Business & Information Technology Resources

Accounting in High School

Accounting coursework at the high school level provides valuable skills to both students interested in business as a career and those who are not. The following letter from the Wisconsin Institute for Certified Public Accountants was sent to district administrators to thank them for their continued support of Accounting programs. Use this resource to begin conversations about expanding and keeping programs in your area:
Letter from WICPA to High School Administrators 2012 [.pdf, 154K, 1 pages]

Coursework Completion System

School districts submit to DPI two staffing and coursework reports each year. The first, due in October, is the 1202 Staffing Report. This report collects who is working in each district, what role they fulfill and to what extent. For example, it will show that "Bill" is a business education teacher at 100%.

The second report, in the past, was the 1215 report which provided information on the types of courses offered and how many students were in each course. This report may have stated that a "Basic Business Course" was offered to 25 students (13 freshmen--6 female, 7 male; 12 sophomores--7 female, 5 male). This report is being replaced in early 2011 with the "Coursework Completion System". This system will collect more information and also provide more specific information on courses offered. Each course now must correspond to a specific IES coursecode. The system also will now include each individual student, as well as the grade they receive.

Please take the time to be proactive with the courses in your department, at all levels. Below is the IES course codes for Business, Marketing, and Information Technology.

If you desire more information on the Coursework Completion System, or the larger, Longitudinal Data System (LDS) click the link here:

Coursework Completion System
Longitudinal Data System
BM&IT IES Course Codes
BM&IT Middle Level IES Course Codes

Please take the time to review the data link below. IT courses are in Tab 1 labeled "IT", Applied Tech, Graphic Arts, Yearbook may be under Tab 2 labeled "Applied Tech.Arts.Yearbook", and Business and Marketing coursework will be found under Tab 3 "Business.Marketing." Send any and all questions and concerns regarding your district's specific data to Jen Wegner by Tuesday, January 3, 2012. Specifically, we are looking for inconsistencies in the reporting. Is this information accurate?
2011 BIT CWCS Data [.xls, 2MB]

B – Basic or remedial A course focusing primarily on skills development, including literacy in language, mathematics, and the physical and social sciences. These courses are typically less rigorous than standard courses and may be intended to prepare a student for a general course.

G – General or regular A course providing instruction in a given subject area that focuses primarily on general concepts appropriate for the grade level. General courses typically meet the state’s or district’s expectations of scope and difficulty for mastery of the content.

E – Enriched or advanced A course that augments the content and/or rigor of a general course, but does not carry an honors designation.

H – Honors An advanced level course designed for students who have earned honors status according to educational requirements. These courses typically include additional content not found in general courses, and are formally designated as honors courses.

Common Core Standards and Business & Information Technology Educators

This is an exciting time! With Wisconsin's adoption of the new Common Core Standards for Engligh/Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics, it is also time for Career and Technical Education (CTE) Teachers, including Marketing Educators, to familiarize themselves with the standards and how they can and will impact curriculum.

CTE courses offers multiple ways for students to apply and supplement skills and knowledge from the core areas of ELA, math, science, and social studies. Because of this, it is important for CTE teachers to also be part of the conversations around the Common Core.

Two areas to take particular note of include the "Literacy Standards" and the "College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards" in the ELA Common Core, and the Mathematical Practices Standards in the Math Common Core.

The Literacy Standards for History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects shows the need for all content areas to be aware of and integrate literacy in everything we do. The College and Career Readiness Standards sit above the 11-12 grade band standards for ELA. These standards can be an excellent resource for Marketing Educators to support and prepare students to be prepared for whatever comes after high school.

The Mathematical Practices Standards set the foundation for the understanding and application of all mathematical processes. They should also be understood by Marketing Educators as there are many ways in which math is integrated into Marketing Educators coursework.

Common Core Standards for Math
Common Core Standards for ELA/Literacy
DPI Common Core Information

Statewide Agreements

Adobe CS4 K-12 Site License Solutions [.pdf, 252K, 3 pages]
Certiport Center Process and Pricing (2011) [.pdf, 448K, 6 pages]
Dragon NaturallySpeaking Preferred Edition Version 10 (2008-'09) [.pdf, 36K]
MOS, IC3, and ACA (2011) [.doc, 65K]

Visions, a publishing company who keeps the student in mind, has developed for Wisconsin a pricing structure that allows teachers to utilize their teacher-written, teacher-tested curriculum tools at reasonable costs. Check out their website at: http://www.teamvistech.com/ and below for Wisconsin only pricing!

