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High School Business Education Courses
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Updated with information for the 2023-24 school year.
Valley High School has entered into Dual Credit and Articulation Agreements with Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC). Students using the articulation agreement may seek advanced standing in DMACC’s business programs.
Blended and online courses are set up so students receive instruction in the classroom and through digital online media during regular school hours.
Classes in orange are available for Valley Southwoods students.
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Accounting and Business Law Courses
Accounting I
BUS205 and BUS206 | Full-Year Course
ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAIAccounting I (Blended)
BUS205b and BUS206b | Full-Year Course
ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAIAccounting is “the language of business.” Warren Buffet says that anyone with an interest in business should learn as much about accounting as possible. Here’s your chance! This two-semester course covers the complete accounting cycle for proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations. Accounting provides the background for a student seeking an entry-level accounting job, as well as for college-bound students who plan to enter the field of business.
Accounting II (Blended)
BUS301b and BUS302b | Full-Year Course
Prerequisite: Accounting I
ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAIA two-semester course which reviews accounting principles and procedures studied in the first year of accounting; covers partnership, corporation, cost, and management accounting; emphasizes duties of specialized accounting clerks; shows the relationship between an accounting department and an automated data processing center; introduces the accounting student to the many tasks that will be completed by individuals moving up the accounting ladder. The student will also complete a short microcomputer simulation. The use of accounting as a basis for managerial decision-making is emphasized. This course is recommended for students planning a college major in accounting or business and for students who plan to work in the accounting field. Some of the class activities are conducted off-campus and students are responsible for arranging for their own transportation.
Accounting II is only offered as a blended course. Students are not required to meet everyday; the specific schedule will be determined and communicated by the instructor.
Business Law I
BUS305 or BUS306 | First OR Second Semester
ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAIThis one-semester course introduces students to the laws that affect business and their daily lives. Included are reviews of the Constitution and our legal system, ethics, law for minors, crimes, torts, contracts, employment, warranties, and consumer protection laws. Current and landmark cases, as well as legal professionals, are used in the study of business and personal law.
Business Law II
BUS308 | Second Semester
Prerequisite: Business Law I
ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬜10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAIA one-semester course that further enhances student’s awareness to the laws that affect businesses and their daily lives. Topics will include Personal Property, Employment & Equal Opportunity Law, Negotiable Instruments, Credit Law, Corporate Law, Rental & Housing Agreements, Family Law, and Estate Planning. Current and landmark cases are used in the study of business and personal law. Students who are interested in business or legal professions are encouraged to take this course.
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Business and Finance Classes
Classes in orange are available for Valley Southwoods students.
Entrepreneurship and Business Management
BUS403 | First Semester
ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬜10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAIA one-semester class covering all aspects of starting your own business as well as developing an appreciation for the “entrepreneurship mindset.” Regardless of a student’s career orientation, this class will provide students with an opportunity to work together on creating a business and integrating many aspects of business such as marketing, sales, making a business plan, managing, financing, and accounting. This course will culminate with an Entrepreneurship Fair where students will have an opportunity to meet with guests from the Business community to share information about their business. The class will follow the Bizinnovator curriculum from the University of Iowa and be taught by a certified BizInnovator teacher. Students will take a University of Iowa proficiency exam at no cost to the student and the result of the exam will not go toward their VHS grade and/or credit. Those students who pass this exam will have the option to obtain three University of Iowa credits for ENTR:1010 Exploring Entrepreneurship at a reduced course fee of $150.
Principles of Career Success
BUS109 or BUS110 | First OR Second Semester
ELECTIVE ⬛9 ⬜10 ⬜11 ⬜12
⬜DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAIPrinciples of Career Success is a one semester course that builds employment skills through simulations and 21st century learning activities while exploring potential career interests. This course focuses on developing employability (soft) skills utilizing hands-on and interactive instruction. Upon successful completion of this course students will be better prepared to successfully apply, maintain, and grow in the business world.
