| Business Bytes By Barb | |
| A Newsletter for Business & Marketing Educators | May 2000 |
- In this issue...
New HS Graduation Requirements
Professional Development
Curriculum Documents Available
Multidisciplinary Courses Eliminated
College Freshman Hang In-for a While
IT Knowledge Pays Off
How to Write GREAT Email
Used Golf Balls
Six Steps To Effective Listening
NBEA Membership- New HS Graduation Requirements
The Indiana State Board of Education has adopted the proposed 40-credit high school graduation requirement for students who first enter high school in fall 2000. This class of students will graduate in the 2003-2004 school year. In adopting the rule, State Board members indicated that they will continue their review of graduation requirements and are likely, within the next few months, to begin gathering information from all interested parties about future increases.
The proposal includes the following requirements:
Language Arts 8 credits
Social Studies 4 credits
Mathematics 4 credits
Science 4 credits
Additional credits in the areas above or in technology competency
2 credits
Health and Safety 1 credit
Basic Physical Education 1 credit
Electives 16 credits
Total 40 credits
These requirements recognize both the need for academic preparation
and the importance of technology. While State Board members encourage
schools to include technology competency as a local graduation
requirement, the new state minimums include this area as an option.
Although the minimum credit requirements in English, social studies,
mathematics, and science remain the same as they have been for
several years, the State Board of Education has systematically
reviewed courses in these areas and has eliminated "general"
courses that either repeat academic work that should have been
completed at the middle or junior high school level or that do
not qualify a student to enter Core 40 courses. Remedial help
will be available for students who need assistance, but subject
area credit will be given only for courses that meet high school
competencies.
The technology competency requirement may fulfilled by completing
courses from the following:
Computer Applications
Computer Applications, Advanced
Computer Keyboarding/Document Formatting
Computer Programming
Business Technology Lab I
Business Technology Lab II
Computerized Accounting Services
Computer Operations/Programming
Introduction to Computer Applications
Computer Graphics
Communications Processes
Technology Systems
Two (2) credits in business technology, family and consumer sciences,
technology education, or vocational-technical courses having
predominately technology content taught through a project-based
approach. The technology competency requirement may also be met
by completing a student project that addresses individual, workplace,
or community needs and demonstrates specific competencies.
The social studies requirement shall include two (2) credits
in United States history, one (1) credit in United States government,
and one (1) credit in another social studies course or in global
economics or consumer economics.
A minimum of two (2) credits of the mathematics requirement shall
be from the mathematics area of study. Two (2) credits may be
from business technology, family and consumer sciences, technology
education, or vocational-technical courses having predominately
mathematics content.
A minimum of six (6) credits of the language arts requirement
shall be from the English language arts area of study and is
to provide a balance of writing, reading, listening, speaking,
grammar, literature, and media studies. Two (2) credits may be
from business technology, family and consumer sciences, technology
education, or education, or vocational-technical courses having
predominately language arts content. For students who successfully
complete a Level III foreign language course, two (2) credits
of the language arts requirement may be waived.
Please note that these substitution options apply only to the
minimum graduation requirements and not to the specific course
requirements for Core 40 and the Academic Honors Diploma.
Excerpts from Memorandum from Jeffrey P. Zaring, State Board
of Education Administrator January 21, 2000.
- Professional Development
There are a number of professional development workshops scheduled during the next few months for Business Technology and Marketing Educators. A brief description of the various workshops is provided in this newsletter. If you would like to register, please fill out the necessary registration form.
- Minibasket/In-Basket Workshops
Plans have been made to conduct two workshops this year. On June 5-8, the workshop will be in Evansville and on July 10-14 in Indianapolis. The purpose of the workshops will be to prepare project-based learning activities for your classroom based on examples and real world situations from business and industry. This is your opportunity to get involved and develop projects that you can use in your classes! You will work in teams of two or three, and all work should be completed during the workshop. A small stipend, travel, and lodging will be paid. Registration is limited to 15 participants per location. See the enclosed registration form for more information. College credit is available.
- Internet User's Guide
On July 31-August 4, we will conduct a workshop to develop Internet activities for your classes. Teachers will work in groups of two to develop activities and projects for use in classes such as law, marketing, business foundations, international business, computer applications, career planning and success skills, entrepreneurship, etc. This workshop is limited to 10 individuals. Knowledge of Internet is required. A small stipend, travel, and lodging will be paid. See enclosed registration form to register. College credit is available.
