The Buncombe County Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, disability, sex, religion, national origin or age in programs, activities, or employment.

To My New Students:
Welcome to a class you will use for the rest of your life! Whether you stay in a business career or not, you will be able to use the skills & aptitudes you learn in this class: on the job, at home, with friends, with family, & with strangers.
A lot of this program of study may be a bit unusual for you. You will be doing things out of the ordinary from the “typical” high school class. Career Technical Education concentrates on the realistic world of work. This class will incorporate a “hands on” method of learning. You will be offered the opportunity of learning experiences not found in other courses. If you take advantage of all the opportunities you are given through this class, you will be well prepared to succeed in the competitive real world of work!
Career Technical Education is the chance of a lifetime. Where else can you learn important lifetime skills such as: self-confidence, leadership & management, teamwork, creative problem solving, what it takes to open your own business, professional business writing, human relations, interpersonal communications, job conflict techniques, salesmanship, public speaking & presentations. The list goes on & on!
It is my hope that you will take advantage of the unique opportunities Career Technical
Education offers you. Accept the challenge, for nowhere else will you find one like
this! Yes, you will be challenged in this course. You will need to WORK HARD, do
HOMEWORK, and complete all assignments if you are to get everything you need from this class to help you be successful in your career.
Also, consider becoming a member of DECA! This is the club for students who one day want to be in business, marketing, management, or own their own business. We have some great activities planned. There is the Southern Regional Leadership
Conference in Nashville, Tennessee in November and the International DECA
Conference in Anaheim, California in late April. We would love to have you join our group this year!
Thank you for choosing to enroll in Career Technical Education. I am excited to have you with us! Good luck!! Remember, You & only you choose your attitude. Therefore, you & only you shall decide how much you will learn & how much fun you will have this year!
Here’s to a GREAT semester!
Debbie L. Ebner
Career Tech Ed Teacher
ACRHS CTE 2 01/20/09

Miss Debbie L. Ebner INSTRUCTOR:
OFFICE:
OFFICE HOURS:
Room #223
Before school (typically by at 7:15 am) or Planning (2 semester & 1 st Block – 2 nd semester. 2 nd nd Block – 1 st
Semester I have before school hall duty in the main hall beginning at 7:30 am each day.
These are the times that I am typically available for student conferences. For the most part, I can be found in my classroom during these times – but this is not a guarantee. If you know you need to talk with me, be sure to let me know by making an appointment. My door is always open!
COURSE TITLE:
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Career Management
This course is designed to prepare students to locate, secure, keep, and change careers.
Competencies for this course are based on the National Career Development Guidelines.
Strategies for this course include teamwork, technology, problem solving, decision-making, goal setting, and self-management. There will be an intense focus on vocabulary recognition & comprehension to prepare students for the end of course standardized VOCATS testing.
Students will belong to DECA (Professional Association of Business, Marketing, & Management
Students) as a co-curricular component. DECA enhances classroom instruction through the development of leadership and professional skills. DECA provides opportunities for professional growth and service through competitive events, sales projects, and community service missions.
COURSE CONTENT: A variety of business subjects will be covered including:
 Personal and Social Development
 Self-Evaluation
 Work Safety
 Communication and Interpersonal Skills
 Education and Career Exploration
 Computer Applications
 Career Planning
 Occupational Outlook
 Job Application & Interview Skills
 Career Portfolio
 Lifestyles, Careers, & Budgeting
 Research & Report Writing Skills
 Professional Development/Life Long Learning
 Presentation Skills
NEED HELP? I am willing to help you outside of the course classroom. If you need help with homework, studying, tests, etc. – PLEASE come & see me in my classroom BEFORE
SCHOOL . If you do not ask me for help, I may not know you need it.
ACRHS CTE 3 01/20/09

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS, SUPPLIES, & EQUIPMENT:
 Textbooks & reference books are used periodically in this program. These are NOT to be taken from the classroom unless they are checked out with the instructor.
 The majority of the instructional materials will be provided at no extra cost to the student.
 Different equipment will be incorporated into the coursework throughout the year.
Equipment such as a point of sale systems, computers, & calculators will be used. Students will not operate any equipment until they have had formal instruction on proper operating procedures. Be aware that this equipment is expensive & very difficult to repair or replace.
 When using computers, students are never to download any files or programs without the instructor’s approval. Additionally, games are never to be played on computers.
Violation of either of these BCS Board Policies will result in disciplinary action.
 STUDENT SUPPLIES – One of your first assignments will be to put together a notebook & supplies that will be kept in this classroom (so you don’t have to carry it around AND you will have everything you need for class each day). You will be responsible for having the following school supplies BY MONDAY, August 31 st for a possible 68 pts:
1.
2 Pens (blue or black ink)
2.
2 Pencils with erasers
3.
3 inch 3-Ring binder (any color, must have clear windows for inserts on the front, back & spine
4.
5 section index tabs/dividers
5.
2 highlighters ( not magic markers
6.
3-hole lined notebook paper
7.
Pencil Pouch
) of different colors – you may select any colors
GRADING POLICY:
A – 100 to 93%
B – 85 to 92%
C – 77 to 84%
D – 70 to 76%
F – 69% and less
A variety of assignments (papers, worksheets, projects, presentations, etc.) will be given.
These assignments must be turned in on time for the possibility of full credit. Late assignments will be graded down. You will be graded on your performance by basis of quality, quantity, & effort. Your grade will also include: class participation, citizenship, attitude, tests, occasional homework, & quizzes.
IMPORTANT – 25% of your semester grade will come from the end of course (EOC)
VOCATS final. You MUST pass this exam in order to pass this course & earn course credit.
This is a comprehensive exam; it will include material covered throughout the entire semester. This exam CANNOT be Waived; NO ONE can be EXEMPT.
** It is important that you understand that I do not “give” grades.
However, you do “earn” your grades. **
ACRHS CTE 4 01/20/09