Technology Lessons for the Classroom (Computer Applications, Image Management, and Integrated Multimedia) [.pdf, 410K, 2 pages]
Portfolio Builder 2 [.pdf, 123K]
Digital Photography [.pdf, 124K]
Office 2007, Essential Skills, and Web 2.0 Books [.pdf, 523K, 2 pages]

Articulation Agreements with WTCS

Articulation refers to aligning high school and postsecondary curricula to create opportunities for high school students to gain knowledge and skills that match curriculum at the technical college while still in high school. Many times, this allows a student to "skip" a course or to receive actual technical college credit for the course completion. Information about the different articulation options can be found in this document:
Articulated Credit Agreements Between High School and WTCS [.pdf, 332K, 2 pages] (revised February, 2010)

A listing of all WTCS Advanced Standing and Transcripted Credit Agreements is available at http://systemattic.wtcsystem.edu/reports/STW/articulation_agreements.htm.

Program Evaluation

Evaluation of a business and information technology program provides a basis for identifying strengths and challenges for the program and overall curriculum. Program evaluation is not done for accountability purposes; it is intended as a management and planning tool. Use the Quality Program Standards Self-Evaluation (in either pdf or fillable Word format) to self-assess your programs strengths and challenges.

Quality Program Standards Self-Evaluation [.doc, 502K, 9 pages]
Quality Program Standards Self-Evaluation [.pdf, 135K, 9 pages]

Program Promotion

Business Education Slogans for Posters and Stickers

Display posters in your classrooms or hallways to promote Business & Information Technology:
Course Promotional Poster [.doc, 57K]
Course Poster I [.doc, 415K]
Course Poster II [.doc, 69K]
Course Selection [.pdf, 59K]

Use stickers on student's work to promote your program:
Business Education Careers [.pdf, 82K]
Business Education Rocks [.pdf, 18K]
FBLA Recruitment [.pdf, 19K]
Live Your Life Outside the Margins [.pdf, 26K]
Stepping Stones to Your Future [.pdf, 39K]
Your Future is our Business [.pdf, 75K]

Please submit ideas to Jennifer Wegner at jennifer.wegner@dpi.wi.gov.

Be a Business & Information Technology Teacher Brochure [.pdf, 702K, 2 pages]

New CTE: Learning that works for America™ video unveiled at Fall Meeting
CTE is working across the nation to enable students of all ages to excel in their schools and colleges, and secure high-demand jobs. This video represents the rich and diverse brand of CTE. It highlights students of a range of talents, backgrounds and ages, and in a mix of industries in which CTE helps student succeed. The 1 minute 30 second video was developed to embody the spirit of our new CTE: Learning that works for America™ initiative. Access to video

Let people know that CTE works!
Share this video with others.
Post it on your department, school, college, organization or business Web site.
Use it as an introduction for your presentations.

Get Microsoft Expressions FREE!

Microsoft will provide for your school Microsoft Expression Studio software at no cost. Students are allowed to install on their personal computer also. The signed Academic Instructional Use donation form must be sent according to the directions below and ordered according to the registration instructions attached.

Expression Studio Software Registration Instructions [.doc, 555K]
Academic Instructional Use Donation Form [.pdf, 445K]

Are You Smarter than a Business Education Student?

This presentation (compatible with PowerPoint 97-2003 and 2007) is based on FOX Network's "Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?" For more information about ordering this customizable PowerPoint presentation for classroom use, please click here: Order Form [.pdf, 74K]

Department of Public Instruction Approved Training for PDP Team Members

To be a Professional Development Plan (PDP) Team member on an Initial or Professional Educator's team, you need to complete DPI-sponsored training. The training has two components. The first is an on-line PI 34 PDP Module which includes a self-assessment. Upon completing this module, you will be asked to print a verification certificate. The second component is registration and participation in a one-day DPI-sponsored PDP Team Training which are hosted through License Renewal Support Centers, School Districts and UniServs. If you would like to participate in one of these sessions, please work through the contact person listed for each location. IMPORTANT: You must bring your verification certificate to the training.

Online training link: http://www.uwex.edu/ics/PI34/

Click here to view DPI PDP Team Member Training Schedule: http://www.dpi.wi.gov/tepdl/doc/pdptrain.doc

Quality Educator Initiative – use this site to develop and approve your Professional Development Plan.

