Financial Planning & Literacy
Course Overview: This course will introduce students to the area of financial literacy. The units of study will include budgeting, Credit/Loans, Savings/Investing, College costs and loans, and selected other financial literacy skills. Overall, students should gain understanding of the part they will play in their own financial future.
Assessment Strands:
Accuracy: Mathematics is a language that allows people to give exact answers. When calculations are not made correctly, computers don’t operate, bridges collapse, and checks bounce. Students are assessed in this strand through their performance on quizzes and tests and some homework assignments. 30%
Logic: Just like accuracy, how one arrives at a solution is also important. When reviewing student work, teachers look to see how problems are set up before they are solved. As math concepts become increasingly complex, making sure the logic is clearly communicated takes on greater significance. Students are assessed in this strand through their performance on quizzes and tests and some homework assignments. 30%
Application: Students participate in unit projects each semester where they apply their knowledge and explore solutions to in depth problems. These projects are graded on a variety of content and presentation standards. 20%
Work Habits: Students are assessed in this strand primarily through class participation and timely completion of assignments. Strong work habits are key to successfully learning the content of this course. 20%
Course Schedule:
Consumer Awareness
Making Decisions
Banking Services - checking accounts
Budgeting
Setting financial goals
Saving and Investing
Stocks, Bonds, Mutual Funds
Credit Scores, Credit Cards, Loans
Course Policies & Expectations:
Academics – Your effort and willingness to wrestle with the material of this class is a key element to your success. You are responsible to yourself and to your classmates to produce your best work and to come prepared to class each day with all the needed materials and ready to work. The culture of this class encourages learning through sharing our mistakes and group solutions to difficult problems. Frequent participation in class is expected and an informal part of your overall grade. Participation can mean a variety of things including contributing to class discussions, posting solutions on the board, asking questions, and contributing to group work.
Materials – all items should be brought to every class.
Binder with dividers and loose-leaf paper or spiral bound with a pocket folder
Homework and sharpened pencils with erasers
Honors – Every student has the option to extend their work to the honors level. A presentation on an approved financial issue in the news will be required along with extension work on projects. Honors credit will not be given to anyone with a strand or overall class grade below a C.
Attendance – Your regular attendance in class is a must. It is important to be in class regularly to learn the course material. Come to class on time - lateness disrupts class for everyone! You are responsible for getting notes and assignments upon return to school and missed work is due within three days of your return. Assignments due on the day of absence are expected upon return to school.
Quizzes and Tests – Quizzes will be given regularly in class and will assess the understanding of the week’s lesson. Tests will be scheduled at the conclusion of a topic.
Homework – You can expect to spend approximately 30-45 minutes a night of quality homework time. It is your responsibility to make a reasonable effort to complete the homework and try each problem. Most homework will be collected and graded but not every assignment will be collected.
Missing / Late Work – This class will follow the IACS late work policy as described in the IACS Student Handbook