Course Syllabus

ME 11 Entrepreneurship I- In this course, students evaluate the concepts of going into business for themselves and working for or operating a small business. They become acquainted with channel management, pricing, product/service management, and promotion. Emphasis is on the exploration of feasible ideas of products/services, research procedures, business financing, marketing strategies, and access to resources for starting a small business.

Course Overview:

The Entrepreneurship I course is a curriculum created by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and has been implemented statewide. The curriculum works through five (5) Essential Standards and is taught as a hands-on, project-based course.

 Goals and Objectives of Honors Entrepreneurship 1 

1.00: Understand entrepreneurship, entrepreneurship discoveries, the entrepreneurial mindset, and business ethics in entrepreneurship.

4.00: Understand channels of distribution and cost structure.

1.01

Describe the nature of entrepreneurship.

4.01

Explain the nature of channels of distribution.

1.02

Explain career opportunities in entrepreneurship.

4.02

Explain the nature and scope of purchasing.

1.03

Conduct self-assessment to determine entrepreneurial potential.

4.03

Explain the concept of supply chain.

1.04

Explain the nature of business ethics.

4.04

Explain the nature of overhead/operating costs.

1.05

Explain types of business ownership.

4.05

Explain the concept of production.

2.00: Understand design thinking, the Lean Canvas Business Model, and feasibility of venture ideas.

5.00: Understand pricing, revenue streams, and key metrics.

2.01

Describe the design thinking process.

5.01

Explain the nature and scope of the pricing function (SP).

2.02

Determine the relationship between government and business.

5.02

Explain the nature of sales forecasts (SP).

2.03

Conduct an environmental scan to obtain business information.

5.03

Determine Revenue Streams.

2.04

Determine feasibility of venture ideas.

5.04

Identify key metrics.

2.05

Understand Lean Canvas Business Model (LCBM).

 

Curriculum information may be found at: https://center.ncsu.edu/nccte-cms/

 

3.00: Understand marketing strategies, unique value proposition, competitive advantage, and customer segments.

3.01

Explain the concept of marketing strategies.

3.02

Identify company's unique value/selling proposition.

3.03

Explain the concept of market and market identification.

Honors Differentiation:  Entrepreneurship I HN is an honors level course. Students earning credit for an Honors level course receive an elevated number of Quality Points for their Grade Point Average. Students choosing the Honors level course should be aware that this Honors level course will include:

  • Required extension opportunities that are directly related to the Standard Course of Study. This includes additional content beyond that covered in the College Preparatory level.
  • More challenging coursework and assessments. Students will be expected to demonstrate higher levels of understanding for grades.
  • Projects and presentations will be more in depth.
  • Students will have to focus and study regularly to master the content.
  • The expectation that students can move through the coursework at an accelerated pace and students experiencing difficulty should quickly seek guidance from their teacher on how they can be more successful.

Resources: Throughout the course, students will utilize online applications to assist with learning and practicing to gain an understanding of the components of Entrepreneurship. The following resources will be provided.

  • LAP’s (Leadership, Attitude, Performance) online texts: These text applications are utilized throughout the course for students to gain understanding various components of the curriculum.
  • Venture Entrepreneurial Expedition: This short minor credential online course provides students with videos, text, and various activities in developing a basic knowledge of entrepreneurship. Students who complete the course with a 70% or higher will receive a minor credential.

Learning Platform: Canvas: The majority of assignments will be submitted on our "learning platform," Canvas. Assignments can be submitted a variety of ways including, uploading files, typing into textboxes, and sharing Google documents/presentations. We will have a lesson on the use of Canvas in my class during introductions, so students feel proficient in using the platform.

If students have questions, they can contact me or access the Canvas Student Guide for specific instructions. It is the student's responsibility to ensure assignments are submitted on time and to let me know if there is a problem. The Canvas Learning Platform tracks every student log-in on Canvas which provides teachers with a list of when students log-in to Canvas using their user ID. Canvas scores will transfer to the gradebook in PowerSchool as needed. The most accurate grades will be found in PowerSchool which is the official gradebook.

 Supplies: The only supplies necessary for the course are as follows:

  • A small binder or notebook to hold notes and papers
  • Writing utensils
  • Optional: A flash drive to save student data

If any student has trouble obtaining these items, please contact Mr. Challand.

Participation:

It is essential that every student is in class, on time, and prepared to learn every day. This is a course that focuses on teamwork and individual achievement. By listening, asking questions, and working together, we will create a structure of responsible and successful individuals.

