a career
to step in and compete for jobs.” in IT. It’s smart to start, however, by
With courses and certifications mastering math, science, English, and
such as those offered in social studies.
Humble, Texas Why? Computers are just superfast
students can number crunchers, so it helps to
graduate high understand the mathematics and science
school prepared for underlying their operation. Developing
high paying IT jobs. computer-related documents such as
Page 12
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24