ADVANCED CULINARY ARTS CURRICULUM NEWTOWN SCHOOLS NEWTOWN, CT. September, 2002
PHILOSOPHY Business and Technology The philosophy of business and technology education is to assist students in becoming productive and contributing members of society capable of self-sufficiency, lifelong learning and adapting to change. Business and technology programs are competency-based, providing experiential learning that uses employment-related content to contribute to the development of a student's basic, academic and problemsolving skills, general employability attributes, and specific occupational knowledge. The acquisition of these skills, knowledge and attributes prepares students for success in employment, further education and their personal lives. Business and technology education serve diverse individual interests, accommodate different learning styles, and provide student with opportunities to master essential skills through practical application. Courses within our departments require students to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and attitudes through hands-on experiences.
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE Business and Technology Education This curriculum has been organized to align the Newtown High School business and technology education programs with the State of Connecticut Vocational-Technical Education Policy Statement, the National Standards for Business Education, the Newtown School District Quality Model and High School Common Denominator. As stated in our philosophy, our business and technology program are competency-based, providing experiential learning for our students to become contributing citizens of our society. Further, the acquisition and melding of skills, knowledge and attributes prepare students for success in employment, additional education, and their personal lives. Analogous to this philosophy is the vision statement of the Common Denominator document, "The purpose of our school is to prepare all students to be productive workers, lifelong learners, and responsible citizens." To this end, our curricula is designed with heavy emphasis on the Common Denominator's productive worker. In addressing the productive worker essential question, "How do I know that I have created and produced significant work?", we endorse and adhere to the following content standards: The student accesses, organizes, analyzes, interprets, and used information to create an accurate and sound project The student communicates effectively with others in completing a project. The student evaluates both process and product to improve the project. The student sets goals, develops a plan to meet the goals, monitors and readjusts when necessary for goal attainment. The student demonstrates pride in workmanship. We believe that these standards are the essential operating elements within all the courses taught in our programs.
NEWTOWN CULINARY ARTS Tom Zmuda, Instructor CURRICULUM ADVANCED LEVEL CHECKS RESTAURANT: A student-run enterprise History of Checks The Advanced Culinary Arts Curriculum is based on the operation of the student-run enterprise, Checks restaurant. The restaurant is the brain child of the students on the advanced level during the 1998-99 school year. They developed every aspect of the restaurant, from the name to the menu design to the connections with the customers. During its first year of business, Checks served take-out lunches (and dinners) primarily to the staff of Newtown High School, doing an average of 50 meals per week. As the program continues to develop, we anticipate that Checks will begin to expand its customer base, opening for sit-down dinners and more actively pursuing customers outside of the Newtown High School community. Curriculum Structure While the Introductory Culinary Arts Curriculum focuses on the theory and basic skills necessary for food service production, the Advanced Curriculum revolves around the work-based experience of the enterprise. Each week students are expected to produce a new menu, distribute the menu to the customers, document and process customer orders, produce the food items, deliver the food items, and receive feedback from the customers to make improvements/changes. Monday Tuesday menu design (concept, recipe selections, initial budget) finalize menu (recipe selections, availability of ingredients, use personal computer to design formatting and to proofread language, distribute to customers), finalize budget/purchasing plan
Wednesday Thursday Friday purchasing, food production and customer feedback purchasing, food production and customer feedback purchasing, food production, customer feedback, class meeting reflecting on the week (strengths, weaknesses, improvements for next week) The curriculum has been broken down into the four key components of the enterprise s weekly process. MENU DESIGN PURCHASING/BUDGET FOOD PRODUCTION CUSTOMER RELATIONS A fifth component has been added this year to broaden student understanding and interest in the foodservice industry as a future career. LIFE AS A FOODSERVICE PROFESSIONAL Each component has an essential question that drives the students into the importance of the component to the success of the enterprise, a content standard that provides an overview of the fixed goal the student is expected to achieve, a list of job descriptions the student will be expected to complete, and a series of performance standards that will be used to evaluate student performance. Performance Standards Performance standards for each of the four components were derived from the state of Connecticut s career cluster: Retail, Tourism, Recreation, and Entrepreneurship and Newtown High School s own school-to career document, The Common Denominator.