Typically, your grade for this course is made up of the following (give or take a few percentage points on the first 3 areas):
35%
20%
20%
25%
Daily work – including worksheets & homework
Projects – semester reading, Toastmasters, Career Research Paper
Quizzes, tests, exams
End of course VoCATS EXAM (state written & state mandated)
LATE ASSIGNMENTS:
If assignments are not turned in when due, your grade will be lowered one letter grade for every day late:
1 day late = the highest possible grade = “B”
2 days late = the highest possible grade = “C”
3 days late = the highest possible grade = “D”
4 days late = the highest possible grade = “F”
** After the 4 th late work.
day – it is up to the instructor’s discretion as to whether or not they will accept
**An IMPORTANT Point To Remember: Any grade is better than a ZERO!!!
BONUS POINTS:
There will be a number of opportunities for bonus points, which are given at the discretion of the instructor. Bonus points are given for activities above & beyond the normal classroom setting. It is highly recommended that every student take full advantage of these opportunities . In the past, 20-30% of a student’s grade has been restored by their
outstanding participation and performance in bonus point activities. Participation in bonus point opportunities is always the option of the student. Choosing not to participate will not hurt your grade. However , it’s always sad at the end of the semester when a student who really needs it did not to take part in the extra benefit of earning bonus points.
(bad test grade, forgot to do your homework, late assignments, etc.)
ACRHS CTE 5 01/20/09

INTERNET & COMPUTERS:
There will be a number of assignments and bonus point opportunities for which access to a computer & the internet will be necessary. If you do not have access to these at home, you need to find a place that provides this for you.
I encourage you to seek out and get used to using someplace to work on a computer & the internet, not only for this course, but also for all of your courses now & in the future. Both our school library and the public libraries offer access to these for you. I also have 1 computer in my room that you may come in & use before school or during your lunch on a first come first serve basis, however – it does not have a printer. Not having a computer or the internet at home is not an excuse to not do
an assignment! Take advantage of the libraries!
You will also need to know your school log in (user ID & password). It is your responsibility to know this information & have it ready to use when we are working in the computer labs.
**(VERY IMPORTANT!!! READ CAREFULLY!!!)** ATTENDANCE POLICY:
The attendance policy of A.C. Reynolds High School & Buncombe County Schools will be followed. Along with this policy will also be the Miss Ebner’s policy. This policy allows your attendance to enhance your grade. Each semester, students will have to potential to earn up to
200 bonus points for attendance. Every student begins the semester with 100 bonus points for attendance. The only way to loose these points is through absences & tardies. Each tardy will cost 5 points (there is no such thing as an excused tardy).
 Every excused absence, after the first 2, will cost you 10 points.
 Each unexcused absence will cost 25 points.
 Pre-arranged academic absences will cost -0- points.
If you have PERFECT ATTENDANCE (ZERO tardies, ZERO absences, pre-arranged academic absences are ok), your 100 bonus points for attendance will be DOUBLED at the end of the semester (earning you 200 bonus points)!!
NOTE: Attendance bonus points can sometimes make of a full letter difference grade for you!
IMPORTANT: In the past, students with perfect attendance, meaning absolutely no tardies or absences (excused or unexcused) , have never earned less than a “C” letter grade for this course.
ALL ELECTRONICS:
The cell phone policy of A.C. Reynolds High School will be followed. Along with this policy will also be Miss Ebner’s policy regarding electronics (cell phones, Ipods, MP3 players, etc.), which allows you to enhance your grade by earning up to 100 bonus points for keeping your cell phone OFF and NOT using any electronics in the classroom. Every student begins the semester with 50 bonus points for adhering to the electronics policy. The only way to loose these points is for a student’s cell phone to ring or student to be using their cell phone – texting, talking, capturing video or pictures, or any other electronic devise to be used in the classroom. Each violation will result in a deduction of 25 bonus points. If you end the semester without any electronics violations (still have 50 BP’s), these bonus points will be doubled (you will earn 100 bonus points)!
AS PER SCHOOL POLICY - If you use your cell phone in the classroom, it will be taken up & given to administration.
ACRHS CTE 6 01/20/09

