SPARKMAN HIGH SCHOOL - Mrs. Thrower's Website



Sparkman High School

BUSINESS ESSENTIALS

Mrs. Thrower – Room 113

Course Syllabus – 2011-2012 School Year

Email ~ cdthrower@madison.k12.al.us

Website ~

Course Description

Business Essentials is a one-credit foundation course. Students develop an understanding of how academic skills in mathematics, economics, and written and oral communications are integral components of success in commerce and information technology careers. Students examine current events to determine impact on business and industry and legal and ethical behavior, acquire knowledge of safe and secure environmental controls to enhance productivity, determine how resources are managed to achieve company goals, and identify employability and personal skills needed to obtain a career and be successful in the workplace. As students learn about different types of business ownership they interpret industry laws and regulations to ensure compliance, identify principles of business management, and analyze business practices to determine ethical and social responsibilities.

Instructional Philosophy

Students will be expected to meet all course goals and to demonstrate their understanding of business fundamentals.  The instruction will be heavily structured in guided practice, concepts, extensive vocabulary, computer and application-based with heavy emphasis on lecture and hands-on.  Students will work independently and in groups/teams to complete several projects that enable them to learn how to work independently, as a team, and to plan, construct, and complete assignments.

Pre-requisite: None. This is the foundation course. Course Fee:  $40 (to cover printing supplies)

Supplies:  Paper, Pencil/Pen

Course Goals

• Apply oral and written communication skills needed in the workplace, through the use of technology, to facilitate information flow.

• Apply conflict management strategies to resolve workplace conflict.

• Demonstrate personal traits needed to develop leadership and teamwork skills.

• Utilize knowledge and skills obtained through student organizations to enhance leadership.

• Describe unique characteristics and traits of the successful entrepreneur.

• Analyze roles of consumers and businesses in commerce for ethical responsibility.

• Analyze functions of management, including planning and organizing, to determine effects on the business environment.

• Use terminology commonly associated with business.

• Distinguish among business functions by comparing various forms of business organizations and examining responsibilities of commerce.

• Utilize research results to analyze international trade for its impact on commerce.

• Compare several business financial statements to make business decisions.

• Analyze protection options against risk and financial loss for commerce and consumers.

• Illustrate the process involved in developing a budget.

• Create financial records fundamental to business.

• Demonstrate proper safety procedures needed in the workplace.

• Analyze legal issues related to government regulations of commence for the effect on consumers.

• Differentiate among risks involved in operating a business.

• Demonstrate an understanding of marketing concepts.

• Utilize various forms of communication and technology in the successful pursuit of employment.

FBLA:  Students are encouraged to join Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA).  FBLA meets monthly before school and helps develop individual potential, leadership skills, and serves the community through service projects. Dues are $25 per year. 

Accommodations are made for students with special needs.

Essential Questions to Accomplish During Course

← What makes an entrepreneur or employee successful?

← Is there ever an ethical justification for violation of the law?

← What communication qualities do successful business community leaders possess and practice?

Course Outline (subject to change)

|Week |Chapter |COS |

|Wk 1 | Chapter 1 :: Economic Decisions and Systems | |

|Wk 2 | Chapter 2 :: Economic Activity | |

|Wk 3 | Chapter 3 :: Business in the Global Economy | |

|Wk 4 | Chapter 4 :: Social Responsibility of Business and Government |6, 15 |

|Wk 5 | Chapter 5 :: Business Organization |19 |

| |Chapter 9 :: Career Planning and Development | |

|Wk 6 | Chapter 6 :: Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management |5, 7, 8, 9, 10 |

|Wk 7 | Chapter 7 :: Management and Leadership |3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10 |

