Business and Information Technology

Business and Information Technology Business and Information Technology, an essential part of the total high school curriculum in Newport News, is designed for students interested in pursuing careers in the business and information technology occupations. Cooperative education is a structured method of combining secondary education with practical work experience. Research indicates that employers value job experience in their newly-hired workers. A cooperative education experience, commonly known as a "co-op", provides academic credit for structured job experience. Cooperative education is taking on new importance in helping young people to make the school-to-work transition, service learning, and experiential learning initiatives. Cooperative Office Education (COE) is a teaching method. The following occupational courses listed are eligible for the cooperative education method of instruction: Accounting, Advanced Accounting, Finance, Business Management, Computer Information Systems (CIS), Advanced CIS, Design, Multimedia, and Web Technologies. COE includes supervised, on-the-job training where the sponsor develops an individualized training plan identifying learning experiences according to the student s occupational objectives. The on-the-job instruction is an extension of the classroom instruction coordinated by the classroom teacher-coordinator into a single learning package.

COE benefits business students by Combining a business course with preparation for employment, plus an additional credit toward graduation Enabling students to learn firsthand about various systems and functions in the workplace Making it possible for students to earn pay for a minimum 15 hours per week as part of their high school program Developing desirable personal and social competencies required for career success Offering work experience while in high school so that employment after graduation will lead to higher pay and opportunities for promotions.

COE benefits employers in the business/industry community by Keeping them in touch with a dependable, ongoing source of trained office employees Helping to eliminate the try out or orientation period usually necessary when inexperienced full-time workers are employed Bringing the COE Teacher-Coordinator into the business/industry to serve as a consultant on training needs Enabling employers to contribute to the technical education and orientation of their future employees Providing the satisfaction of helping young men and women get started in their careers.

Credit for on-the-job training valuable work experience 1 + 1 = 2 credits Opportunity benefits for students early release from school earn a wage extra hours = extra pay (summer/holiday) Experience in Future Business Leaders of America participate in FBLA activities compete in FBLA activities The Newport News Public School Division does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, creed, marital status, age or disability in its educational programs and activities.

Business Course Descriptions Accounting Students study the basic principles, concepts, and practices of the accounting cycle. Students learn fundamental accounting procedures using a manual and an electronic system. Advanced Accounting Students gain in-depth knowledge of accounting procedures and techniques used to solve business problems and make financial decisions. Students use accounting and spreadsheet software to analyze and interpret business applications. Business Management (Virtual Enterprise) Students explore the roles of business and marketing in the free enterprise system and the global economy. Students study how the American economy operates and prepare to make decisions as consumers, wage earners, and citizens. Students may participate in Virtual Enterprise VA a method of instruction in simulated business operation. Computer Information Systems Students apply problem solving skills to real-life situations through word processing, spreadsheet, database and presentation software, and through integrated software activities. Students work individually and in groups to explore computer concepts, operating systems, and emerging technologies. Completion of this course will prepare students for industry certifications. Advanced Computer Information Systems Students apply problem solving skills to real-life situations through advanced integrated software applications. Students work individually and in groups to explore telecommunications and networking. Completion of this course will prepare students for industry certifications. Design, Multimedia, and Web Technologies Students develop proficiency in creating desktop publications, multimedia presentations/projects, and websites incorporating principles of layout and design using industry standard application software. Students design portfolios that may include business cards, newsletters, minipages, web pages, multimedia presentations/projects, calendars and graphics. Completion of this course will prepare students for industry certifications. Finance Students will explore many facets of financial decision-making involved in daily life: money management, record keeping, banking, insurance and credit. The course also includes basic concepts of economics and the financial and monetary aspects of business enterprises, banking institutions, and other organizations.

