Business Career and Technical Education Program

Criminal, Business, and Personal Law introduces students to a practical understanding of law and the legal system. Its intent is to provide students with a better understanding of the law and business activity regulated by laws. The course is divided into 7 units, beginning with the foundations of law, both criminal and civil. Business law is explored and it introduces the formation of a business, protection of intellectual property, employment law, contract law, government agencies and consumer protection. Problems dealing with the most current law related issues, including terrorism and technology are also explored. Students become well-informed citizens and consumers thus acquiring a sense of responsibility towards community and the world. Providing students with updated legal information to study helps to create academic and business acumen such as critical thinking, persuasive essay writing, communication skills, interpersonal skills, technological skills and creates a foundation for tolerance in discussing diverse issues. The program challenges students to be resourceful in using the internet, text, documents, and other materials in researching and deciding on an issue. The law course requires the use of community resource people such as police officers, judges, and consumer advocates. On the following pages the recommended activities section includes activities for the purpose of differentiating instruction to meet the needs of special education students, English language learners, students at risk of school failure and gifted students.

Introduction to Business is a semester-long course that will shape our students’ business and entrepreneurial skills. The course will allow a student- centered introductory study of the functional areas of business that will encompass 21st century and career readiness skills. The course is based around the understanding of the integral role that business plays in the economy, and in all facets of the work environment.

The course aims to afford students the opportunity to understand the business environment within a project-based course, which will allow for full immersion within the topic. By using a hands-on approach students will be able to develop knowledge of the U.S. Economic system, societal issues and their business impact, and an awareness of the need for cultural sensitivity and ethical behavior within the context of international business practices. Through differentiated instruction, the course will enable students to collectively work together and advance their finance, management, and marketing skills within a hands-on environment.

The following attitudes and skills will be integrated and reinforced throughout the entire business curriculum: critical thinking, decision-making, problem solving, teambuilding, ethics, work quality, communication, and technology.

Business Ethics is a semester-long course that exposes students to the important moral issues that arise in various business contexts. It provides them with an understanding of the moral, social, and economic environments within which those problems occur. Students are challenged to become advanced thinkers, recognize the relevant ethical concepts, and develop the reasoning and analytical skills necessary for problem resolution.

Students will study theories, examine case studies, debate issues, and participate in real world discussion. The curriculum will encompass the theory of normative ethics and economic justice, the role of corporations in our society, and moral problems involving business, consumers and the natural environment. Students will also analyze the ethical issues and moral challenges that arise out of the interplay of employers and employees within an organization, including the problem of discrimination. Although the course’s primary emphasis is on business, its scope extends to related moral issues in other organizational and professional contexts. This guide includes recommended activities for the purpose of differentiating instruction to meet the needs of special education students, English Language Learners, students at risk of school failure, and gifted students.

The Middletown Township School District International Business Curriculum has been approved by Seton Hall University. Qualified students have the option of earning three college credits through Seton Hall University upon successful completion of the noted requirements in the curriculum. In order to qualify for matriculation in the course, students must be enrolled in either 11th or 12th grade and receive the approval of their guidance counselor.

The purpose of Capstone Business Management is to build an awareness of skills necessary for the workforce in the students’ industry of interest. The curriculum is designed to create an experience that is challenging, rigorous, and more reflective of what students can expect to experience within a competitive working environment. By utilizing the interdisciplinary skills and knowledge learned in a real-world setting, students develop employability and networking skills that allow them to successfully interact with employers, coworkers, and customers as well as understanding the moral, social, and political issues involved in a work environment.

At the conclusion of the course, students will be able to produce professional documents—i. e. resume, cover letter, career portfolio—and to utilize problem- solving skills, self-management skills, communication skills, workplace ethics, etc. The recommended activities on the following pages are intended for the purpose of differentiating instruction and for meeting the needs of special education students, English language learners, students at risk of school failure, and gifted students.

Students are expected to maintain a minimum average of a 70 in order to receive endorsement in the Business Career and Technical Education Program on their transcript. To graduate and be recognized as a completor in the Business CTE Program, students must:

• Complete Criminal and Business Law

• Complete Senior Career Seminar

• Complete Introduction to Business DE

• Complete Business Ethics DE

• Participate in work based learning

• Participate in FBLA-Future Business Leaders of America - The goal is to bring business and education together in a positive working relationship through innovative leadership and career development programs.

Students enrolled in the Business Career and Technical Education Program will be encouraged, as schedules permit, to participate in one or more business-related co-curricular activities* (such as internships, business competitions, field trips, etc.) and clubs such as:

• National Business Honor Society

• DECA

• Future Educators of America

• Senior Internship

• Bottlecappers

• FCCLA

• Key Club

• Future Business Leaders of America

• Heroes and Cool Kids

• Peer Leaders

• Mock Trial

• Lions Club International

• Model UN

• Student Government

*Co-curricular organizations may vary by high school.