When I took industrial arts as a sophmore in high school, we spent the first quarter doing leatherworking (carving and stitching). Then we spent a quarter learning the basics of drafting and using them to design a wood project that we would build during the second semester. Our main tools in the shop were a table saw, jointer, planer, drill press, radial arm saw and shaper. Our instructor spent two or three weeks going over safety and demonstrating proper use and technique of the tools. He also had a rule that you had to demonstrate to him that you could follow his instructions and use the tool safely under his supervision before he would allow you to work by yourself. He also required that you explicitly ask permission from him before using any power tool, so he knew what you were doing and could keep an eye on you.