Key Terms Training station: the community business providing practical work experiences in business and information technology related jobs approved by the Business teacher-coordinator. Teacher coordinator: the regular member of the school staff who is responsible for operating and administering the Business and Information Technology program. The term coordinator defines the responsibility for combining the Business and Information Technology classroom study with on-the-job activities which take place at the job site. Job Sponsor: the person at the student s training station responsible for training, supervising and providing practical work experiences for the studenttrainee. Training Agreement: outlines the responsibilities of all parties involved in the training of the cooperative education the student trainee, the employer, the parents or guardians, and the teacher-coordinator. Training Plan: an informal contract between the training sponsor, the studenttrainee and the teacher-coordinator to identify the job tasks appropriate for each student. The training sponsor provides as many on-the-job occupational experiences as possible. The teacher-coordinator, by knowing the tasks assigned to the student and training provided by the training sponsor, can then provide related classroom instruction. Wages and Hours: students in the cooperative program are responsible for reporting their wages and hours to their teacher-coordinator each month. A production report form is provided for recording data.

Employment Responsibilities 1. Play fair with your employer. Arrive at work on time. Go to lunch and/or dinner on time and return on time; another employee's schedule is dependent on yours. 2. Place and receive no personal telephone calls on the business phone or during business hours. 3. Do not entertain friends or family while working. 4. Do your share of all work. 5. Be willing to work after hours occasionally, if necessary. 6. Do not gossip; be a professional employee. 7. Learn to move and work quickly. 8. Do not ask favors of your supervisor. 9. Keep your voice well modulated; you are in a business setting. 10. Do what you are asked to do without asking needless questions; policies are made for the good of the group. 11. Do not converse with other employees while customers are waiting. 12. Do not rush to lunch and/or dinner and leave customers waiting. 13. Accept criticism pleasantly. 14. Make yourself valuable by trying other jobs if asked. 15. Do not suggest a former employer's methods on the new job. 16. Do not be jealous of other people's promotions; work harder. 17. If absence or tardiness is unavoidable, call the employment office or other appropriate person as early as possible. 18. Loyalty means that you do not disclose confidential information, you do not criticize your company, and you do not leave the company without giving ample notice. 19. Honesty applies to time, money, merchandise, and reputations. 20. Demonstrate a positive attitude.

Future Business Leaders of America The Role of FBLA in COE Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) education association of students preparing for careers in business and business-related fields. The Association has four divisions: FBLA for high school students FBLA Middle Level for junior high, middle and intermediate school students PBL for postsecondary students Professional Alumni Division for business professionals, educators and parents, who support the goals of the Association. The FBLA-PBL Mission is to bring business and education together in a positive working relationship through innovative leadership and career development programs. FBLA-PBL is headquartered in Reston, Virginia, and organized on local, state and national levels. Business teachers/advisers and advisory councils (including school officials, business people and community representatives) guide local chapters. State advisers and committee members coordinate chapter activities for the national organization. Through participation in local, state and national activities, FBLA members develop a better understanding of the business and information technology world, increase awareness of their civic obligations, and develop leadership skills. Future Business Leaders of America, the student organization for Business, increases the work of COE by Providing expanded opportunities to develop business skills Preparing students to hold office, direct groups, and work with other student organizations Providing stimulating competitive events in business Promoting awareness of social and economic responsibilities Developing the qualities of business and civic leadership.

Dress Code Students should following the dress code provided to them by their training station. If there are no dress code policies, students should dress in a presentable and professional manner at all times. All students are required to dress in a professional, business-like manner while attending, field trips, banquets and competitive events. Business attire for males includes a dress shirt and tie, dress pants and dress shoes. Attire for females includes a dress, dressy blouse, appropriate skirt length, stockings, and dress shoes. Clothing made from denim and athletic shoes are NEVER worn in a professional setting.

Grading Rubric 80% Instructional Course (in the class) 20% Cooperative Education (on the job) Create a Student Portfolio (resume, cover letter, practice interview, career assessment) Interview Log (attach Introduction Card after speaking with employer about Cooperative Education program) Date of Interview Location Follow-up date or contact by teacher Outcome Researching and contacting potential employers (attach list of contacts, at least 3 contacts per scheduled business/marketing class block) Applications Log (attach completed applications, 1 per scheduled business/marketing class block) Date of Inquiry Potential Employer Phone Number of Employer Date of Turned In Completed application Practice Interviewing Skills (attach a written copy of answers) Complete a Career Assessment (attach results) ( Use district example provided) Two weeks notice attached if a student is leaving a job. Student must follow the guidelines of securing employment at another training station.

Student Handbook NEWPORT NEWS PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEWPORT NEWS, VIRGINIA