Hickman Mills School District

RUSKIN HIGH SCHOOL

Business and Finance Department

PERSONAL FINANCE SYLLABUS

Mrs. Linda Burton, Media Computer Lab Room 314                                                 

Business Teacher One-semester Class, 1/ 2 Credit

Lindabu@hickmanmills.org 

816-316-8348 Grade Levels: 10, 11, 12

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Personal Finance is a one semester course that teaches students how to understand and manage personal finances that are key to their future success.  The course content is designed to help the learner make wise spending, saving and credit decisions and to make effective use of income to achieve personal financial success.

RATIONALE

This one-semester course is based on the Missouri Personal Finance Competencies and presents essential knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about real world financial issues.  Students will learn how choices influence occupational options and future earning potential.  Students will also learn to apply decision-making skills to evaluate career choices and set personal goals.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

1. Income

• Identify components and sources of income
• Analyze how education, skills, economy, and career choices affect goals and income attainment
• Relate how taxes, government assistance and employee benefits affect income

1. Management

• Evaluate how choices can affect personal finance and how limited finance can affect those choices
• Summarize how inflation and economy can affect saving and spending decisions
• Determine how insurance (auto, home, car life and medical) and other risk-management strategies protect against financial loss
• Design a budget or financial plan for earning, spending, saving and investing
• Examine the services provided by financial institutions

1. Spending and Credit

• Compare the benefits and downsides of alternative spending
• Evaluate products and services
• Compare the different sources of consumer credit (credit cards and consumer, auto, home and student loans)
• Evaluate the terms and conditions of credit cards and consumer loans
• Evaluate the factors that affect credit

SUPPLIES NEEDED

School issued electronic device(s), notebook paper, pen and/or pencil

INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCES

Students will use various district approved resources:  Everfi, Edpuzzle, NGPF(New Generation Personal Finance),  B.E. Publishing materials, and some chapters from Introduction to Business, England, Dlabay and Burrow, 5th edition Textbook.

PREREQUISITES

NONE

Grading Scale

90%-100% A = Excellent

80%-89% B = Above Average

70%-79% C = Average

60%-69% D = Below Average

59% or less F = Failing

A six –week progress report will be issued to reflect the percentage in class.  For high school, semester grades are recorded on students’ transcripts and reflect letter grades and GPA.

Gradebook Categories and Breakdown

The total grade for the course will be broken into

Grade Dissemination and Communication

Students will learn of their grades from assignments and projects, weekly checkup, parent portal and district process.

Parents and students may expect to receive a return call to any messages and e-mails within one school day.  E-mail will generally allow for quicker response to any question.

Assignment Make up and Late work

Students will have assignments (in-class and projects) given with well-defined due dates.  All work is due on or before the due date.  Any work turned in after the due date takes the chance the grade will not be included in that grading period and 20% taken off after 1 week late, thereafter will be 50% taken off (unless Doctor’s excuse).   Some Projects and assignments are not able to be turned in late due to the nature of the assignment (approved exceptions may apply).  

DISCIPLINE ACTION PLAN

CLASSROOM RULES

GENERAL RULES

1. Respect others opinions and beliefs.
2. Be courteous to others (do not interrupt when others are speaking)
3. Keep a clean environment.

SPECIFIC RULES

1. I expect students to be inside the classroom and ready to work at designated class period time.
2. No food or drinks allowed at the computer station.
3. No loud talking across the classroom.
4. Take care of the equipment.
5. Listen to instructions carefully when given.

CONSEQUENCES IF STUDENT CHOSE TO BREAK A RULE

1. Student will receive tardy for the period; if a student chose to skip my class 7 times during the semester it will result in a failing grade, per 

administration.

2.   Student will place drinks, food and cellphones away in appropriate place upon entering the classroom.
3. After second warning for student talking loud across the classroom, I will have a short conference with student outside the classroom.
4. Students who carelessly or intentionally damage school property may be required to pay for all damages.
5. For missing instruction the first time, student will have to wait until complete instructions

are given to students that were in class on time before given special attention for specific details.

6. If misconduct continues a student will get a phone call to parent/guardian and if he/she still continues to disrupt instruction and the class he/she will get a written referral to administration.

REWARDS FOR POSITIVE CONDUCT

1. Students can use spare time to work on other class homework (when appropriate).
2. Students can use spare time to use the internet for school related projects.
3. Students can use spare time to read (i.e. books, newspapers, magazines).

STUDENTS:  I have read this classroom discipline plan and understand it.  I will honor it while in the classroom.

Signature _____________________________ Date ___________________

PARENTS:  My child has discussed  the classroom discipline plan with me.  I understand it and will support it.

Signature _____________________________ Date ____________________

TEACHER:  I will be fair and consistent in administering the discipline plan for this classroom.

Signature _____________________________ Date ____________________

** A copy of the signed discipline plan will be on file and can be viewed when necessary.

Hickman Mills School District

RUSKIN HIGH SCHOOL

Business and Finance Department

INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS SYLLABUS

Mrs. Linda Burton, Media Center Computer Lab Room 314                                               

Business Teacher One-semester Class, 1/ 2 Credit

Lindabu@hickmanmills.org 

816-316-8348 Grade Levels:  9, 10, 11, and 12

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Introduction to Business course is designed to introduce students to how business works in today’s society and to provide a  foundation for other business courses. Content includes business functions such as accounting, management,  marketing and other consumer issues regarding money and money management, banking system and services  and government’s role in business and technology in the business world.  