|Wk 8 | Chapter 8 :: Human Resources, Culture and Diversity |1, 2 |

|Wk 9 | Chapter 19 :: Savings and Investment Strategies | |

|Wk 10 | Chapter 10 :: Marketing |18 |

|Wk 11 | Chapter 11 :: Business and Technology |1 |

|Wk 12 | Chapter 12 :: Financial Management |11, 12, 1,3, 14 |

|Wk 13 | Chapter 13 :: Production and Business Operations |16, 17 |

|Wk 14 | Chapter 14 and 20 :: Risk Management and Insurance |11, 12, 13, 14, |

| | |15, 16, 17 |

|Wk 15 | Chapter 15 :: Consumers in the Global Economy | |

|Wk 16 | Chapter 16 :: Money Management and Financial Planning | |

|Wk 17 | Chapter 17 and 18 :: Banking and Financial Services and Consumer Credit | |

|Wk 18 |Final Exam Review and Final Exam | |

Program Goals

To enable students to choose a career path which is aligned with courses to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for post-secondary study and entry-level employment in the areas of finance and business, management, and administration.

← To encourage critical thinking skills

← To promote educational values including economic understanding and consumer competencies

← To promote character growth and development including human relations, good work habits, positive attitudes, and ethical standards

← To provide a realistic understanding of the work environment

← To enhance employability skills

← To reinforce basic skills in such areas as communication, mathematics, and technology

← To stimulate interest in career development

← To foster an appreciation of the free enterprise system

Classroom Rules

← Be on time, prepared, responsible, and respectful.

← Come prepared to class with an attitude to learn and participate.

← Respect me, fellow classmates, and school equipment.

← Insubordination, disrespect, and nonparticipation are not acceptable and will result in disciplinary actions.

← Talking is neither permitted nor acceptable while instruction is taking place.

← You must be in your seat when the bell rings and logged in or you are tardy.

← Check daily assignment and commence activities when the bell rings.

← Instruction is from bell to bell.

Classroom Procedures and Expectations

← Take notes from lectures, presentations, and from reading assignments.

← Course is “hands-on” and requires the students to work independently after receiving instruction.

← Raise your hand to speak and ask questions, do not callout.  Only one person speaks at a time.

← When the tardy bell rings class commences.  We work bell-to-bell.

← Upon entering the room, log in and commence assigned tasks.

← No working on other class assignments during my class; nor pending assignments for this course without prior approval.  If caught, the material is mine.

← Heads are not to be placed on the countertops. 

← One restroom pass per term (9-week).

← Sleeping is not permitted nor tolerated.  Disciplinary action will be administered.

← When you finish assignments early during class, recheck your work, start on any pending projects, or practice mastery of tools.

← Students are presented the material at the beginning of the class period and work independently to complete. The instructor’s role is that of a facilitator to assist the student.

← Submit all assignments in the respective basket.  Make sure your name, date, and class period are marked in the manner instructed. 

← No gum, food, beverages, snacks, hats, hair combing, grooming, or applying makeup in classroom or during class time.

← Keep your work area in order. Dispose of paper in receptacles; return materials to designated area, place chairs under the table upon dismissal, keep the aisle clear at all times, place book bags/purses under the workstation.

← No lining up at the door.  I will dismiss you when the bell rings.

← Cell phones and other electronic devices are to be turned off and not visible. Electronic infractions will results in disciplinary action. A clock is available on the wall and on your computer to check time.

← No electronic devices may be plugged or attached to the units unless for instructional usage and approved by the instructor.

← If an interruption occurs during class time (visitor, telephone call, etc.) continue working as if the interruption had not occurred.  If we are not at a point where you may continue the task at hand, practice mastery of tools.

← Detention is assigned for misbehavior, insubordination, tardiness, and not completing assignments, along with infractions of classroom procedures and expectations. Detention will be served on the assigned time and date. Failure to serve a detention will result in a referral.

← Cheating is not tolerated and is punishable in accordance with the handbook and code.  No credit will be given. 

← Marking, defacing, and destroying equipment (including CD and floppy drives), the classroom, and classroom supplies will result in detention, a referral to the office, loss of computer privileges, and/or compensation to the Business Department at SHS to repair and/or replace the damage.

← Computers are to be used only when directed for course work. NO PLAYING GAMES OR SOCIAL NETWORKING.

← All rules in the Student Code of Conduct and Student Acceptable Computer Usage Agreement apply.