Introduction to Business
BUS101 or BUS102 | First OR Second Semester
ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAIWe are all directly or indirectly part of the business world. As employees, we work in the business world, regardless of career. As consumers, we all have many daily interactions with different types of businesses. Why not have a foundation of knowledge to understand business basics while becoming a smarter consumer? This one-semester course provides that foundation with introductory information about economics, international trade, business structures, management, accounting, marketing and investments.
Personal Finance
BUS404 | Second Semester
ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬜10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAIA one-semester course that focuses on how to manage your personal finances. Students will learn areas that enhance financial security and enable them to make wise decisions affecting their financial future. Units will include career and personal decision-making, money management, financial security, investments, credit management, and risk management. Students will gain knowledge of managing their personal finances, preparing them for financial responsibility beyond high school.
Students will have the option to take a University of Northern Iowa proficiency exam to earn 3 college credits for a fee of $100. This will transfer directly to UNI as FIN 1040 (Financial Skills for Smart Living), to other colleges if there is a comparable course, or as general elective credit.
If students are in need of financial assistance to help with the cost of the proficiency exam, please see your assigned counselor for information.
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Computer and Keyboarding Courses
Computer Applications I
BUS203 or BUS204 | First OR Second Semester
ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬛DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAIComputer Applications I (Blended)
BUS203b or BUS204b | First OR Second Semester
ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬛DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAIComputer Applications I is designed as a computer user-oriented course with no programming required for successful completion of course goals and objectives. Emphasis will be on four major microcomputer application areas: word processing (Word), database (Access), spreadsheets (Excel), and presentations (PowerPoint). Techniques learned here can be applied to many courses throughout high school and beyond. This course must be taken for DMACC credit.
Computer Applications II
BUS304 | Second Semester
Prerequisite: Computer Applications I
ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬛DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAIComputer Applications II focuses on using Excel to create efficient spreadsheet models of common and more complex business problems. Challenges students to use critical thinking and analysis to find effective solutions to real-life situations. Includes applying logic in decision-making, using statistical analysis tools, determining effective data display with charts, locating and managing data with reference functions, and organizing data for complex analysis. This course must be taken for DMACC credit. Content standards are based upon DMACC competencies.
Developmental Keyboarding
BUS111 or BUS112 | First OR Second Semester
ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAIDevelopmental Keyboarding is a one-semester class that focuses on the fundamental acquisition of basic keyboarding skills. It is designed for students in either the ESL program or Special Education program who need a slower pace than a regular keyboarding/word processing class. An emphasis is placed on correct keyboarding techniques, leading to increases in speed and accuracy. Students will also use software-based programs to develop their skills. Students need counselor or program recommendation in order to take this class.
Introduction to Computer Applications: Keyboarding and Word
BUS407 | First Semester
ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬛DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAIThis is a one-semester course that is designed to improve keyboarding skills through an in-depth utilization of Microsoft Word. Instead of creating a plain report, you can learn all features of Word and what this program can do to help you enhance your documents. The course will focus on keyboarding techniques the first six weeks and Microsoft Word for 12 weeks. At the end of the course, students will be allowed to test for Microsoft Certification as a Word Specialist. Microsoft Certification is a globally recognized business certification. This course must be taken for DMACC credit (1 credit)
Introduction to Computer Applications: Excel and PowerPoint
BUS408 | Second Semester
ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAIMany current employers say college students lack skills in Microsoft Excel. Do you know what current employers say one skill a lot of college students are deficient in? Their ability to use Excel. Gain an advantage over other peers when competing for a job by enrolling in this one semester course to become proficient in Excel. In addition, we will go into detail about PowerPoint, which will give you the ability to enhance your presentations and set yourself apart. At the end of the course, students will be allowed to test for Microsoft Certification as an Excel Specialist and a PowerPoint Specialist. Microsoft Certification is a globally recognized business certification.
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Leadership and Career Exploration Courses
Collaborative Field Experience
BUS501 or BUS502 | First OR Second Semester
ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬜10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬛DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAICollaborative Field Experience is a one-semester class, scheduled 2 consecutive periods, designed to provide a work-based learning opportunity grounded in current projects proposed by local business, government, and non-profit organizations. Students are placed on flexible work teams in professional settings to spark curiosity about the broader world. This course is designed to help students find their passion through authentic problem-solving experiences.