Reviewers: be sure to register so Initial Educators and Professional Educators choosing the PDP route can find qualified PDP Review Team Members. http://qei.wisconsin.edu/

Click here to view trained B&IT PDP Team Member contact information: PDP Team Members [.pdf, 20K, 2 pages]

AP Accounting Initiative

Currently, all work regarding AP Accounting in Wisconsin is TENTATIVE. Check out the following documents for specific information on HOW the initiative works and WHY this initiative it is important.
      Information Sheet [.doc, 43K, 10 pages]
      Course Description [.doc, 29K]
      Course Outline and Learning Objectives [.doc, 182K, 4 pages]
AP Accounting Pilot Wiki
Accounting in Wisconsin [.pdf, 326K, 6 pages]

Students & Leaders Network

Students & Leaders Network is a 501c3 nonprofit committed to offering Wisconsin students a direct connection to real-world professionals from a spectrum of fields using existing Distance Learning/ITV systems and their web site (www.studentcareerinfo.com) featuring archived sessions available for streaming to classrooms and public viewing. They want to provide educators with another tool for their students.

For a summary of activities, speaker ideas, testimonials, and much more about the Students & Leaders Network, click here. [.pdf, 435K, 4 pages]

College/University Trends

Explore this website for participation and preparation rates of Wisconsin’s high school students entering colleges and universities: NCHEMS Information Center

What credits transfer to UW schools? Check out the UW Transfer Information System

For an online guide to statistics for education and schools in the United States, please click here.

IT Trends in Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s High Growth Jobs

Did you know that careers in IT will be in great demand in the very near future? Check out the document below to get a closer look.
IT Trends in Wisconsin - Graph [.pdf, 168K]

CISCO IT Essentials Program Outcomes are also available here. [.pdf, 68K, 12 pages]

What is Emerging Technology?

Today’s generation of student requires instruction that is learner-centered and interactive. Technology is an essential component of the active learning process and should be seamlessly integrated into the curriculum. Using technology is not an isolated event. Fundamental to integration of instructional technology resources is the need to understand how learning and teaching has changed due to technological advances. Educators must understand that the use and application of technology must be safe, equitable, fluid, and ethical. Today’s educators require troubleshooting skills, the ability to assess and manage the integration of technology, and the capacity to identify the authenticity and the credibility of resources and technology.

Click here to review DPI’s technical assistance in this area.

New Teacher Google Site

https://sites.google.com/a/dpi.wi.gov/bm-it-new-teacher-workshop/

Disciplinary Literacy for Business & Information Technology

Wisconsin Business & Information Technology Disciplinary Literacy

"In today’s ever-changing global economy, "literacy" describes a broad range of skills necessary for individual success in various aspects of education, careers and life. At its most fundamental level, literacy represents the ability to read, write and communicate—the ability to understand and use language to achieve one’s goals.

Literacy is a prerequisite to learning in all other subjects, especially as students are exposed to increasingly diverse and intricate texts from which they need to glean knowledge. Unfortunately, too many adolescents lack the literacy skills necessary to navigate the reading and writing requirements of high school and the future world in which they will work and live.

While educators around the country are seeking ways to address this challenge, career and technical education (CTE) programs are stepping up to offer students a rigorous and relevant education rich in literacy content and strategies. CTE courses, often overlooked in academic discussions, can have a tremendous impact on students’ literacy engagement and achievement, and must be considered as part of the adolescent literacy solution." ~"CTE's Role in Adolescent Literacy." Issue Brief November 2009, Association for Career & Technical Education. (read the entire brief here: http://www.acteonline.org/uploadedFiles/Publications_and_Online_Media/files/Literacy_Issue_Brief.pdf)

You need a google login to access. Two ways to access:

1. Login to google, copy/paste the following link--https://sites.google.com/a/dpi.wi.gov/wibitliteracy/

2. Click the following link--https://sites.google.com/a/dpi.wi.gov/wibitliteracy/, click on "sign in with a different account" under "don't have an account at dpi.wi.gov?"

Wisconsin Disciplinary Literacy Initiative: http://www.dpi.wi.gov/standards/disciplinaryliteracy.html

Disciplinary Literacy for B&IT: https://sites.google.com/a/dpi.wi.gov/wibitliteracy/

Financial Literacy Resources

"Families Stand Together" will be followed by "Your Life, Your Money" produced by Jump$tart national partner, WNED Buffalo/Toronto, and hosted by Donald Faison, star of "Scrubs." Your Life, Your Money is aimed at young adults who want to get their financial lives on track. It features a number of financial experts, including our friends Michelle Singletary (of Wisconsin) and Beth Kobliner. http://www.pbs.org/your-life-your-money/

The Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE) team at the University of Florida is conducting the 3rd annual Financial Literacy Challenge for high school students this year.