- MOUS Certification Workshop
The five-day MOUS Workshop conducted July 24-28 at Avon High School includes 32 hours of instruction with lecture and hands-on lab practice and assessment. Attendees must have a sound working knowledge of Microsoft Office 95 or 97. The Word, Excel, Access, and Powerpoint 2000 classes begin at the Intermediate level. Basic skills will not be covered during this one-week training. All participants will be required to completed a simulated self-paced Office 2000 CBT (computer based training) program prior to attending the workshop. This CBT will cover the required basic Office 2000 skills. Participants will also take the certification exams on site. Upon completion of the course, attendees will be MOUS certified and will be encouraged to offer MOUS certification to students at their schools. Enrollment is limited to 55; only 20 slots are still available. Registration forms may be obtained on the web site www.doe.state.in.us/octe/bme. Click onto Professional Development.
- Minibasket/In-Basket Workshops
Marketing Educators' Academy
The Indiana marketing Educators'Academy will be held June 12-16
in Indianapolis. The purpose of the Academy is to prepare marketing
teachers to implement competency- based instruction and mastery
learning in their classes. Lodging and most meals will be provided
through IDOE. If you are planning to teach a full year marketing
class next year, you should consider enrolling in the Academy.
The first-year class will meet for only three days. College credit
is available. We still have four slots available. If you are
interested, click onto Academy
info or contact Barb Beadle.
Novell Summer Classes
Ivy Tech State College and Novell Education are co-sponsoring
several Teacher Training sessions for Novell Education Academic
Partner (NEAP) schools at the Indianapolis Campus of Ivy Tech.
The training will cover the Novell NetWare 5.1 Administration
course. The half-day session on Saturday will cover classroom
installation and setup procedures.
Participants that attend this course and pass the certification
exam at the Instructor passing score or above will earn the Certified
Novell Administrator designation as well as the Novell Authorized
Instructor designation.
The training dates are:
June 19-24, Monday-Saturday
July 17-22, Monday-Saturday
August 7-12, Monday-Saturday
For more information, contact Alan Rowland at arowland@ivy.tec.in.us.
If your school is not a NEAP, instructions for the NEAP program
can be found at http://education.novell.com/neapinfo/sec.htm.
The forms necessary to become a NEAP are located at http://education.novell.com/neapinfo/forms.htm.
If you have additional questions about the NEAP program requirements,
you can contact Novell and ask for
Audrey Kemp of Janna Penrose at 1 800 233-EDUC, Option 6, then
Option 2. You can also send questions via email to NEAP_
Admin@novell.com. This is an excellent opportunity to continue
to upgrade your Business Technology Department by becoming a
NEAP location and a Novell Authorized Instructor.
- Business & Marketing Conference
The Business and Marketing Education Fall Conference will be held November 17-18, at the Adam's Mark Hotel in Indianapolis. Emphasis 2000: New Courses, Content, and Curriculum, Part III, Practical Applications, will be the theme of the conference. Since schools have adopted new textbooks for 2000-2001 as well as developed new curriculum, we will be presenting topics on practical applications and ideas that can be used in the classroom as part of the new curriculum. Mark these dates on your calendar and plan to attend. This is an important meeting for all business and marketing teachers! You will receive registration information the latter part of September.
- Curriculum Documents Available
Just another reminder that the 2000-2001 school year will require that all schools offer
the new course titles for Business Technology Education . The course titles have been approved by the Indiana State Board of Education . For information, access www.doe.state.in.us/octe/bme. Click onto Curriculum. You may also access the content standards and performance expectations for each course at that site.
- If you are interested in receiving a more detailed curriculum document which includes instructional strategies, assessment strategies, and supplementary resources, you may purchase a hard copy for $10 and a CD for $5. Make checks payable to IBEA, and send to the attention of Barb Beadle at IDOE.
- Multidisciplinary Courses Eliminated
Although this was discussed in the January newsletter, I have received numerous calls regarding the elimination of Computer Programming and Computer Applications from the multidisciplinary courses.