MENU DESIGN Essential Question How do you attract and keep customers? Content Standard The student will be able to design a menu that demonstrates an understanding of the customer s needs, such as pricing, dietary constraints, time constraints, variety, and flavor. Work-Based Experience The student works on a team to complete the key parts of menu design: menu concept, recipe selection, recipe description, formatting and word processing of menu, proofreading menu, or menu distribution. Job Categories RECIPE SELECTION selection based on various needs (dietary, food categories, special menu theme, cost) RECIPE DESCRIPTION putting descriptions into own words to make customers want to order item MENU LAYOUT formatting menu, proofreading grammar, etc. FOOD COSTING determining prices for each item based on portion control, cost of ingredients, etc. Performance Standards Gathering Information The student gathers information from various sources to identify prospective customers and markets. Communication of Information The student follows complex verbal and written instructions. The student uses appropriate grammar, spelling, and vocabulary to write clearly and legibly. Technology The student identifies and applies effective and efficient strategies for exploring and using information and technology. The student operates technical equipment and machinery related to job tasks. Problem Solving The student recognizes problems, gathers information and finds the best solution. The student accepts personal responsibility for production/quality. The student responds appropriately to constructive criticism. The student distinguishes between good and bad service. The student applies prior knowledge, abstract thinking, curiosity, imagination, and creativity to solve problems.
Individual Responsibility The student persists until the job is done. The student assumes responsibility for behavior and considers the possible consequences of their actions. The student handles several projects/tasks simultaneously. The student demonstrates a customer service attitude. The student develops initiative by taking on challenges and responsibilities. Collaborative Responsibility The student shows respect for co-workers and associates. The student works effectively in a team context. The student discusses work-related issues effectively with coworkers/clients.
PURCHASING/BUDGET Essential Question How do you attract and keep customers? Content Standard The student will be able to balance the needs of the customer with the financial constraints of running an enterprise. Work-Based Experience The student works on a team to complete one of the key parts of the purchasing/budget process: documenting and processing customer orders, creating shopping lists, and cross-checking vendors to find all necessary ingredients at the lowest possible price. Job Categories INVENTORY check current ingredients, find out what is needed for menu PURCHASING creating grocery lists, comparing stores for best possible deals, shopping PROCESSING CUSTOMER ORDERS documenting orders and figuring out how much of each item is needed BALANCING OUTPUTS AND INPUTS make sure sales and costs balance out to stay solvent Performance Standards Gathering Information The student documents and processes customer information/orders. Food Service Math The student calculates total price/cost. The student performs basic calculations with mixed units. The student selects and uses appropriate mathematical approaches and tools necessary to complete job tasks. Problem Solving The student recognizes problems, gathers information, and finds the best solution. Individual Responsibility The student persists until the job is done. The student assumes responsibility for behavior and considers the possible consequences of their actions. The student develops initiative by taking on challenges and responsibilities. The student persists on own without need for close supervision. The student accepts personal responsibility for production/quality. The student responds appropriately to constructive criticism.
Collaborative Responsibility The student shows respect for co-workers and associates. The student works effectively in a team context.
FOOD PRODUCTION Essential Question How do you attract and keep customers? Content Standard The student will be able to produce the food items on the menu according to the menu descriptions, safety and sanitation guidelines, and his/her personal initiative to emphasize food flavors and presentation. Work-Based Experience The student works on a team to complete one of the key parts of food production: prep cook, line cook, food presentation, or customer delivery. Job Categories MENU THEORY learn the food items, ingredients, and preparation methods before cooking PREP COOK prepares ingredients for line cook LINE COOK produces food item SOUS CHEF supervisor of food production, in charge of working on final presentation before delivery Performance Standards Food Preparation The student reads with understanding technical terminology. The student listens effectively. The student relays messages accurately. The student adjusts personal style to demands of the situation. The student assumes own responsibilities for actions. The student handles several projects/tasks simultaneously. The student documents and processes customer information/orders. Sanitation and Safety The student demonstrates appropriate personal hygiene. The student works effectively under stress. The student operates technical equipment and machinery related to job tasks. Problem Solving The student transfers knowledge and skills to new situations. The student asks and answers questions. The student demonstrates team problem-solving ability. The student recognizes problems, gather information and find the best solution. The student applies prior knowledge, abstract thinking, curiosity, imagination, and creativity to solve problems.
