Business and Technology 

Introduction to Business and Marketing (Course #H6442) Practical Art Credit

GRADES 9, 10, 11, 12

One Semester – ½ credit

This course will help students develop essential skills to be successful in business and marketing careers. Emphasis will be placed on professional communication as well as collaboration and problem solving. Students will learn about ethics as they relate to business and marketing. Students will consider ways to take part in professional development to prepare them for the workplace. Through project based learning students will be introduced to a variety of business and marketing concepts. Learning in this course will serve as the foundation for future business and marketing courses. 

BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY (Course #H6182) Practical Art credit

GRADES 9, 10, 11, 12 

Two Semesters – 1 credit 

Explore the world of business and become advanced users of technology including Microsoft Office, Google Drive and other online applications. This course is designed to develop the knowledge and skills required for the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification tests. Students will learn how to make technology work for them and help them excel in their courses in high school, college, and careers. Technology will be utilized to solve problems and complete tasks efficiently and effectively regardless of previous experience with technology. Students participate in simulations with real world experiences such as event planning, project management, data analysis, social media etiquette, and a variety of presentations to enhance all forms of effective communication. Students get an in-depth knowledge of advanced word processing, spreadsheets, database management, presentations, and desktop publishing. Other technology concepts are explored including but not limited to web design, email communication, Internet and social media etiquette. 

CREATIVE DESIGN LAB I (Course #H6136) Practical Art credit

GRADES 9, 10, 11, 12

One Semester - ½ Credit

Throughout Creative Design Lab I, students develop skills in web and in print design by exploring graphic arts, desktop publishing software, and a variety of website development tools. Students in this course will have opportunities to work with software to engage in graphic design, to design professional-quality documents, and to plan and design a website. 

CREATIVE DESIGN LAB II (Course #H6137) Practical Art credit

GRADES 9, 10, 11, 12

One Semester - ½ credit

Prerequisite: Creative Design Lab I

In Creative Design Lab II, students build upon the skills they developed in Creative Design Lab I to design and edit graphics, create professional documents, and build websites. Students will engage in higher levels of creative design as they further explore the more advanced tools available through the various software used for graphic design and web development. 

DIGITAL MEDIA DESIGN (Course #H6138) Practical Art credit

GRADES 9, 10, 11, 12

Two Semesters - 1 Credit 

Digital Media Design is a project-based course that engages students in the production process of authentic creative media. Experiences in this class may include but are not limited to video production, audio/sound production, graphics, photography, & animation. Students will learn how to use professional cameras, microphones, and other equipment needed to produce and/or film creative media content. Students will also learn professional Adobe Creative Suite programs that will help them design, create, edit, and publish videos and other forms of creative media. 

BROADCAST MEDIA (Course #H6135) Practical Art credit

Grades 10, 11, 12 

Two Semesters - 1 Credit 

Prerequisites:  Introduction to Journalism, Digital Media Production or concurrent enrollment (formerly Multimedia) or Teacher Recommendation

Note: This course may be taken more than once.

Explore the world of audio/visual storytelling in an authentic, journalistic based, studio environment! Broadcast media allows students to pursue their interests in behind the scenes and/or in on screen experiences for various audiences in the school, across the district, and throughout the community. Experiences in this class may include (but will not be limited to) script writing, storyboarding, filming, editing, and promoting content. 

ADVANCED DESIGN LAB (Course #H6185)  Practical Art credit

GRADE 12 

Two Semesters – 1 credit 

Prerequisite: At least one of the following: Creative Design Lab I or II, Digital Media Design, or instructor approval.  

This class provides students with real world business and design experience. Students will select and create projects for clients in the school and/or the surrounding community. Students will utilize a variety of industry recognized design programs with the opportunity to earn certifications to be used in future careers. Projects may include video production, photography, graphics and logos. This course may ber taken more than once.

