BIT GRADES 9-12
Accounting 1 (Grades 9-12)
Accounting 1 will provide students with a thorough background in the basic accounting procedures used to operate a business. The accounting procedures presented will also serve as a sound background for employment in office jobs and preparation for studying business in college. The software, QuickBooks Pro, is integrated into the course activities.
Accounting 2 (Grades 10-12) Dual Enrollment (ACC 111)
The Accounting 2 course builds on the foundation of Accounting 1. The course includes principles and practices, accounting systems for recording business transactions, and overview of the accounting cycle for service and merchandising enterprises, inventory systems, basic financial statements and cash control, receivables, and long-lived assets. Prerequisite: Accounting 1.
Business Computer Applications (.5 credit) (Grades 9-12)
This course is designed as an introduction to the use of computer applicatons and technology throughout high school, college, and future careers. A practical, project-based approach is used to provide students with a fundamental overview of the major Microsoft Office 2007 applications (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), as well as various desktop publishing and multimedia presentation tools. Students will gain valuable job skills as they learn how to effectively use each program, as well as how to apply it in a professional setting.
Entrepreneurship (Grades 10-12) Dual Enrollment (MGT 121)
This course enables students to develop a business plan for a small business. This course explores small business management and related accounting, financing, human resource, management and marketing concepts. At the completion of this course, each student will have produced a written business plan and delivered a presentation of that plan. Students will have the opportunity to represent our school in DECA (an Association of Marketing Students) and FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) competitions.
International Business (.5 credit) (Grades 9-12)
Globalization affects everyone. American consumers purchase products and services from countries around the world and should have an understanding of how globalization is changing the way companies do business. There is a vast array of employment opportunties in international business as a result of this phenomenon. American companies are making a tremendous effort to globalize and to compete in the world economy. Topics studied in this course will be explored through textbooks and Internet sources. This course gives students an opportunity to gain an understanding of the extremely complex issues in international business.
Introduction to Legal Systems (Grades 9-12)
This course is designed as a general introduction to various areas of law. Foundations of the law will be discussed, criminal and civil cases will be reviewed, and business law (specifically contract law) will be emphasized. A field trip to the Montgomery County Courthouse and the Montgomery County Correctional Facility is planned to enhance the learning of the course material. Additionally, attorneys, police officers, and other members of the legal discipline will share their experiences as guest speakers.
Investment Strategies: The Basics and Beyond (.5 credit) (Grades 10-12)
This course will take the confusion out of investing by learning how stocks, bonds, mutual funds, annuities, options, investment strategies, and evaluation and minimization of risk would benefit you in today's economy. A stock portfolio simulation will be used. Prerequisite: Personal Finance or Economics.
Marketing (Grades 9-12)
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of marketing and takes an integrated approach to learning key marketing concepts. Marketing functions are not presented as independent activities, but rather as a set of skills and knowledge that is combined with economics, finance, and career planning. Students will be exposed to marketing strategy and will develop their own marketing plan as part of an ongoing project throughout the semester. Communication and critical thinking skills are fostered through class discussion, presentations, group collaboration, and application of theories to real-life scenarios and case studies. Students will have the opportunity to represent our school in DECA (an Association of Marketing Students) and FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) competitions.
Media and Advertising: Creating Digital Excitement (.5 credit) (Grades 9-12)
This course will introduce students to the fields of advertising and commercial art through traditional approaches of marketing and use of digital tools. Concepts for projects developed with a focus on effective marketing will be brought to a digital presentation level through use of the computer and appropriate software. Example projects to be completed in this class are logo design, magazine and newspaper ads, billboard and bus stop ads, commercials, a public service campaign, and a full advertising/marketing campaign that includes all elements learned throughout the course. This course will serve as an introduction to careers in advertising from both the business/marketing perspective as well as the fields associated with commercial art and graphic design. This course is taught in conjunction with the Art Department.
Personal Finance (Grades 9-12)
This course is designed to assist students in the exploration of financial management. Students will discover new ways to maximize their earning potential, develop strategies for managing resources, explore skills for the wise use of credit, and gain insight into the different ways of investing money. Personal Finance will focus on hands-on activities centered on real-life financial decisions and problems. Topics to be covered include personal budgeting, banking and investing, tax preparation, and investment strategies.
Real Estate Principles (.5 credit) (Grades 9-12)
This course provides students with knowledge and skills needed to make an informed decision when purchasing a home. The course will cover the financial aspects of real estate investment and the practical aspects of home ownership. Activities will include exploration of potential investments on the Internet, visits to model homes, and study of the fundamentals of housing construction and maintenance. We will also explore the requirements and potential for a real estate career. This course is taught in conjunction with the Technology Education Department.
CAREER PATHWAYS
Career Pathways (.5 credit) (Grades 10-12)
This course will concentrate on the area of career and post-secondary readiness. Students will learn about career acquisition, retention, and advancement along with the exploration of continuing education options for their career choices. Students will complete personality and interest inventories and a working portfolio that will include recommendations, a resume, and cover letter. Students will also learn about networking, interviewing, and the application process for both careers and academics. Professionals from various career paths will speak with students. Students will also spend at least one day job shadowing someone in their chosen career area. This course serves as a prerequisite to participate in any of the senior year Internship experiences or the School-to-Work Cooperative Education course.
Internship - Education (Grade 12) Dual Enrollment (EDU 100)
This course examines educational thoughts and practice with an emphasis on present-day problems and issues. This program allows 12th grade students to be placed in an elementary school (or at the high school) in the Colonial School District to work with a cooperating teacher for a semester. Each intern travels to his/her host school three days a week and acts as an assistant to the regular classroom teacher, learning the ins and outs of the education field. Two days a week the interns explore the many facets of the teaching professional at PW. Transportation is not provided by the school district. Prerequisite: Career Pathways or Teacher Approval.
Internship - Pathways (Grade 12)
The Internship - Pathways course combines classroom study with a planned, supervised, practical work experience designed to develop the essential skills related to a career pathway. Students choosing to enroll in the internship program will be placed in unpaid, professional locations in order to explore or expand upon a field of interest. Interns are released from class four days per week to learn about the industry and the post-secondary training necessary to be successful. Interns will remain in class one day per week to reinforce personal growth, communication skills, and address any problems and/or potential conflicts. Students will receive assistance finding placements or they can find one on their own. This course is designed to meet the needs of students who will be seeking careers in professional or skilled areas requiring a 2- or 4-year college degree. Transportation is not provided by the school district. Students who can provide their own transporation to and from their internship will have the ability to explore a wider range of intership opportunities. Prerequisite: Career Pathways or Teacher Approval.
Internship - Human Services (Grade 12)
This program places 12th grade students in organizations designed to assist others with special needs. Students would choose to intern in assisted living centers, senior centers, or special needs classes. Interns will meet with the intership instructor once a week to reflect, develop an understanding of the needs, and reinforce relationships. Prerequisite: Career Pathways or Teacher Approval.
School-to-Work Co-Op (Grade 12)
This course enables seniors to combine classroom instruction with occupational instruction through learning on the job. Students who choose to participate in the Co-Op course will be placed in community businesses to learn employability skills through paid work experience four days per week. Co-Op students will remain in class one day per week to reinforce personal growth, communication skills, worker's rights and benefits, and any problems and/or potential conflicts on the job. This course is designed for students who will be seeking OJT (on the job training) or training in the area of skilled labor at a trade or career program. Job placement assistance will be available but in order to earn the required number of hours, it may be helpful for students to have a placement prior to enrollment. Transportation for co-op students is not provided by the school district. Prerequisite: Career Pathways or Teacher Approval.