MAKE-UP POLICY:
With an excused absence, you will be allowed 2 school days for each day absent upon your return to school to do make-up work. For example: if you are gone on Monday & return to school on Tuesday, your make-up work is due at the beginning of class on Thursday. After this
2-day limit, make-up work is considered late & will be graded as such.
3 VERY IMPORTANT POINTS:
1.) YOU are responsible for coming in
to get your make up
work. You must do this on the 1 st day you return back to school from being absent.
2.) If you are absent the day of a test, which you were aware was scheduled; you will be responsible to take the test on the first day you return to school.
3.) Make up work may not be allowed for unexcused absences. So, don’t skip class!
MISS EBNER’S WEBSITE:
I post lots of information, assignments, due dates, projects, vocabulary lists, lecture notes, study-guides, etc. on my website for you to use. I highly suggest you use my website & print out vocabulary & lecture notes at the beginning of each new unit. It will save you a lot of note taking! Don’t get me wrong, you are still going to need to take notes, just less of them because you will have the lecture outline.
Follow these steps to access my website:
1.
Go to the A.C. Reynolds High School Website: www.buncombe.k12.nc.us/acrhs/site/default.asp
2.
Click on “Staff” (on the horizontal grey menu bar near top of page). This will take you to the “Staff Directory” page.
3.
Click on “E” (in alphabet at the top)
4.
Click on “Ebner, Debbie”
5.
Click on “Career Management”
As the semester progresses, I will add homework assignments, lecture notes, etc. for you to have access to. So, be sure to watch my website & use it! It will be a great resource for you!
HOMEWORK:
YES! You will have homework in this class! You need to have a specific time set aside everyday that you devote to homework, the SAME time EVERY day will help you be successful!
This is a strong study habit that you will need for all your classes! Set a time & stick to it everyday. You will be thankful that you did this & followed through with it all semester long!
For this class, not doing homework is a surefire way to fail. In fact, it is the #1 reason students fail this course. SO – DO YOUR HOMEWORK!!!
ACRHS CTE 7 01/20/09

A place for you to belong!
Become an active, involved member of DECA!
You do have something to contribute!
Near & dear to my heart is DECA! DECA is the only student organization for students interested in business, marketing, management, & entrepreneurship.
Being an involved & active member of DECA is an opportunity you will never forget! Many past students feel they learned more from their DECA related experiences than from anything else they ever did in school.
DECA is “intra-curricular.” This means that DECA is an ESSENTIAL part of our curriculum & is NOT considered an “extra-curricular” activity. Because DECA is intra-curricular, provided during class time for meetings, activities, & planning.
some time allotment will be
Your DECA Advisor’s are Mrs. Bradley & Miss Ebner. Students elect their own club officers who are responsible for the operation of the club. These officers include the executive team (President, Vice
President, Secretary, Treasurer, Publicity Director & Historian, & Class Representatives). DECA membership fees are paid at the beginning of the year ($20). Membership privileges include the opportunity to attend various leadership workshops, conferences, competitions & to participate in a variety of activities.
The emphasis of DECA is placed on involvement & activities of the local chapter, sales projects, social functions, civic activities, leadership conferences, etc. To make the organization a successful one takes the combined effort of all the DECA members. Take an active part in DECA for the benefit of yourself, the school, your community, & your future success.
In the competitive events, students are evaluated on their proficiency handling simulated business situations. A typical event includes a comprehensive written exam & a role-play. In each event students are presented with a business situation. Students must then use the skills acquired through participation in their Marketing Class to make decisions & spontaneously react to the situation. A business executive judges students’ performance while playing the role of the second party in the role-play.
The following list is to give you an idea of some DECA activities we will be having this year & about when they will take place:
NC State Leadership Conference
International DECA Week
Southern Regional Leadership Conference – Orlando, FL
October 3 – 5, 2009
October 11 – 17, 2009
November 13 – 15, 2009
District Competition – Asheville, NC
“Old Skool vs. New School” 2 nd
State Career Development Conference – Raleigh, NC
November 17, 2009
March 3 – 6, 2010
Annual Basketball Game May 2010
International Career Development Conference – Louisville, KY April 23 – 28, 2010
Unfortunately, opportunity does have its price – specifically, many of the DECA activities cost money
(some more than others – Nashville & California!). Therefore, throughout the year you will have the chance to participate in many different sales projects in order to earn that money.
DECA MEETINGS are the 3 rd Friday of each month at 7:15 am SHARP! (Think bonus points!)
ACRHS CTE 8 01/20/09