Career & Financial Management

Course Description:  (Unit 5-Resource Management will be emphasized during the Semester as extra credit.)

Students will identify the relationship between career planning and lifelong goals.  Students will perform a series of self-assessments to identify with career clusters that match their personal interests, values and abilities.  Students will become familiar with the job search process and identify with the preparation that is necessary to transition from the educational environment into a career.  This process includes preparing a resume, cover letter, follow-up letter, identifying & practicing interview skills and acquisition of career related information.  Students will develop skills in communication, critical thinking and decision-making to ensure successful employment opportunities.

Students will study a wide range of financial areas that include managing finances & budgeting, comparing & contrasting a variety of financial institutional services and prepare sample state and federal income tax returns.  Students will learn to plan for financial security by identifying with investing alternatives such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, real estate and retirement & estate planning.  Students will understand the necessity of establishing & maintaining an excellent credit rating while evaluating various sources of credit, credit laws & FICO scores, responsibilities and the cost of credit.  Students will look at resource management which includes planning and goal setting for purchasing a car, renting vs. buying a home and maintenance of their resources. Students will identify with risk management which includes identifying with the different types of insurance (auto, home owners, renters, health & life insurance).   Last, students will identify with their rights & responsibilities as a consumer in our economic system.

Curriculum Map:    Click here for Adobe Acrobat format 

Course Requirements:

Textbook:  "Managing Your Personal Finances" by Joan S. Ryan

Notebook
Pens/Pencils

Handouts

Calculator
The above items are to be brought to class every day. (Calculator for certain units.)

Students will be expected to do daily assignments, complete homework, and participate in class discussions. Classroom activities will include group discussions, problem solving, and individualized instruction. Students are encouraged to work independently and assist others when appropriate.

Grading Scale:

Tests......................................................................................................................30%
Class work/Homework..................................................................................................30%Quizzes....................................................................................................................20%
Teacher Evaluation......................................................................................................20%

Tests:  Students retention of course content is assessed periodically, usually weekly. If a student plans to be absent, they should contact the teacher and arrange for the test to be taken three-school days from the date of absence.  A Final Exam will be administered.
 

Homework: Homework will be assigned, collected and graded.  All late work will be given one grade less for each day late up to 2 days. After 2 days the grade will be ‘0’.  If a student is absent or ill, they will have one week from the date of absence to make up all work.
 

Quizzes:  Student’s retention of course content will be assessed periodically and a grade will be given.  If a student plans to be absent, they should contact the teacher and arrange for the quiz to be taken before the date of absence.
 

Teacher Evaluation:  This subjective grade will include daily attendance, student behavior, classroom preparation, homework, daily work effort, and a notebook that should be updated daily and class participation.  (Preparation includes a student’s ability to bring required materials to class on a daily basis.)

Assignments: (Dates are subject to change; dates indicate the designated chapter examination.)