← Log on using your name only.  Never give your password out. Infraction will result in loss of computer privilege and administrative disciplinary action.

← You are responsible for misuse and actions performed under your log on and password. See technology usage agreement for additional conditions.

← Diskettes, CDs, jump/thumb drives, and usage of other programs not on the computer or server are prohibited.  Printing other work is not permitted without prior approval by the instructor.

← Computer fraud, hacking, trespass, theft, illegal or unethical behavior, or tampering with files, documents and another individual’s computer is prohibited and punishable in accordance with this syllabus, the handbook, and code.

← Do not modify/change the settings on the computer.  If they have been changed, notify me immediately.

← Absences—follow the handbook and code.  It is your responsibility to make up missed work.  It is your responsibility to obtain the assignment and/or worksheet/handout. See homework below.

Assessment

|Sparkman HS |

|Grading Scale |

|100 – 90 |A |

|  89 – 80 |B |

|  79 – 70 |C |

|  69 – 60 |D |

|  59 – 0 |F |

← Makeup work will be accomplished before/after school.  If time permits, you may commence your makeup work after completing the daily assignments.  Make-up tests are given before school in Room 113.  You will need to schedule a date and time with me.  It is your responsibility.  All makeup work (assignments and tests/quizzes) is to be completed within two (2) weeks from the date of absence, unless other prior arrangements are made with me. 

← Homework is due the next day after being assigned unless prior arrangements have been made. 

← Tests and quizzes may be given at anytime with and without notice.

← Grading system and scale in accordance with the handbook and code (nine week grades: 60% tests and quizzes and 40% daily work), or as deemed appropriate by the Business Department, which may change during the course of the year. Semester grades are based upon 40% for each nine-week period, and 20% for the final exam.

← Grades are based upon homework, assignments, tests (chapter and unit), quizzes, bringing supplies to class, binder, participation, projects, and simulations.  Projects and simulations count as weighted test grades.  Quizzes, tests, projects, simulations, etc. may be given at any time, with and without notice.  You can expect regular quizzes over terminology, procedures, etc. Assignments and projects will be individual and group based.

← Record all grades/assignments on the grade sheet provided. 

← Tutoring is available before school. Please see me for a pass.

← If you have a concern regarding a grade, procedure, policy, etc., please ask to schedule a time to meet and discuss the same.  We will not discuss the matter during or between classes.

← Parental conferences are scheduled before and after school and during planning period. Contact may be made via email to: cdthrower@madison.k12.al.us or by telephoning the school at 256-837-0331, Ex 113.

← Course/classroom is conducted in a business-like manner.  Your grade is your paycheck. 

← You are responsible for your behavior and actions in my classroom.  You have the power and ability to make choices.  Make wise decisions.

← Lastly, and not of the least importance, I expect you to succeed!  I look forward to a wonderful and exciting semester.

Credentialing/Testing

Students who successfully complete a Career Pathway in the Business Academy are encouraged to take an industry certification test to validate masterly of skills.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RECEIPT

AND AGREEMENT TO

COURSE SYLLABUS GOVERNING

CLASSROOM RULES, PROCEDURES, AND EXPECTATIONS

I, ______________________________, a student enrolled in Business Essentials, have read and understand the classroom rules, procedures and expectations for Business Essentials. I, _________________________________, the parent/guardian of the aforementioned, have read and understand the classroom rules, procedures, and expectations for Business Essentials.

Parent/Guardian E-mail:_________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian daytime telephone number: ________________________________

_________________________________ _____________________________

Student’s Signature Parent/Guardian’s Signature

Dated:____________________________

Thank you for your support. I look forward to an exciting and successful semester. Please return signature page on/by Friday, January 20, 2012!!!! Mrs. Thrower

Just a Reminder: A $30 fee is due by the end of the first week of class, if not paid during registration. The fee covers printing supplies for the course. Make checks payable to SHS—include DL # on check and a phone number. Thank you for your support.

Do not miss out! Join FBLA NOW!! Dues $25. Make checks payable to SHS; please include a phone number.

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(Parent/Guardian’s Name Printed)

(Student’s Name Printed)

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