Individual Responsibility The student persists until the job is done. The student assumes responsibility for behavior and considers the possible consequences of their actions. The student exhibits punctuality. The student keeps personal conflicts from impeding job performance. The student takes initiative as the situation demands. The student persists on own, without need for close supervision. The student accepts personal responsibility for production/quality. The student responds appropriately to constructive criticism. Collaborative Responsibility The student shows respect for co-workers and associates. The student works effectively in a team context. The student discusses work-related issues effectively with coworkers/clients.
CUSTOMER RELATIONS Essential Question How do you attract and keep customers? Content Standard The student will be able to establish and sustain strong relationships with customers through the presentation of information, ability to be flexible, and incorporation of customer feedback into the operation of the enterprise. Work-Based Experience The student interacts with customers through a variety of forms of communication to ensure satisfaction with the enterprise and to work to improve Checks to do an even better job meeting customer needs. Job Categories DELIVERY brings take-out orders to customers, answers any questions, leaves menu for next day RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT surveys customers, produces quotes, finds out suggestions/improvements MENU CHANGES incorporates customer feedback into future menu design Performance Standards Gathering Information The student transfers newly acquired knowledge and skills to new situations. The student handles customer and co-worker inquiries. The student gathers information from various sources to identify prospective customers. The student interprets customer information to identify needs. The student completes work-related written materials. Communicating Information The student applies appropriate telephone skills and etiquette. The student communicates with customers in a professional manner. The student listens effectively. The student uses good manners and common courtesy. The student relays messages accurately. The student informs customers when needs cannot be met. The student demonstrates a customer service attitude. The student describes a product/service to a customer/client. Problem Solving The student offers options to problems and negotiate solutions. The student makes alternate recommendations. The student accepts changes without complaint. The student demonstrates team problem-solving ability. The student asks and answers questions.
The student recognizes problems, gathers information and finds the best solution. The student accepts personal responsibility for production/quality. Individual Responsibility The student persists until the job is done. The student assumes responsibility for behavior and considers the possible consequences of their actions. The student seeks new challenges. The student demonstrates appropriate conduct. The student maintains a professional image. The student demonstrates appropriate personal hygiene. The student exhibits punctuality. The student takes initiative as the situation demands. The student works effectively under stress. The student keeps personal conflicts from impeding job performance. The student develops initiative by taking on challenges and responsibilities. The student persists on own, without need for close supervision. The student responds appropriately to constructive criticism. Collaborative Responsibility The student shows respect for co-workers and associates. The student works effectively in a team context. The student discusses work-related issues effectively with coworkers/clients.
LIFE AS A FOODSERVICE PROFESSIONAL Essential Question How do you attract and keep customers? Content Standard The student will be able to pursue a career in the foodservice industry with a clear understanding of the job responsibilities, lifestyle, work environment, and standards for success. Work-Based Experience The student visits authentic foodservice kitchens through nonfiction books such as Becoming a Chef and Kitchen Confidential; through guest speakers from local foodservice establishments; and through field trips to post-secondary culinary schools. Performance Standards Gathering Information The student reads with understanding a variety of texts. The student selects, interprets, analyzes, organizes, and synthesizes information from a variety of sources. Communication of Information The student uses appropriate grammar, spelling, and vocabulary to write clearly and legibly. The student uses and applies appropriate written terminology in written text. Technology The student applies information gathering skills and strategies to locate and use print, non-print, and electronic resources. The student identifies and applies effective and efficient strategies for exploring and using information and technology. Problem Solving The student uses critical thinking/questioning to assess content. The student knows the parameters of the job. Individual Responsibility The student persists until the job is done. The student assumes responsibility for behavior and considers the possible consequences of their actions. The student demonstrates a positive self-concept, motivation, and intellectual curiosity. The student asks and answers questions. Collaborative Responsibility The student works effectively in a team context. The student discusses work-related issues effectively with coworkers/clients.