The NJ Graphic Design Curriculum Project provides school interested with a three-year, standards-aligned curriculum for career and technical education graphic design program. The curriculum was developed through a competitive grant program awarded by the NJ Department of Education, Office of Career and Technical Education, to Raritan Valley Community College, which developed the curriculum as described below.
Work is continuing on the curriculum and resources, with the focus now on developing model programs of study using the curriculum as a basis for articulated and dual credit agreements with postsecondary partners. Periodic technical assistance is also offered by the Department to district staff implementing or interested in implement the curriculum. Resources are provide via this website.
Background
The NJ CTE Graphic Design Curriculum development process began following a workshop at Raritan Valley Community College in February of 2012. A number of post-secondary representatives from all over New Jersey met for the purpose of aligning secondary school curriculum with college courses in area of Graphic Design and Computer Graphics. The initial goal was to identify and evaluate common essential skills and competencies in the graphic design field and then further develop and align standard objectives for 2 courses – Graphic Design Theory and Computer Graphics.
In summer of 2012, a Project-Based Learning workshop hosted by Dick Blais of Project Lead the Way and his wife Sue Barber was also held at RVCC. The workshop was enlightening and motivating. The workshop did not focus primarily on Graphic Design, but presented strategies that would benefit any career-based program.
A number of Graphic Design secondary and post-secondary instructors met soon after and worked on developing graphic design projects for secondary schools that utilized the Project-based learning model. Project-based learning provides an essential question, essential skills and objectives, which align with CTE, common core and industry standards. Activities incorporate differentiated learning, self-discovery, collaboration, critiquing, reflection and presentation as they move toward to higher level skills with the goal of answering essential questions and satisfying required competencies for the field.
In simplest terms, the graphic design projects present essential skills that are needed in the career field, identify them in the project and describe how they will be utilized and demonstrated in order to complete the project. In many instances, lower-level foundational and knowledge-based skills lead up to more critical thinking or problem-solving skills. Students also complete their own research, and work with peers in an effort to promote discovery and to invest in and become an integral part of their own learning. The projects encourage problem-solving and guide students through the process of creating tangible finished products.
The process has continued through input from NJ CTE Graphic Design Advisory Committee, a summer workshop for educators implementing the curriculum, development of a post-secondary program of study, and ongoing revision, online support, onsite support through this learning community.