BUSINESS EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

Business Education focuses on preparing students for the world of work and/or technical colleges. Students will gain insight on business technology (computers, various software, digital cameras and scanners), business skills (letter writing, job applications, resumes and filing), and business studies (business law, economics, accounting, and marketing).

BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY 9-12 Students will gain expertise in the rich and varied applications of computer hardware and software. The software focus will be using Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint Microsoft Publisher (desktop publishing) as well as Adobe Photoshop (graphic design software). Students will substantially improve their computer application skills and technical know-how and as a consequence, improve their marketability and schoolwork. Students will have opportunities to learn effective uses of current technology hardware (scanners, digital cameras, printers, web cameras and more). Students will learn basic business skills, including: keyboarding, formatting and career exploration (every student will maintain a portfolio, which is kept current and available for job or college interviews.

TIGER PUBLICATIONS 10-12 Prerequisite: Business Technology Students will gain experience in desktop publishing, marketing and management. Students will gain “real-life” experience in running a business (Tiger Business Lab); they will have the opportunity to apply for positions within the business and serve as the publisher for the school. Students will learn how to make programs, buttons, tickets, newsletters, business cards and more. Students will employ a variety of software and hardware and use all the knowledge gained in business technology to enhance their experience in Tiger Publications. Every student will maintain a portfolio which will be kept current and available for job or college interviews.

YEARBOOK/ADVANCED PUBLICATIONS 11-12 Prerequisite: Instructor approval. This realistic on-the-job training/management experience allows the student to become an “employee”, hired by a real company, whose sole purpose is to produce a debt-free yearbook for our school. Once chosen, students will be hired and trained for specific jobs necessary to produce a yearbook such as bookkeeper, advertising manager, subscriptions manager, public relations, photographer, assistant editor, and editor. All students will be required to sell subscriptions and advertising space in the yearbook. Students will learn how to design attractive pages, and be introduced to photography. The yearbook will be done digitally with modern desktop publishing software. Students will have the opportunity to earn a free yearbook by selling fifteen advertisements. This class will also create the senior slide show, and other advanced projects.

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY (prerequisite: Business Technologies) Class limit 12 This course provides each student with an introduction to the basic concepts of digital imaging as applied to photography. With hands-on experience using applicable technology, modern developments will be presented which have led to the present applications of digital imaging which combine traditional photographic ideas with electronic media. The student will have the opportunity to learn how to operate image manipulation software using a variety of scanning equipment, software tools and output devices by executing new assignments and applying these technologies to their photographic process.

ECONOMICS 1/2 Credit 11-12 The study of economics demonstrates the unique aspect of our free enterprise system, its operation, and the interaction between business and individuals within this system. The stock market and its effects on business are used as a prime illustration of the principles learned. All students participate in the statewide stock market game and gain not only a fundamental understanding of how the stock market works but also how to develop an individual investment portfolio. Students will analyze our local economic needs and make informed decisions on how to improve the local economy.

BUSINESS LAW 1/2 CREDIT (odd years) 11-12 Business Law is designed to provide the students with a general background regarding the meaning of the law as it relates to the individual and business in our society. The following topics will be covered: the beginnings of law, the court system, law enforcement, contract law, real estate, insurance, and business organization.

MARKETING 1/2 Credit (even years) 11-12 Marketing is one of the most interesting subjects in business. Examples of marketing are all around us and affect every day living. This course will use technology, simulations, and hands on learning to emphasize the material taught. Students will learn about advertising strategies, marketing mix, profit and loss, make-up, and more.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP—IDEAS IN ACTION!!—1/2 Credit—11-12 Do you want to be your own boss? Do you have the goal of owning a highly success company? This course will take you step by step through the entire process of owning your own business. You will select a product or service to sell, determine your customers, learn how to market your business, obtain financing, managing employees and more. This course will end with a showcase of your business plan.

ACCOUNTING I 11-12 Accounting is offered to students who have an interest in accounting for both vocation and personal purposes. This course is highly recommended for those persons who intend to study business in college or plan to own their own business. The student will learn and practice each of the steps of the accounting systems for sole proprietorships, merchandising businesses, and partnerships. Various banking activities are also covered and include the use of checking accounts, applying for loans, and taxes.

ACCOUNTING II 12 Prerequisite: Accounting I Accounting II reinforces the principles of the accounting cycle and introduces the student to practices found in various types of businesses---sole proprietorship, partnership, and corporation. A variety of topics including learning about inventory concepts and costing procedures, depreciation and disposal of property, plant assets, and equipment are covered. Emphasis is placed on investments and the techniques used to analyze and record transactions involving trading. Students compete on the state level through the popular Stock Market Game. Spreadsheet and accounting software are used to maintain accounting records.

ON YOUR OWN 12 1/2 Credit This is a one semester course is designed primarily for seniors as an introduction to everyday living. Students will learn about money management, loans, credit, credit cards, saving, checking accounts, apartment hunting, resume preparation, interviewing techniques, and tax preparation. Hands-on activities will help prepare students for the realities of independent living.