Final Exam:

Many courses have gone away from standardized testing to demonstrate proficiency and have moved toward a performance-based measure. The entrepreneurship course was the first state curriculum to do this. The final exam grade for this course consists of a formalized student business plan for a business they choose to create as well as a ‘Shark Tank’ style classroom presentation about their business.

Grading Scale           

100 – 90 = A                                                                                      

  89 – 80 = B                                                                                          

  79 – 70 = C                                                                                          

  69 –60 = D                                                                                  

  59 or below = F

 75% of semester grade: Daily work, tests/quizzes, projects

25% of semester grade: Final Exam

Late Work:

Work turned in after the due date will receive a 5-point deduction per day it is late. Work that is not turned in at all will receive a grade of 0.

Make-up Work:

  • A student who misses homework, assignments or project due dates because of absences will be allowed to make up the work. Arrangements for completing the work should be made within five school days of the student’s return to school.
  • A student who misses a test or quiz is expected to make up the assessment within one week of their return.
  • It is the students’ responsibility to contact Mr. Challand for any make-up work.

 Note: Re-tests are available for students who score poorly on exams. A student can only receive a maximum score of 80% on re-assessments. Re-tests must be completed within one week of the original date and only after the student has attended tutoring with Mr. Challand.

Attendance:
Regular attendance is required.  Your presence in class is crucial since most of the activities in this course occur during class time.  Your active participation will enhance your success as well as that of your classmates.  Be active in class!  Participate in class discussions!  Your opinions, input, and questions are what this class is all about!  Class attendance is part of your final grade.

Credit will not be granted for classes when absences for a student reach eight days for a semester long course and fifteen days for a yearlong course. Absences include those that are lawful, unlawful, and due to suspension.

Following any absence(s), a student is required to present a written document from the parent or guardian stating the reason for the absence.

Tardies:

Students are expected to be in class when the tardy bell rings. A student is tardy when he/she is not in the classroom when the bell begins to ring. Student must report to the office for an admittance slip. All tardies will be recorded. See the CATA Handbook for tardy policy and consequences.   

Policies Regarding Academic Dishonesty:

Honesty and integrity are two of the most important qualities an individual can possess. Any dishonest behavior, including but not limited to acts such as copying another student’s work, giving someone your work to be copied, forging a signature, or not telling the truth when asked are signs of a lack of integrity and will not be tolerated. The honor code will strictly be enforced and consequences for violations of the honor code will be applied.  If found or suspected of plagiarism or cheating of any kind, the student will receive a score of zero for that test/assignment and no make-up will be allowed.

The score of zero will be permanent.

In addition to risking a failing grade there are several other practical reasons not to cheat.

  • No grade is worth sacrificing your character.
  • You do not have to live with the knowledge that you behaved dishonestly while under pressure.
  • You will take pride that your work is your own.
  • Professionals in all industries must adhere to a code of ethics outlined by their employer, community, or licensing entity. Practical ethical behavior becomes easier the more it is practiced.

Expectations:

Each student is guaranteed the right to a good education. Therefore, disruptive behavior on the part of any student will not be tolerated.

  • Preparation: All students are expected to arrive to class prepared and in possession of all required materials stated in this syllabus. If a student or parent has difficulty obtaining the necessary materials, contact Mr. Challand for assistance.
  • Engagement/Sleeping: All students are expected to be engaged in the class activities for the entire period. At no time are students permitted to opt out of an assignment. Sleeping or putting head down in class is not tolerated at any time. 
  • Electronics: There is a zero tolerance regarding electronics and will be strictly enforced. If a student is found using an electronic device (MP3 players including earphones, cellular phones, cameras etc.) in class, the teacher may follow policies comprising confiscation up to and including an administrative referral.
  • Eating and Drinking: There is absolutely no food permitted in my classroom. The only acceptable beverage is water in a clear plastic bottle. This policy is in place to prevent distractions and to maintain a sanitary work environment
  • Dress Code: All students are expected to adhere to the dress code that is outlined in the student handbook. If a student is in violation of the dress code they will immediately be sent to a member of the administrative team.
  • School Materials: We are fortunate that CATA has provided us with contemporary materials. You will be expected to use these materials in a respectful manner, as they must last for many years.  Inappropriate use of materials including books and/or technology equipment will be dealt with accordingly.