Ben C. Rain high school
Program Name: Business, Management, & Administration
Course: PERSONAL FINANCE
2014—2015 SYLLABUS
Telephone: 221-3233
Ms. LaTasha Robinson, Instructor
E-mail: lrobinson3@mcpss.com
Prerequisite - None
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Personal Finance is a full-credit course. The course introduces students to the management of personal and family
resources to achieve personal goals and financial literacy. Content provides opportunities for students to explore
consumer behavior, laws and legislation, consumer protection, consumer rights and responsibilities, consumer
decision making, advertising and promotional techniques, individual and family money management, banking
services, use of credit, income tax, technology, and careers in providing financial services to individuals and
families.
COURSE GOALS
After successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
 Compare factors that impact consumer
 Compare benefits of saving and investing.
purchasing.
 Distinguish between retirement and estate
 Describe state and federal consumer protection
planning.
laws.
 Compare types of insurances.
 Determine procedures for resolving consumer
 Critique advertising and sales propaganda.
problems and complaints.
 Analyze shopping skills.
 Explain the importance of taking responsibility
 Determine strategies for acquiring the most
for person financial decisions.
economical product or service.
 Determine factors that affect money
 Determine factors that affect cost of goods and
management.
services.
 Explain how taxes, government payments, and
 Prioritize steps involved in making consumer
employee benefits relate to disposable income.
purchases.
 Determine practices to maintain financial
 Determine the impact of technology on
security.
personal financial management.
 Compare money management tools and
 Explain career options and entrepreneurial
services.
opportunities.
 Demonstrate procedures for completing tax
forms.
 Explain factors that affect creditworthiness.
PROGRAM GOALS
The BM&A Program is committed to providing a program of excellence with broad student-centered and project
based goals. These goals are:
To encourage critical thinking skills
To provide a realistic understanding of the work environment
To enhance employability skills
To reinforce basic skills in such areas as communication, mathematics, and technology
To stimulate interest in career development
COURSE OUTLINE
· Career Decisions (Weeks 1-3)
· Money Management (Weeks 4-5)
· Financial Security (Weeks 6-8)
· Credit Management (Weeks 9-11)
· Resource Management (Weeks 12-13)
· Risk Management (Weeks 14-15)
· Consumer Rights and Responsibilities (Weeks 16-17)
· Final Exam (Week 18)
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
Consumer Decisions and Behavior
What factors impact consumer purchasing decisions throughout the life span? How are consumers protected in the
marketplace by state and federal laws? How can consumers resolve their problems and complaints in the market
place? Why is it important for individuals and families to take responsibility for their personal financial decisions?
What is the impact of having money management and consumer spending skills on a financially secure individual?
Money Management
What factors affect money management of an individual or family? How are money management and consumer
spending skills used to produce a financially secure individual or family? What practices allow individuals and
families to maintain financial security? What money management tools and services are available to consumers form
financial institutions? What factors affect creditworthiness? What is the process used for completing and filing
personal income taxes? What are the benefits of saving and investing financial resources? What types of insurance
are available for individuals and families? How does an individual or family determine their insurance needs?
Consumer Spending
What is the impact of advertising and propaganda on spending decisions? What shopping skills impact individual
and family resource management across the life span? How can consumers acquire the most economical products
and services? What factors affect the cost of goods and services? What is the impact of management and consumer
spending skills on financial security?
Technology and Careers
How has technology impacted personal financial management? What are the career options and entrepreneurial
opportunities related to the field of personal financial planning?
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
Each student will be required to purchase his/her own class materials.
Materials are:
Composition Notebook
Ball Point Pens (Black or Blue)
Pencils (wooden or mechanical)
1 or 2 GB (gigabyte flash drive)
ABSENCES
School attendance is very important! When you are absent you miss something daily! It is your responsibility to
make-up your missed work!!!
MAJOR COURSE PROJECTS:
Students will be required to:
1. Keep a notebook, and computer file of all required work as directed, complete online modules and
simulations.