A computer endorsement does not qualify teachers to teach Computer Applications, Computer Programming, or Keyboarding as part of the Business Technology offerings. Remember, a course waiver from the Indiana Department of Education must be obtained if any teacher other than a certified business teacher teaches any of the above courses. A waiver application may be obtained by contacting Anita Preddie, DOE Administrative Assistant, at 317 232-9131. If you have questions, contact Barb Beadle.
- College Freshman Hang In-for a While
The percentage of college freshmen who drop out of school before sophomore year has declined since 1996, according to a recent study. At the same time, however, the rate at which undergraduates ultimately complete their degrees has reached an all-time low.
- The annual ACT Inc. study of about 2,400 two- and four-year institutions shows freshman dropout rates at 25.9 percent for four-year schools and 44.9 percent for two-year schools.
Meanwhile, the number of students completing a four-year degree within five years is at a record low 51.6 percent. The percentage of two-year college students graduating within three years is 37.5 percent, also an all time low. The percentage has been slipping for both groups since record highs in 1987.
"For some time, studies have shown the three primary reasons for students dropping out of college to be financial problems, inadequate preparation, and difficulty adapting to college life, " Wes Habley, director of the ACT Center for the Enhancement of Education, said in a statement." For more information or to read the entire study, visit www.act.org/news.
IT Knowledge Pays Off
The computer industry may be hot, but when it comes to having a great job that pays well, IT workers say it's no sweat. Average Wages for Computer-Related Occupations.
- • Engineering, mathematical, and natural science managers. Hourly: $32.99. Annual: $68,620.
• Computer engineers. Hourly; $27.21. Annual: $56.590.
• Systems analysts, electronic data processing. Hourly: $24.27. Annual: $50,490.
• Data administrators. Hourly: $23.06. Annual: $47,960.
• Computer support specialists. Hourly: $18.71. Annual: $38,920.
The rapid acceleration of computer and telecommunications technologies is a major reason for the appreciable increase in our productivity in this expansion, and is likely to continue to be a significant force in expanding standards of living into the 21st century." Alan Greenspan, Chairman, Federal Reserve Board.
- How To Write GREAT Email
Craft effective email messages by remembering GREAT.- • Goal. Make the email's purpose clear.
• Relevance. Include only necessary information. If you wouldn't call someone to tell them this, don't email them.
• Emotion. Set the right mood for your message.
• Action. Specify what you want the recipient to do.
• Time. Specify when you need a response.
Source: Customer Service for Dummies.
- Used Golf Balls
- Open your next lecture with this success story. Jim Reid, deep-sea diver turned "ball bandit," built a business retrieving golf balls from golf course water holes and restoring the balls for resale. In 1992, he sold his business for $5.1 million. He still has yet to play one round of golf.
- Six Steps to Effective Listening
Become a better listener with these suggestions from Listening in Everyday Life, by Michael Purdy and Deborah Borisoff.
1. Keep quiet. This often works better than asking questions because it signals that you're receptive and won't interrupt.
2. Don't lead. When you ask leading questions, you direct the conversation by suggestion what you want to hear–the opposite of what should occur.
3. Resist giving advice. Unless they ask directly, people expect you to listen, not tell them how to solve their problems.
4. Remain neutral. Don't approve or disapprove of–or agree or disagree with–what speakers say, no matter what you think of their values or opinions.
5. Don't react defensively. If what you hear bothers you, do whatever it takes– smiling, gritting your teeth, or mentally counting to 10 or 20 to avoid showing it.
6. Avoid cliches. Don't resort to meaningless statements such as "hang in there" or "keep your chin up." They do little except make speakers think you can't wait to get away from them.
Source: Shari Caudron, contributing editor, Workforce.
- NBEA Membership
- As a professional business educator, you should consider joining the National Business Education Association. Your membership dues provides you with a subscription to the Business Education Forum and Keying In. Both publications are excellent resources for business educators. Membership dues are $60; a membership form is enclosed. Why not do the professional thing? Join NBEA before summer break!
For information in this newsletter, contact
Barbara K. Beadle, Program Specialist
Business & Marketing Education
(317) 232-9179-office or (317) 232-9121-fax
email: bbeadle@doe.state.in.us
www.doe.state.in.us/octe/bme
- Curriculum Documents Available