The University of Florida SIFE Financial Literacy Challenge is a multiple choice, multiple round, online quiz competition about basic financial literacy topics. Students are directed to http://www.knowmoremoney.org/ and are asked to study the material on the website. The students are then tested through a timed quiz on what they learned. The participant that learns the most and scores the highest after two rounds of quizzes earns a scholarship toward a college/community college education. There are no lengthy essay, GPA or recommendation letter requirements. Students only need to concentrate on learning the information about financial literacy and taking a 5-7 minute quiz based on what they learned.

This SIFE team partnered with the Common Knowledge Scholarship Foundation to deliver these online quizzes. Last year this program reached over 4,000 students across the country and this year will award $2000 to the first, second, and third place winners.

More than ever, financial literacy is an important topic. Please help spread the word about this educational program and the scholarship opportunity that goes with it.

Study: “Are Teachers Making the Grade in Personal Finance Education?"

Personal Finance

2010 Financial Literacy Report: an interim view of Wisconsin's Financial Literacy legacy and future. [.pdf 1.5M, 36 pages]

Personal Finance Survey

A survey of the businessed list serv was conducted to gather information about school districts offering personal finance courses. Responses were summarized into report format including: school district, name of course, department responsible for course, duration of course, grades offered, and requirement for graduation.
Personal Finance Report [.pdf, 40K, 17 pages] (revised May, 2010)
Click here for helpful resources that show that teaching financial literacy is effective.
Click here for to access the Personal Financial Literacy Resources in Wisconsin page.

Credit Unions in Wisconsin Schools
School Districts in Wisconsin with Credit Unions (self reported by district) [.pdf, 44K]

Business Law Curricular Resources

Webinar about State Bar of Wisconsin Resources
State Bar of Wisconsin Law Related Education
Courts with Class Information
Other Publications and resources

Keyboarding at the Elementary Level

Guidance for Wisconsin Districts
As the new Common Core State Standards for English/Language Arts outline keyboarding proficiency and the new Smarter Balanced Assessment requires a certain level of skill, it is more important than ever that conversation occurs at the district level regarding keyboarding instruction and assessment.

Professional Organizations

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
is a national and state student organization. Wisconsin reported 182 chapters and 6,709 members for 2008-2009. The DPI BIT consultant is the state chair of FBLA.

Phi Beta Lambda (PBL)
is a student organization for business at the college and university level. PBL works closely with the Business Education consultants and with FBLA to meet the needs of post secondary business majors. The consultants advise teacher training institutions in curriculum, accreditation, internships and student teaching, and standards and assessment policies.

Wisconsin Business Education Association (WBEA)
provides leadership to teachers through a spring conference, fall seminar, regional representatives, national and state standards writing and distribution, legislative networking, and the publication of a refereed journal. The BIT consultant is a non-voting member of the WBEA Executive Board.

WBEA Membership Form [.pdf, 36K]

North Central Business Education Association (NCBEA)
objectives are to improve the relationship in business education at the state, regional, and national levels; to promote the professional growth of those in business education; to promote better business education through whatever means seem desirable; and to offer assistance and service to state associations within the region.

National Business Education Association (NBEA)
makes available professional assistance to its members through publications, conferences, legislative lobbying, and development of model academic standards in business education. To join or renew membership, please visit http://www.nbea.org/newsite/member/index.html.

Wisconsin Association for Career & Technical Education (WACTE)
is dedicated to the advancement of technical and career education in Wisconsin. Its mission is to unite individuals involved in career and technical education, provides professional development, encourages leadership in the political arena, and promotes innovative change to enhance lifelong learning.

Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE)
is the largest national education association dedicated to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for careers. This area offers information about the history, mission and structure of ACTE, as well as details on our annual awards program.

Wisconsin Association for Leadership in Education and Work (WALEW)
will seek to effectively influence, support, and monitor educational reform efforts which relate to the improvement and implementation of programs pertaining to education and work for all students.

Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants (WICPA)
provides resources and CPE in the accounting profession for members.

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
is the national, professional organization for all Certified Public Accountants. Its mission is to provide members with the resources, information, and leadership that enable them to provide valuable services in the highest professional manner to benefit the public as well as employers and clients.

International Society of Business Education
is an organization dedicated to sharing knowledge of business education practices and curriculum from around the world. The following nations are members: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, Germany, Iceland, India, Italy, Norway, Poland, Scotland, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and USA. The US chapter website is http://www.isbeusa.org/

Return to Curriculum & Standards

For questions about this information, contact Lisa A Zovar (608) 267-9259

Last updated on 5/22/2012 9:17:34 AM