CTE - Business Classes
Accounting I
We have had a successful start to the year in the business classes here at Central Lee. In Accounting I, we have learned the basic accounting principles and have been applying them to a service business called Delgado Web Services. We’ve learned how to analyze transactions into debit and credit parts, record them in a general journal, post them to a general ledger, control cash, prepare a work sheet, and develop an income statement and balance sheet.
We worked through an accounting simulation for Red Carpet Events. Students saw the entire accounting process through this simulation to deepen their understanding of accounting concepts.
To conclude the simulation, students completed an audit test over the simulation. This audit test would be very similar to what an actual auditor would complete—another real-life connection. Like anything, the students recognized that there were some good elements of the simulation and some things that could be improved. This was another extension of higher-order thinking skills to make this analysis.
This second semester is Accounting II and III. It is a continuation of the first semester, only looking at the accounting world through a corporation.
Winning the Money Game
Winning the Money Game I is another of my business classes. I am always very excited and passionate about teaching this financial literacy class and helping students become financially successful. This class is required for graduation for all students.
Some of the topics we’ve covered have been saving, budgeting, debt, credit, identity theft, life after high school, consumer awareness, bargain shopping, investing, retirement, insurance, careers, taxes, and giving. This well-rounded curriculum gives students the fundamental foundations to “Win the Money Game” during their lifetime. Between financial expert Adam Carroll, a very robust curriculum from UNI, and myself, we teach students how to be successful financially, how to become millionaires, and a lot about life and living along the way. In Winning the Money Game II and III, we look at financial literacy through the curriculum of Dave Ramsey and Next Gen Personal Finance.
The Winning the Money Game I class is now available for college credit. Students will have the opportunity to take a summative exam at the end of the class. Students who score above a certain threshold on the proctored exam from the University of Northern Iowa will garner three transferable university credits towards college requirements.
Introduction to Business Through Sports Marketing
This class has taken on a new name to entice more students into it. The class is still the same, but has taken on a new look. Students are exposed to various aspects of sports through the eyes of a sports team. They pick different sports teams to use throughout the class and follow them through the course of the activities. I also utilize the Teachers Pay Teachers website. Many good lessons come from this source, and the students seem to really enjoy the variety.
Entrepreneurship
The Entrepreneurship class has drawn many students to my room. It is a business elective that any student can take. It has the attributes of how to start a business, what makes a good business person, what makes a bad business person, and the characteristics of starting your own franchise or branching off on your own. By the end of the class, students can assess whether they will make good entrepreneurs. It’s a great class for those who want to get into the business world.
Advanced Marketing
Advanced Marketing is a new class in the past year for Central Lee. Students learn the marketing basics firsthand while creating a Marketing Notebook (electronic version) to capture their work throughout the semester. With each assignment, students add a page(s) to their notebook and then share it with me. Also, during the semester, students work on the electronic announcements, the senior slideshow, and any other items that teachers or administration would like done.