Through this experience, students will be challenged to take ownership of their learning. Students must learn, practice, and refine employability skills like working in dynamic teams, managing work pace, adapting and adjusting quickly, calendaring and scheduling, email/phone communications, etc.
In order to maintain the integrity of our school to business relationships students are expected to follow the expectations of this course. Students must provide their own transportation. This course must be taken for DMACC credit.
- Successful completion of the Valley High School Collaborative Field Experience program awards two (2) Valley High School credits per semester.
- This course can be taken for a total of two times, during your junior and/or senior year for a total of 4 high school credits.
- Three (3) credits may be obtained from DMACC (ADM936) after completing 120 working hours, during that semester, through the program, as well as demonstrating competencies provided by DMACC.
- DMACC credits can only be awarded once.
Leadership
BUS201 or BUS202 | First OR Second Semester
ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAIThis course is designed with the ultimate goal of helping students develop skills that will prepare them for their future success. Students will be able to apply what they learn to all aspects of their lives and across all curricular areas. The program consists of three foundational elements: teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Students will have the opportunity to practice leadership through the three foundational course elements in a variety of situational challenges. The course will culminate with students developing an action plan that demonstrates the utilization of the three foundational course elements i.e., create a presentation to teach peers about an important issue or topic, etc.an important issue or topic, etc.
Workforce Development & Skills (DMACC)
BUS405 and BUS406 | Full-Year Course
Pre-Requisite: Concurrent enrollment in a business class each semester.
ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬜10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬛DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAIWork Development & Skills is a two-semester college-level course focusing on job training related to business classes. Students are required to be enrolled in a business course each semester they are enrolled in Work Development & Skills in order to participate in the job training. Instruction and assessment will take place in an online environment. Students will be required to meet a minimum of four class periods throughout the semester. Students will meet in one-on-one conferences with the instructor throughout the course. Students must work an average of 10 hours per week in a business-related job. The student’s class schedule must be arranged so the student can be at their work site no later than 2:30 p.m. at least once every two weeks. This course must be taken for DMACC credit.
Only seniors may waive the physical education requirement if enrolled in the job. This waiver does not include makeup phys. ed.
In addition to actual on-the-job experience, online instruction and assessment will be provided in order for students to meet the following DMACC competencies in Career & Development Skills (ADM221) & Occupational Experience (ADM 936) in a blended learning environment.
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Marketing and Sales Courses
Marketing & Advertising
BUS311 and BUS312 | First OR Second Semester
ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬜10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAIMarketing is a one-semester course designed to introduce marketing by using a customer value framework. The class will cover marketing principles including: customer value, building and managing customer relationships, market research, market segmentation and targeting, buyer behavior, pricing, product development, and promotion. In addition, students will write targeted social media ads, perform demographic targeting, learn social media content promotion strategies, how to measure key performance indicators, advertising budgeting, and proper content scheduling.
Sales
BUS401 or BUS402 | First OR Second Semester
ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬜10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬛DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAISales is a semester course designed to teach personal selling and building customer relationships. This course must be taken for DMACC credit (3 credits). Emphasis will be on using a “consultative style” of personal selling. The class will cover the importance of establishing good relationships, finding prospect needs, providing a solution to these needs, and closing a high percentage of sales interviews.
Sports & Entertainment Marketing
BUS309 or BUS310 | First OR Second Semester
ELECTIVE ⬜9 ⬛10 ⬛11 ⬛12
⬜DMACC ⬜NCAA ⬜RAIA one-semester class covering sports marketing and marketing within the entertainment industry. Both marketing techniques of professional teams and colleges, as well as the use of sports teams and players to promote products and businesses, will be covered. Topics include public image, marketing plans, sponsorship pricing, recreation marketing, event management, fun fan activities, ticket sales, and legal issues.