Introduction to Business Math

SUMMARY:

This course provides the student with an introduction to the dynamic, exciting, and ever changing world of business. A few of the areas that will be explored are: Advertising and Marketing, Labor, Types of Resources, Careers, and Systems of Government. A variety of hands-on activities are planned including a simulation in the job search and development of an advertising plan.

EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENTS:

Students will be responsible for analysis of current labor issues, development of in-depth advertisements, and projects concerning their future in the work-place. This includes a mock interview.

ASSESSMENT:

Assessment will be based on participation, research, large and small hands-on projects, as well as other traditional methods that measure content and comprehension.

KEY STANDARDS:

Vital Results: 1.13 Listening: Clarification and Restatement, 2.2 Problem Solving Process, 3.10 Teamwork
Applied Business Math

SUMMARY:
This course is designed to strengthen the student's math skills needed for the world of business and personal finance. The course will cover areas such as: banking, personal money management,
budgeting, investments, and insurance.

EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENTS:
Students will be expected to work as individuals as well as in groups. Work will be completed both in and out of the classroom. Major expectations revolve around comprehension of mathematical formulas, basic use of the calculator, an in-depth investments project, and completion of a financial simulation.

ASSESSMENT:
Assessment is based on individual and team performance of work, participation, mathematical comprehension and mathematical computation. The students are expected to prepare large and small projects. Assessment will also be determined through traditional methods that measure content and comprehension.

KEY STANDARDS:
&Mac183; Vital Results: 2.8 Approach (Taking Risks), 2.12 Abstract and Creative Thinking (Flexibility), 3.7 Making Informed Decisions, 3.8 Personal Economics
&Mac183; Fields of Knowledge: 7.2 Inquiry, Experimentation, and Theory, 7.6 Arithmetic, Number, and Operation Concepts
Word Processing

SUMMARY:
This is an introductory course that begins with an extensive unit on keyboarding. After learning the keyboard, the students learn how to prepare documents such as letters, outlines, and reports while at the same time developing a working knowledge of word processing commands. Emphasis is placed not only on word processing techniques, but on developing reasonable typing speed and accuracy. The software used is Microsoft Word.

EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENTS:
Students will be expected to increase speed of word processing, properly format several types of documents, and understand the many offerings of Microsoft Word.

ASSESSMENT:
Assessment is based on individual performance of speed, accuracy, comprehension, and daily production of assignments.

KEY STANDARDS:
&Mac183; Vital Results: 1.3 Reading Comprehension, 1.4 Reading Range of Text, 1.13 Listening : Clarification and Restatement, 1.18 Information Technology: Research

0.5 Credit – Semester
Integrated Computer Applications


SUMMARY:
Each student will have an opportunity to explore computer applications such as database management, graphics spreadsheets, desktop publishing, and presentations. The exposure to this software will be presented so that the student understands how the use of this software can be of assistance in everyday life. The software used is Microsoft Office. Major areas of focus will be on EXCEL, POWERPOINT, AND WORD. Prior keyboard experience is required.

EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENTS:
Students will be required to master the major applications related to WORD, EXCEL, and POWERPOINT in Microsoft Office. Major expectations are related to formulas, charting, spreadsheet enhancement, and linking documents. A final project will consist of the development of a presentation linking WORD, EXCEL, and POWERPOINT.

ASSESSMENT:
Assessment will be based on the individual’s knowledge of Excel and Powerpoint.

KEY STANDARDS:
&Mac183; Vital Results: 1.17 Notation and Representation, 1.18 Information Technology, Research 1.20 Information Technology, Communication of Data, 1.22 Information Technology, Simulation and Molding
&Mac183; Fields of Knowledge: 7.2 Inquiry, Experimentation, and Theory Investigation, 7.6 Mathematical Understanding Arithmetic, number, and Operation Concepts

0.5 Credit – Semester
Technology Orientation

Level: All students are 9th graders

Technology Orientation is a program highly recommended for all in-coming 9th graders to familiarize them with the technological framework that exists at Montpelier High School. It will provide students with immediate information and instructional pieces of technology utilized at MHS. This hands-on knowledge and training will educate students in the ever-changing world of technology and serve as an essential tool in most of the classes they will take at MHS. In essence, this program will start students on an essential path towards advanced technological literacy.

Areas of Coverage

Network Orientation, Specific for MHS
Acceptable Use Policy
Logging Onto the MHS System
Saving/Storing: Folder Development and Organization
Accessing and Opening Saved Documents
Changing Passwords/Security

Groupwise Email
Sending, Receiving, Opening Email
Developing Folders for Organization and Proper Storage
Sending, Receiving, and Opening Attachments
Appropriateness of school email
Using the address book
Formatting Email: spell, grammar, and signature
Changing Passwords, Security

Proper & Accurate Research Methodology
Using the World Wide Web
Firefox
Narrowing Searches
Relevant Searches & Sites
Successful Search Engines
Proper & Accurate Research Methodology
Using Infotrack (Vermont Online Library) www.vtonlinelib.org
Student Editions
Journals, References, Articles
Printable Versions
Emailable Versions


Scanners, Digital Cameras, Video Cameras, Projector, Smartboard use
Scanning and Saving Photos
Editing/Altering Scanned images
Saving Scanned images
Taking Digital Photos
Storing, Saving, Editing Photos
Inserting Scanned images and digital photos
Shooting footage with video cameras
Editing & Capturing Footage
Transforming pictures using Photoshop
Editing using “Final-Cut” and Adobe Premier

Introduction and Effective Uses of: Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint
Saving Options
Printing Options
Document Set-up
Icon Use and Shortcuts
Menu Use and Taskbar Comprehension
Tracking Changes, Inserting Comments, and Editing Work
Development of Graphs & Charts
Formulas
Successful, Efficient, and Economical Presentations

Kurzweil
Advanced Scanning, Reading, and writing
An alternative for individuals with reading disabilities

Summary

Technology Orientation is a program highly recommended for all in-coming 9th graders to familiarize them with the technological framework that exists at Montpelier High School. It will provide students with immediate information and instructional pieces of technology utilized at MHS. This hands on knowledge and training will educate students in the ever so changing world of technology and serve as an essential tool in most of the classes they will take at MHS. In essence, this program will start students on an essential path towards advanced technological literacy.

Expectations for Students

Students will be responsible for the comprehension/understanding of the following: The MHS Technological Network, Groupwise Email, Proper and Accurate Research Methodology using the world wide web and the Vermont On-line Library, scanners, digital cameras, video cameras, projector use, and smartboard use. Effective use of the following: Microsoft Excel, Word, and Powerpoint. Knowledge of Kurzweil Advanced Reading and Writing Program.

Assessment

Students will be assessed through various hands-on projects that will be done both individually and in groups.

Key Standards:

Vermont Standards 1.18, 1.19, and 1.20
Students demonstrate proficiency in the effective use of technology by organization and navigation, copying and moving files and folders.

Working with Files: Creating a duplicate/backup document in another location

Vermont Standards 1.19, 1.20, 1.21, and 1.25
Students use technology/productivity tools to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity. Creating and manipulating a database, by entering, sorting, searching, finding, querying, and using multiple criteria

Vermont Standards 1.17, 1.19, 1.11, 5.15
Students demonstrate the use of a variety of media and formats to communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences.