COURSE SYLLABUS
Career Preparedness
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Career Preparedness is a one-credit, full-year course that fulfills the new Alabama State
Department of Education requirement for graduation in the areas of financial literacy, computer literacy, and
online learning experience. The course contains financial literacy information that introduces students to the
management of personal and family resources to achieve personal goals. Content provides opportunities for
students to explore consumer behavior, laws, and legislation, consumer protections, consumer rights and
responsibilities, consumer decision-making, advertising and promotional techniques, individual and family money
management, banking services, use of credit, and income tax. The course also provides extensive career-related
exploration on a web-based career training system. Using this system, students will design a 4-year academic plan
for their high school career; thus meeting the online learning experience and the 4-year plan requirement for
graduation. Also, this course is designed to provide students with technology fluency appropriate for the 21st
century. Components of the course will provide students with the skills to conduct research and solve problems,
demonstrate creative thinking, develop innovative products, and practice safe, ethical, and legal use of technology
systems. This course component satisfies the graduation requirement for computer literacy.
PREREQUISITES: N/A
PROGRAM: In the Business, Management, and Administration cluster, students choose one of 3 pathways;
Administrative Services, Business Information Technology, or Corporate and General Management.
Specific content standards tell what students should know and be able to do at the end of each course.
The foundation course may be Business Technology Applications or Business Essentials.
The Business, Management, and Administration cluster prepares students with the fundamental
knowledge and skills for careers in planning, organizing, directing, and evaluating business functions
essential to efficient and productive business operations. Instruction is flexible and focuses on quality
performance in the skill areas of organization, time management, customer service, and
communication. In addition, students learn ways in which technology, globalization, and regulatory
issues affect the day-to-day operation of businesses. Information is also provided regarding possible
credentialing or certification.
COURSE GOALS: The Business, Management, and Administration cluster prepares students with the fundamental
knowledge and skills for careers in planning, organizing, directing, and evaluating business functions essential to
efficient and productive business operations. Instruction is flexible and focuses on quality performance in the skill
areas of organization, time management, customer service, and communication.
ESSENTIAL QUESTION(S):
o Why is it important for people to take responsibility for their financial decisions?
o What factors impact consumer purchasing decisions throughout their lifespan?
o Why is it important for people to protect their personal information?
o What employability skills are most important in the workplace?
o What money management products and services are available to consumers?
o What factors affect creditworthiness?
o Why is it important to manage credit in a responsible manner?
o What are the benefits and consequences of credit?
o Why is it important to obtain insurance?
o Why is it important to plan and prepare for retirement?
COURSE OUTLINE: Students will be introduced to vital general concepts of personal finance; students will explore
careers and identify their career interests long with developing a 4-year academic plan; students will discover how
financial institutions are used to assist with money management; students will be exposed to the benefits and
consequences of credit; students will prepare for the responsibilities of citizenship; students will perform the
functions of Microsoft Office software, Internet exploration, and online learning modules and activities.
CULMINATING PRODUCTS:
FBLA/DECA/FCCLA/FFA project
ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES: Your grade will be determined using the “total points” method. Each graded activity
will be worth a pre-determined amount of points. Points you earn will be divided into the maximum possible
number of points to determine your grade. Assessments will be in oral and/or written form.
GRADING SCALE:
A = 90-100
B = 80-89
C = 70-79
D = 60-69
F = 59 and below
CTSO:
FBLA / DECA / FCCLA / FFA
AVAILABLE INDUSTRY CREDENTIAL(S): Recognition in the annual Alabama Personal Finance Challenge
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I, _____________________________________________ hereby acknowledge receipt of this syllabus and
understand its contents and agree to abide by its intent.
_____________________________________________
Student
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Date
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