Business

Grade Level: 10, 11, 12

Credits: 2

Term: 1 year

Grade Level: 10, 11, 12

Credits: 2

Term: 1 year

At KHS we offer the JA Economics program as a year-long class embedding consumer education issues. Therefore, this qualifies the class for the state requirement of consumer education as well as introducing students to Junior Achievement and business.

In JA Economics, students learn about the complexities of running a business in highly technical and competitive industries. Students analyze and discuss economic issues and devise solutions to various business situations. JA provides an easy-to-read textbook and study guide that applies to current economic conditions such as supply, demand, banking, stock markets, savings, investing, labor unions, sole proprietorship, partnership, corporations, and enterpreneurialism.

Each year, the students prepare for regional competition that tests their understanding of a company's production level, supply and demand of a product, and marketing and capital.

The consumer education issues that are discussed throughout the year include:

• payroll - the ability to calculate wages, salary, commissions, with mandatory and voluntary deductions
• fraud & identity theft - the ability to recognize various consumer fraud and identity theft issues and ways to prevent it
• banking - understand the banking system in the U.S. and the services offered to the consumer
• income taxes - understand the various taxes paid to the governmental agencies and refunds available
• checking accounts - the ability to reconcile a checking account
• rent vs. buying - understand the costs and consequences of renting and/or buying a home
• saving and investing - understanding the risks and rewards of various savings and investment plans.
  
  Along with several classrooms visitors, JA has a representative that brings "real life" into the classroom at least twice a month.

The Entrepreneurship class will educate students on the importance of entrepreneurship in our economy and the process of becoming an entrepreneur. The material covered includes basic economic principles such as:
 

* supply and demand for products
* marketing products
* financing
* competition
 

Also included in the material are the social, environmental and legal issues involved in the entrepreneurial process.

1st Semester concentrates on taking an idea for a product or business from stage one (the idea) to the final stages of opening a business or producing a product.

2nd Semester concentrates on marketing and managing a business.

There are individual and group projects completed throughout the year which include designing and developing a board game and designing promotional posters. We will have classroom speakers who will cover several subjects. There are franchisees owners, marketing executives, local entrepreneurs, and local business owners who will visit regularly.

The Boiler Shop, a school store, was organized by the Entrepreneurship class several years ago. You may purchase school supplies and spirit items at the Boiler Shop. All proceeds go to support a field trip to Chicago. A portion of their Amtrak fare is paid for from the proceeds of the Boiler Shop.