GRADE 9 EXPLORATORY – COURSE # BTX   Students will be introduced to word processing, spreadsheet and presentation applications, accounting, online business simulations, finance, law, marketing, management, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and mobile technology. Additionally, there is an overview of high-paying and high-demand job opportunities available in the field.

Students will be exposed to all areas of the Business Technology Trade. Students will continue to build on their word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation computer skills. Students will be further exposed to accounting, finance, office administration, and mobile technology.

Students will receive further training in the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel and PowerPoint),  financial literacy, business projects, information technology, and Accounting 1. They will be introduced to entrepreneurship using mobile simulations. Occupational safety will be introduced, as well as online safety and security. All sophomores will sit for the OSHA 10-Hour card.

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to pertinent marketing concepts and how they are impacted by them. The successful student will achieve the framework competencies listed below. Prerequisites for this include successful completion of the 9th-grade program.  Students will be introduced to the following topics: marketing concepts, marketing strategy, the impact of research on marketing, and developing effective marketing plans.

Students will receive intermediate training in the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint). They will be introduced to Accounting 2, retail operations, customer service, automated accounting using QuickBooks, and tax preparation using TurboTax. More independent work will be given to students to further all aspects of trade instruction. In the junior year, Business Technology students will begin to manage and operate the school store, reinforcing many of the marketing skills acquired previously. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to develop employability skills by working as aides in various offices throughout the building. Select students are chosen to work in the Reading Co-Operative Bank, where they receive additional training in financial literacy, in addition to teller training and hands-on customer service experience.

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to various aspects of business management.  It is the objective of this course to prepare students for work in an office setting by illustrating broad business terms as well as specific work behaviors that are intended to attain and maintain employment in such a setting. Prerequisites for this include successful completion of the 10th-grade program.  Students will be introduced to the following topics: Self-Esteem, Self-Development, Attitude, Image, Self-Management, Written Communication, Oral Communication, Nonverbal Communication, Communication Barriers, Listening Skills, Email Etiquette, Conflict Management, Business Meetings, Efficient Work Habits, Problem Solving, Customer Service, Diversity, Discrimination, Ethics, Looking for a Job, Applications and Interviews, Career Planning, Networking, Businesses, Entrepreneurship, Economics, Forms of Business Ownership, Management/Organizational Structure and Leadership.

Key Microsoft Office Suite skills will be reinforced. In addition, students will receive intermediate training in automated accounting utilizing QuickBooks. Economics is introduced. Accounting 3 is offered. Students will be expected to be able to successfully work both independently and in group settings. Students will be instructed in the use of collaboration software and cloud computing utilizing Google Drive. Students will continue to have the opportunity to develop employability skills and real life training by working as aides in various offices and departments throughout the building, as well as the Reading Cooperative Bank and the School Store.  Seniors will also complete comprehensive business plans of their choosing. Business Technology seniors are strongly encouraged to take advantage of Cooperative Education opportunities if they are qualified. Students can sit for the Microsoft Office User Exam.

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to pertinent legal concepts and how their lives are impacted by them.  Prerequisites for this include successful completion of the 11th grade program.  Students will be introduced to the following topics: the Constitution, Ethics, Enforcement, Crimes, Torts, Contracts, Bankruptcy, Labor and Property Laws.

DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.  Practice key leadership skills such as goal setting, consensus building and project management.  Students have the opportunity to compete in over 50 events that are either role-play based or presentations of written papers.  Events include the following business areas: marketing, finance, accounting, management, law and ethics, sports entertainment management, selling, hospitality and tourism, merchandising, franchising, entrepreneurship, consulting, and community-service based projects.