Business Education/DECA

Business Education

Business Course Descriptions
Computer Literacy: 9th Grade
This course is designed so students learn the computer keyboard, as well as develop accuracy and speed. Students will learn to use Microsoft Word in the process of creating meaningful documents for college and beyond including reports, letters, envelopes, outlines, title pages, memos and more. A reference manual will be made for future use. Students will also have the opportunity to learn the basics of PowerPoint, and Excel.

Computer Applications: Grades 10-12
This course provides an opportunity for students to learn how to create a web page (FrontPage), work extensively with spreadsheets (Excel) and create databases (Access).  Students will use the Internet, e-mail, a scanner, a digital camera, and a CD burner.  PowerPoint and Microsoft Word will be used to create multi-media projects and presentations.

Consumer Education: Grades 11-12
This course is about using our resources wisely by becoming wiser consumers. Students will learn to manage a checking account, establish and manage their personal credit, explore alternative forms of investing, the process involved in purchasing a car, how to managing risk, how to save, how to create a personal budget, how to calculate finance charges to see if they are really getting a deal, and how to file a tax return. Students will also learn what to do and where to go if they find they have been ripped off and become aware of resources and laws designed to protect the consumer. Regardless of where you go after high school, this class will help any student by teaching them practical personal finance concepts and skills.

Sales and Marketing: Grades 11-12
This course is about understanding what a huge role marketing plays in our world today. Through hands-on activities, projects and guest speakers, students will become familiar with concepts necessary in understanding how marketing affects individuals and businesses every day.

DECA
DECA is a program that gives students interested in sales and marketing hands-on experience by managing a full-fledged business, the Hill-Murray Trading Post.  Beginning as a cocurricular activity in 2007-08, DECA will become a course for academic credit in 2008-09.  The program allows students to develop real-life business skills such as:

Sales and marketing strategies
Merchandising techniques
Pricing strategies
Profitability analysis
Inventory management
Accounting practices

Why DECA at Hill-Murray?
DECA supplies an opportunity for hands-on learning so that members can put into practice the concepts learned in the classroom. The organization focuses on four major areas including Vocational Understanding, Civic Consciousness, Social Intelligence and Leadership Development. These key areas are represented by the four points of the DECA diamond emblem.

In short, DECA enriches each student’s academic experience and life skills as they prepare to be life-long learners and leaders in their chosen careers and communities. This type of learning environment has proven to be more effective than instruction in the traditional classroom alone.It teaches students valuable skills which are important in social development and highly sought after by both colleges and employers.

Expectations for DECA members:

1. Be in good standing in school and have an above average attendance record.
2. Attend the DECA summer training (12 sessions)
3. Attend the DECA District Conference held in January
4. Attend the DECA end of the year recognition session.
5. Maintain high moral ethical standards when dealing with others in school and our community.
6. Pay $135 registration fee that covers the District Conference, the banquet and a sweatshirt by September

2007-2008 DECA
DECA will be offered as a co-curricular with the possibility of an academic letter. Students in grades 10-12 are encouraged to join.

2008-2009 DECA
DECA will be a regular course offering.


DECA Course Descriptions

0704 DECA MARKETING:   1 Semester 1 Credit
Elective for grades 11-12
Prerequisite: Sales and Marketing AND application for enrollment (available in room 126) are required.

This class will integrate the classroom experience with a variety of competitive events, and the operation of a school-based Pioneer Trading Post business.  The class will meet during the first semester to help you develop skills in the areas of sales, marketing, management, and merchandising as well as help you develop career skills. During this time you will learn necessary marketing concepts and skills and prepare for district competitions held in January. Students who advance to the state competition will compete again in March.  During the second semester you will work with student managers to run the school store.

NOTE: DECA students will meet periodically throughout the entire year.  Students wishing to participate in the store management program must register for both sections.  Training to run the school store is required for all DECA students and will be held prior to the start of the school year.

0705 DECA SCHOOL STORE MANAGEMENT:   1 Semester 1 Credit
As a school store manager you along with a select group of students will be in charge of running the store. Your duties will include staffing, managing inventory, conducting marketing research, making purchasing decision, and training other DECA students. You will also hold key roles in our Hill-Murray DECA chapter and assist in conducting periodic meetings.