Oxford High School

Courses in Economics and Business

# Career Explorations (9-12)         One Semester         .5 Credit

The profound business and economic changes now underway in the United States and other industrial countries are radically altering the world of work, greatly increasing the need to incorporate career exploration and development in the education of today’s high school student . The Career Exploration course is designed to prepare our students for these changes and challenges. A major goal of this course is for students to examine their talents, aptitudes and interests and begin to identify careers which would be suitable for them.  Students will be exposed to various guest speakers in order to become aware of the many different careers and opportunities available to them.  Students will be required to prepare to do mock job interviews, prepare resumes, cover letters and follow-up letters.

1. Enduring Understandings (broad ideas, usually grounded in the discipline):

• Understand and apply technology in the workplace.
• Develop an appreciation for the role of business in a global society.
• Understand the legal and ethical aspects of business.
• Understand the responsibility of each worker in the business and finance enterprise.
• Utilize traits associated with a positive work ethic.
• Work with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Explore career opportunities.
• Develop an appreciation for lifelong learning and further education.
• Understand and apply economic and personal finance concepts.
• Demonstrate a mastery of basic skills in communication, computation, critical thinking and decision-making.
• Transfer and adapt skills learning to different work and life situations.

2. Course Specific Goals (aligned with Content Standards):

• Utilize career resources to identify career interests.
• Develop a comprehensive set of career goals.
• Develop an individual career plan.
• Express thoughts and ideas through formal writing.
• Utilize research tools and techniques to assess, evaluate and synthesize
  • information in order to answer questions, solve problems, and/or defend
  • positions.
• Demonstrate the ability to identify and analyze problems and support
  • conclusions using appropriate methods and technology.
• Utilize technology to research and communicate effectively.
• Demonstrate the ability to express themselves creatively.
• Respond critically to a variety of written sources.
• Demonstrate the ability to broaden their own intellectual interests.
• Effectively communicate their opinions orally and in writing.

3. Expected Performances (aligned with state Expected Performances)

•  Examine talents, aptitudes and interests in careers.

• Work together in groups on projects involving careers.

• Develop effective business communication skills.

• Research future employment and economic trends.

•  Evaluate how to read job classified ads and internet sites.

• Develop interview skills.

• Understand the expectations of employers and their rights as employees.

• Explain how to interpret a paycheck stub, deductions, and filing of income tax.

Career Explorations Scope and Sequence Calendar