1. Communication and Interpersonal Skills

  1 Follow verbal and written instructions 

2 Employ good listening skills

3 Identify nonverbal communication techniques

4 Give verbal and written instructions 

5 Apply netiquette 

6 Explain how diversity impacts the workplace 

7 Identify appropriate workplace behaviors (e.g., awareness of issues relating to sexual harassment, business etiquette)

8 Identify and apply the decision-making process to a given situation

9 Identify unethical conduct and potential consequences 10 Differentiate between ethical and legal concepts 

B Economic Awareness 

1 Distinguish between goods and services 

2 Identify economic systems 

3 Classify economic resources 

4 Understand the basic economic problem 

5 Describe the relationship between supply, demand, and price 

6 Explain the effects of inflation and deflation

7 Describe the four phases of the business cycle 

1. Global Economic Awareness

1 Describe the influence of international trade on business

 2 Explain marketing and its importance on a global economy 

3 Describe the different ethical standards of various cultures 

4 Identify the impact of the global economy on consumers 

1. Employability Skills 

1 Identify why employment is important 

2 Assess individual interests and aptitudes 

3 Relate individual skills and interests to careers

4 Develop short-term and long-term career goals 

5 Complete a job application

6 Demonstrate interviewing skills

7 Describe appropriate ways to leave a job 

1. Entrepreneurship 

1 Identify the characteristics of a successful entrepreneur 

2 Match one’s individual characteristics and interests to those of a successful entrepreneur 

3 Explain the process of starting a new business 

4 Compare and contrast the rewards and risks of owning a business 

5 Identify the components of a business plan (e.g., description of company, description of service/product) 

COURSE OBJECTIVES (continued)

1. Consumer Decisions 

1 Identify wise buying practices 

2 Describe the stages of the buying process 

3 Use consumer resources to collect information for making buying decisions 

4 Explain the government’s role in consumer affairs (e.g., Federal Reserve, FDIC, State Attorney General’s Office) 

5 Identify the components of a guarantee, warranty, and consumer contract

6 Identify rights and responsibilities of consumers (e.g., following manufacturer’s directions, recourse for defective merchandise

1. Research Skills

1 Identify different types of written and on-line resources

2 Evaluate the credibility of resources

3 Research a given topic

4 Provide proper documentation of resources

1. Business Operations

1 Identify ways technology impacts business

2 Describe the importance of good customer service to business

3 Describe sources of income (sales, interest, rent, etc)

4 Explain the concept of marketing strategies

5 Describe the function of a manager in a business environment

SUPPLIES NEEDED

School issued electronic device(s), notebook paper, pen and/or pencil

INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCES

Students will use various district approved resources:  Everfi, Edpuzzle, NGPF(New Generation Personal Finance),  B.E. Publishing materials, and some chapters from Introduction to Business, England, Dlabay and Burrow, 5th edition Textbook.

PREREQUISITES

NONE

Grading Scale

90%-100% A = Excellent

80%-89% B = Above Average

70%-79% C = Average

60%-69% D = Below Average

59% or less F = Failing

A six –week progress report will be issued to reflect the percentage in class.  For high school, semester grades are recorded on students’ transcripts and reflect letter grades and GPA.

Gradebook Categories and Breakdown

The total grade for the course will be broken into

Grade Dissemination and Communication

Students will learn of their grades from assignments and projects through:  Google Classroom, Infinite Campus weekly checkup, parent portal and district process.  Parents and students may expect to receive a return call to any messages and e-mails within one school day.  E-mail will generally allow for quicker response to any question.

Assignment Make up and Late work

Students will have assignments (in-class and projects) given with well-defined due dates.  All work is due on or before the due date.  Any work turned in after the due date takes the chance the grade will not be included in that grading period and 20% taken off after 1 week late, thereafter will be 50% taken off (unless Doctor’s excuse).   Some Projects and assignments are not able to be turned in late due to the nature of the assignment (approved exceptions may apply).  

DISCIPLINE ACTION PLAN

CLASSROOM RULES

GENERAL RULES

1. Respect others opinions and beliefs.
2. Be courteous to others (do not interrupt when others are speaking).
3. Keep a clean environment.

SPECIFIC RULES

1. I expect students to be inside the classroom and ready to work at designated class period time.
2. No food or drinks allowed at the computer station.
3. No loud talking across the classroom or using profanity (this is a violation of school policy and will be handled by an administrator)
4. Take care of the district equipment.
5. Listen to instructions carefully when given.

CONSEQUENCES IF STUDENT CHOSE TO BREAK A RULE

1. Student will receive tardy for the period; if a student chose to skip my class 7 times during the semester it will result in a failing grade, per 

administration.

2.   Students will place drinks, food and cellphones away in appropriate place upon entering the classroom.
3. After a second warning for students talking loud across the classroom, I will have a short conference with student(s) outside the classroom.
4. Students who carelessly or intentionally damage school property may be required to pay for all damages.
5. For missing instruction the first time, student will have to wait until complete instructions

are given to students that were in class on time before given special attention for specific details.

6. If misconduct continues a student will get a phone call to parent/guardian and if he/she still continues to disrupt instruction and the class he/she will get a written referral to administration.

REWARDS FOR POSITIVE CONDUCT

1. Students can use spare time to work on other class homework (when appropriate).
2. Students can use spare time to use the internet for school related projects.
3. Students can use spare time to read (i.e. books, newspapers, magazines).

STUDENTS:  I have read this classroom discipline plan and understand it.  I will honor it while in the classroom.

Signature _____________________________ Date ___________________

PARENTS:  My child has discussed  the classroom discipline plan with me.  I understand it and will support it.

Signature _____________________________ Date ____________________

TEACHER:  I will be fair and consistent in administering the discipline plan for this classroom.

Signature _____________________________ Date ____________________

** A copy of the signed discipline plan will be on file and can be viewed when necessary.