Economics and Personal Finance (EPF) Syllabus - North Brunswick High School 

Jessica Fitzgerald (Mrs. Fitz)- jfitzgerald@bcswan.net  

Phone: (910)371- 2261 

                      Ext. 11069

Google Classroom: (See paper copy/Me for Code)

Description: 

 Students should be provided with the agency, tools, and knowledge necessary to live in and contribute to a financially sound society. The Extended Economics and Personal Finance (EPF) course is intended to be a study of economics, personal finance, income and education, money management, critical consumerism, and financial planning. It is now required by law that all High school students in North Carolina take this course before they graduate. Because the study of economics and personal finance is an integral part of the learning progression of each course, kindergarten through high school, this course expects students to enter possessing a fundamental knowledge and understanding of the basic principles of economics and money management. When opportunities can be provided, this course can be augmented by related learning experiences, both in and out of school, that enable students to apply their knowledge and understanding of how to participate in their own financial literacy. Mastery of the standards and objectives of this course will inform and nurture responsible, participatory citizens who are competent and committed to responsible money management and financial literacy. 

By the end of the course students should be able to: 

1. Understand economies, markets, and the role economic factors play in making economic decisions.

2. Analyze the role of government and economic institutions in developing and implementing economic stabilization policies in the U.S.

3. Understand the role of government in a market economy.

4. Understand factors of economic interdependence and their impact on nations.

5. Analyze the relationship between education, income, career, and desired lifestyle.

6. Understand the purpose and function of taxes and the impact on income.

7. Understand money management skills and strategies.

8. Understand the purposes and services of financial institutions.

9. Understand the concepts and factors that enable individuals to make informed financial decisions for effective resource planning and money management.

10. Understand the value and planning processes associated with saving and investing.

11. Understand factors associated with consumer decision making.

12. Understand the rights and responsibilities of buyers and sellers under consumer protection laws.

How are we going to accomplish all of that?!!

First and most importantly, Attendance: Due to the hands-on approach we will take in this course, it is imperative that you come to class daily.  When absent, you will be missing more than work, you will miss an experience you simply cannot reproduce on your own.  Each day we will engage in rigorous critical thinking activities and making this up outside of class will seem tedious and sometimes confusing without the context of class to help you.  That being said, I will try to adapt our learning experiences for individuals that are absent from class due to injury or illness.  Communication and self-advocacy are critical in your success! (These are life skills!) 

N.B.- I cannot teach you if you are not here to learn, and I do not know what you need if you do not ask. Please communicate with me and it will all be good! 

Grading Breakdown: 

Quarter 1:

Assessments & Assignments (Mastery)  - 70%

Learning Activities (Artifacts)-  30%

Quarter 2:

Assessments & Assignments (Mastery) - 70%

Learning Activities (Artifacts)- 30%

Overall Course:

Quarter 1 - 40%

Quarter 2 - 40 %

CMA- 20

NEW Note: 50%’s will NO LONGER just be awarded for sub 50 work. If you earn a 12, you’re getting a 12. If in the second semester you clean up your act I can change it to a 50 at the end of the semester, but I will not if you make a last minute scramble push. Plan accordingly. 

Expectations & Procedures

 My classroom expectations follow the expectations and procedures for NHBS.

1. Show up. Physically, mentally, every day. If you miss 10 unexcused days you automatically fail the class.

2. Have what you need. Basic supplies, your computer, your work to turn in and your good attitude.

3. Do your own work. If you plagiarize, use AI, copy and pasted from google etc., you will get a 0 on the assignment, parent contact, and a referral.

4. Put your phone in the phone home every day. Phones are absolutely not allowed in classrooms for use at any time. North Carolina has a no cellphone policy. Cell Phones must be turned in to the teacher at the beginning of every class period. It’s the Law!

Plagiarism/Cheating Policy:  

All assignments and assessments are critical ways that we analyze your progression towards mastery of the standards together. Owning your numbers (grades and feedback) are ways that you take ownership of your own path towards mastery.  This means that if you cheat, you do not actually know how much you know, and neither do I. Therefore any student caught cheating or plagiarizing work will be given the opportunity to redo the assignment/test so that it represents their original work.  The assignment in question may be modified to ensure fairness. Anything blatantly copied and pasted from the internet is an automatic 0, because it does not reflect any kind of proficiency. 

Late Work Procedure:

NEW: Late work will ONLY be accepted for EXCUSED absences, unless you negotiate with me BEFORE the absence. The instructor reserves the right to deal with specific late work and make-up work issues on a case by case basis. 

The general rules that will apply for EXCUSED absences  are as follows:

If you are absent, it is YOUR responsibility to make up the work you missed. You MUST ASK ME about it. 

You have THREE days to get in regular assignments after an EXCUSED absence. 

 At the end of each Unit, any “1” grades will revert to a “0.” Once it is a 0, it is no longer negotiable. 

You can resubmit any non-zero assignment below a level 70% as a redo. 

**If you are not absent and simply fail to complete the assignment during the given time (turned in the next day, aka HOMEWORK), it will be considered unexcused and  will receive a grade of “0”. **

Want to keep in touch? Students and parents may contact me at school if they have any questions, concerns, or would like to schedule a conference.  The best and easiest way to contact me is through email - jfitzgerald@bcswan.net. During school hours, especially during my planning period  from 1145-1:10 (3rd Block) you can reach me at (910) 371-2261, ext. 11069. Additionally, you can monitor your/your child’s progress through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal.

Writing and Vocabulary

Students will complete writing exercises weekly if not daily. These exercises consist of reading, pulling evidence from text, utilizing subject specific vocabulary in context, and making an argument. I will help you to accomplish these goals, but only you can do the work. 

I look forward to the upcoming semester and hope that you do as well!  This semester is a very important step in your educational career and I have high hopes for success for all of my students.  I plan to create an environment that promotes learning while also allowing you to grow socially. If we have to go back to a virtual setting we will do the best we can. I hope to create a class that everyone can get involved in important discussions. This can be done with cooperation between students, all the parents/guardians and me.

Everyday in this class we will - Pursue Mastery, Own Our Numbers and Help Each Other Win.