ACCOUNTING I (Course #H6150) Practical Art credit

GRADES 10, 11, 12 

Two Semesters – 1 credit 

Accounting introduces students to financial information needed in all business-related occupations. Students understand the accounting cycle as they record earnings and expenses related to one-owner businesses, partnerships, and corporations, as well as prepare financial statements, payroll, and various tax forms. For students who will pursue entrepreneurial ventures and business ownership, this course develops the skills necessary to solve business problems and make financial decisions. For those students who plan to pursue a degree in Accounting or a business related field, Accounting provides students with a foundation to support future advanced coursework. 

ACCOUNTING  II  (Course #H6155) Practical Art credit

GRADES 11, 12 

Two Semesters – 1 credit 

Prerequisite: Accounting I

*Weighted Course 

This second year Accounting course is highly recommended for students interested in pursuing a degree in Accounting or Business. They are introduced to real life simulations and more complex topics to solve business problems and make financial decisions. This course will give students a strong foundation for their first postsecondary Accounting course. 

ACCOUNTING III (Course #H6156) Practical Art credit

GRADE 12 

Two Semesters – 1 credit 

Prerequisite: Accounting II

*Weighted Course 

This second year Accounting course is highly recommended for students interested in pursuing a degree in Accounting or Business. They are introduced to real life simulations and more complex topics to solve business problems and make financial decisions. This course will give students a strong foundation for their first postsecondary Accounting course. 

BUSINESS & PERSONAL LAW (Course #H6170) Practical Art credit 

GRADES 11, 12 

One Semester – ½ credit 

This one-semester course introduces the student to the basic principles of law and its effect on the relationship between business organizations and consumers. Basic topics will include the legal system and laws regarding contracts, credit and lending, hiring and firing, rental/ownership of property, and estate planning. The Internet is used to access consumer information and case studies.

BUSINESS INTERNSHIP (Course #H6140) Practical  Arts Credit

GRADES 11, 12 

Two Semesters – ½ to 1 credit (depending upon number of hours worked) 

Prerequisite: Instructor approval and 2.0 GPA or higher *Must also be concurrently enrolled in an additional WSD business course. Students earn high school credit while being trained on-the-job. Students must provide their own transportation to and from work.

 **Students may opt to take the Business Internship course for weighted credit. See instructor for more information. 

Students earn ½ credit per semester for working 10 hours per week or 1 credit for over 20 hours per week. Students may not change jobs without teacher approval. If a student loses a job, the following formula will be used to calculate a final grade: Number of hours the student worked divided by 180 (hours for ½ credit) or 360 (hours for one credit) plus percentage grade earned divided by 2. 

COMPUTER SCIENCE I (Course #H1062) Practical Arts Credit

PLTW Computer Science Essentials

Course: H1062

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

Time: Two Semesters - 1 Credit

With emphasis on computational thinking and collaboration, this year-long course provides an excellent entry point for students to begin or continue the PLTW Computer Science PreK-12 experience. Computer Science Essentials will expose students to a diverse set of computational thinking concepts, fundamentals, and tools, allowing them to gain understanding and build confidence.

In Computer Science Essentials, students will use visual, block-based programming and seamlessly transition to text-based programming with languages such as Python to create apps and develop websites, and learn how to make computers work together to put their design into practice. They’ll apply computational thinking practices, build their vocabulary, and collaborate just as computing professionals do to create products that address topics and problems important to them.

Computer Science Essentials helps students create a strong foundation to advance to Computer Science Principles, Computer Science A, and beyond.

This class is an entry-level class, designed for students of all grade levels,  who have little or no computer programming experience.

COMPUTER SCIENCE II (Course #H1060) Practical Arts credit

PLTW COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES

GRADES 9, 10, 11, 12 

Two semesters- 1 credit 

*Weighted Course 

Using Python® as a primary tool and incorporating multiple platforms and languages for computation, this course aims to develop computational thinking, generate excitement about career paths that utilize computing, and introduce professional tools that foster creativity and collaboration. This course helps students develop programming expertise and explore the workings of the Internet. Projects and problems include app development, visualization of data, cybersecurity, robotics, and simulation. This course aligns with the AP Computer Science Principles course. This is a Project Lead the Way (PLTW) course. 