2. Find/share current event articles in order to stay updated on local, national, and world
events
3. Research, prepare, and present a multi-media project about a topic chosen by the instructor
STUDENT EVALUATION
Grades will be based on the percentage of points earned:
100-90% = A; 89-80% = B; 79-70% = C; 69-60% = D; below 60% = E (Failure)
Classwork/Projects
online simulations
Exams/Tests
Current Events , career activities
and Bell-Ringers
Total Grade
30%
60%
10%
100%
CULMINATING PRODUCTS
Career Exploration Project, using Kuder Navigator to Make Career Choices
Budget Project and Financial Portfolio
Daily Online Simulations- Everfi, Acellus , Moneyskill
AVAILABLE INDUSTRY CREDENTIALS
HOMEWORK
Due to the nature of this technology course most assignments will be completed during class time. It is important
that students utilize their class time wisely. All assignments must be completed and turned in as instructed. Late
assignments will have points deducted from them but must be completed. Students will have to spend time outside
of class studying vocabulary and other important information contained in their notebook when it is announced that
they will be taking an exam/quiz.
EQUIPMENT AND MATERIAL CARE
Students will be using technological equipment throughout the year.
Students are expected to act in a professional, business-like manner in the lab at all times.
Students will never deface equipment, books, or office furniture.
CLASSROOM RULES:
Adhere to the uniform policy.
Sit at assigned computer only and accept responsibility for individual work station.
No food or drinks allowed in the lab at any time.
Respect others and Mobile County Public School Property.
Never use the Internet unless you are given permission.
Never use the computers for personal reasons (i.e. E-mail, chat rooms, blogs, etc.).
Never load or download any outside software or information on the computer.
Leave the room neat and orderly.
Remain seated during class and raise your hand if you need assistance.
Cell phones are to be properly concealed!!!!
CONSEQUENCES:
Students who do not abide by CLASSROOM RULES will receive the following consequences. The teacher will
determine the appropriate consequences from the following list:
Teacher/Student Conference
Parent Contact
Mandatory Teacher/Student/Parent Conference
Administrative Office Referral
CLASSROOM FEE:
For a fee of $ 15.00 per student, the instructor provides all printer paper, printer supplies, software, and workbook
pages that each student needs for the entire year. Because of various problems, which can result from outside
supplies being used, the students must use the supplies provided.
FUTURE BUSINESS LEADERS OF AMERICA (FBLA):
An integral part of the business program will be the Future Business Leaders of America. FBLA offers students a
chance to experience leadership and other fundamentals of success, while engaging in fun and rewarding activities.
The goals of FBLA include:
1. Developing competent business leaders
2. Strengthening the confidence of students in themselves and their work
3. Creating and understanding of the American business enterprise system
4. Developing character and preparing for useful citizenship
5. Encouraging members in the development of individual projects which contribute to the
improvement of home, school, and community.
6. Encouraging scholarship and promoting school loyalty
7. Assisting students in the establishment of occupational goals
PARENT INVOLVEMENT
I encourage parent involvement. I am available to meet with you in person or talk to you on the telephone.
You may call the school at (251) 221-3233 or e-mail me at lrobinson3@mcpss.com to schedule an appointment.
My planning time is from 8:45-10:00.
Career Tech Department Parent-Student
Classroom Expectations, Procedures, Syllabus, and Outline
Signature Sheet
I have read and understand all of the information contained in the course syllabus. I further understand
that in order to earn a passing grade, I, the student, must adhere to the guidelines presented in this
syllabus. I also understand that I have the opportunity to join the CTSO (FBLA).
Please keep the classroom expectations, procedures, syllabus, and course outline for your reference.
Sign and return the signature sheet for our records.
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Student Name (Printed)
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Student Name (Signature)
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Parent Name (Printed)
Parent Name (Signature)
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Date
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Date
Parent Contact Information:
Home Phone: __________________________________
Work Phone: ___________________________________
Cell Phone: __________________________________
Email: _________________________________________