This is a class designed for students of all grade levels, who have experience programming in Python or some other computer language.

PLTW CYBERSECURITY (Course #H1061) Practical Arts credit

GRADES 10, 11, 12

Two Semesters - 1 credit

*Weighted Course 

Students will experience major topics, big ideas, and computational thinking practices used by computing professionals to solve problems and create value for others. This course will empower students to develop computational thinking skills while building confidence that prepares them to advance to Computer Science Principles and AP Computer Science A.  Topics will include information security, security algorithms, data abstraction, computer systems and networks, threat investigations, and industry-standard tools. This is a Project Lead the Way (PLTW) course. 

AP COMPUTER SCIENCE A (Course #H6125) Practical Art credit

Advanced Java Programming 

GRADES 10, 11, 12 

Two semesters – 1 credit 

Prerequisite: Computer Science Principles 

*Weighted Course 

Computer science embraces problem solving, hardware, algorithms, and perspectives that help people utilize computers to address real-world problems in contemporary life. As the study of computer science is evolving, the careful design of the AP Computer Science A course and exam continues to strive to engage a diverse student population, including female and underrepresented students, with the rigorous and rewarding concepts of computer science. Students who take the AP Computer Science A course and exam are well prepared to continue their study of computer science and its integration into a wide array of computing and STEM-related fields.

COMPUTER HARDWARE & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (Course #H6160) Practical Art credit

GRADES 11, 12 

Two semesters – 1 credit 

Prerequisite: Any high school technology course, Lewis & Clark course, or PLTW Computer Science/Engineering course

*Weighted Course

*An application is required for admittance into this course. 

In this course students will learn and perform the skills of a computer technician for the high school. Students will be required to assess computer hardware and software problems and define the best approach to addressing or solving the problem. In addition to solving problems for their classmates and teachers, students will be required to complete and maintain inventory and tracking of work orders. Students will pursue TestOut Certifications with the opportunity to earn one or more TestOut Certifications (PC Pro, Ethical Hacking, Network Pro, Digital Literacy, Cyber Defense) as well as  CompTIA A+ certification in a self-paced environment or complete school based technology projects. Acquiring customer service skills will be emphasized. 

PERSONAL FINANCE (Course #H6171)

GRADES 11, 12 

One Semester - 1/2 Credit 

*Required for graduation 

Understanding and managing personal finances are key to one’s future financial success. This one-semester course is based on the Missouri Personal Finance Competencies and presents essential knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about real world financial issues. Students will learn how choices influence occupational options and future earning potential. Students will also learn to apply decision-making skills to evaluate career choices and set personal goals. The course content is designed to help the learner make wise spending, saving, and credit decisions and to make effective use of income to achieve personal financial success. 

Management (Course #H6410) Practical Art credit

GRADES: 11, 12

One Semester – ½ credit

Prerequisite: English I or Advanced English I 

Today’s students are actively involved with business organizations at all levels. Whether they are employees, managers, entrepreneurs, concerned citizens, consumers, or social group members, students’ involvement with business organizations are numerous and varied. These personal experiences provide a foundation for a meaningful and systematic study of business, organizations, and management. This course provides a critical understanding of how business organizations work and are managed, their goals, strategies, structures, technologies, environments, and the motivations and interests of the people involved. Activities and assessments promote critical thinking and decision making while addressing the importance of technology and the global nature of business. Projects may require additional time outside of class

Entrepreneurship (Course #H6420) Practical Art credit

Grades: 11,12 

One Semester - ½ credit 

Entrepreneurship promotes understanding and skills of various marketing functions by coordinating channel management with other marketing activities, creating a marketing plan, generating product ideas, coordinating activities in the promotional mix, and demonstrating specialized sales processes and techniques. Students apply critical thinking skills by developing the various facets of a business plan and ultimately presenting that plan to potential investors (through role-play at DECA competition).