Sondra started teaching at Grand River Technical School starting in August 2006. She is a graduate of Marceline R-V High School and received her Bachelor of Science Degree from CMSU (Warrensburg) in Accounting/Management. Sondra has 14 years experience in the industry and chose to change careers by becoming an educator. In December 2005, Sondra received her Masters in Occupational Technology from CMSU.

Where Do I Begin?

The program is open to all high school graduates (or equivalent), as well as high school juniors and seniors. Juniors and seniors attend 1-hour classes of their choice. Adults attend four hours per day for nine months to complete the program (720 hours of instruction). Adult classes include one hour of accounting, one hour of computer applications, and two hours of business procedures each day.

Program Benefits

• Instructors who have national certification as Microsoft Office User Specialists
• State of the Art Equipment
• Summer Internships
• Supervised Business Experience
• Great Career Opportunities

College Credit

Students who successfully complete the business technology program with a B average or above and 90% attendance may receive up to 12 hours of articulated credit through North Central Missouri College in Trenton, Missouri. High school students may earn up to six hours of dual enrollment credit in computer applications through GRTS and NCMC.

Where Can You Go From Here?

The successful completion of the business technology program can lead to employment in entry-level positions such as office assistants, bookkeepers, receptionists, and bank tellers.

Because technology is constantly changing, students will need to continue updating their skills. Some may wish to pursue either an Associate's Degree or a Bachelor's Degree in Business on a part-time basis while working. Others may choose to continue their education n a full-time basis, pursuing degrees in areas such as accounting, international business, business administration, business education, marketing, and finance.

A solid foundation in business can lead to unlimited career opportunities, as well as help individuals organize and manage their own financial records.

Course Rationale (Accounting I and II): Instruction in this area plays an important role for students who are preparing for accounting careers after graduation - employment or higher level of education. It is also a crucial component of academic backgrounds for students who will pursue entrepreneurial ventures and small business ownership. All students, regardless of the profession they choose, can benefit from accounting instruction since it is an integral part of every business institution and organization.

Description

This Accounting I course provides an understanding of the basic elements and concepts of double-entry accounting systems. This course will also provide a solid background for employment in office jobs and preparation for studying business courses in college. It will cover the complete accounting cycle. Topics to be covered include:

• applying accounting concepts
• transaction analysis into debit and credit parts
• journalizing transactions and posting to ledgers
• completion of payroll procedures
• worksheet preparation
• preparation and analysis of financial statements
• recording adjusting and closing entries

Students will complete work for merchandising and service businesses in a manual and computerized system as well as demonstrate employability skills.

Textbooks: Century 21 Accounting (8th edition), Century 21 Accounting Workbook (8th edition), and Viking Marine (simulation)

Evaluation Structure

Grades for this course are based on daily work, workbook assignments, vocabulary, quizzes, and written tests. Students’ grades will be determined by dividing the number of points earned by the number of points possible. Another factor considered in determining the final grade includes work ethic points. Work ethic consists of: attendance, punctuality, prepared for class, class contributions, behavior (talking in class, etc.). These factors can make a difference if a student is on the borderline between grades, for instance, an A- and a B+. Due to the nature of the course, good attendance is essential for success in this class.

Course Rationale: This area of instruction provides content for knowledge and skills required in the technology-based workplace. The demand will continue to expand for students prepared with a knowledge of and skills in word processing, spreadsheets, database, desktop publishing, and telecommunication. This training is vital for students planning to enter the workforce or continue training for a career in business.

Description

This computer applications course is designed to help students prepare for entry-level employment in the field of computers and information services and/or to help them prepare for more advanced college computer courses.  Students will receive instruction in the field of information processing, which includes hands-on experience utilizing word processing, desktop publishing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software.  Students will be using a Windows XP platform and Office 2007 integrated software suite.

This class is articulated through North Central Missouri College in Trenton upon completion.  Students will also have the opportunity to receive up to six hours of dual credit (BT160 and BT260) from NCMC.

Textbooks: Microsoft Office 2007 Introductory Concepts & Techniques; Microsoft Office 2007 Advanced Concepts & Techniques.

Evaluation Structure: Grades for this class are based on daily work, computer projects, skills tests, and written tests. Students' grades will be determined by dividing the number of points earned by the number of points possible. Other factors considered in determining the final grade are attendance, punctuality, work ethic, and class participation. These factors can make a difference if a student is on the borderline between, for instance, an A- and a B+. Due to the nature of the course, good attendance is essential for success in this class.

Course Rationale: This area of instruction provides content for employment in career areas which include desktop publishing skills. Demand in this area will continue to expand as businesses utilize advanced desktop publishing skills to increase their production efficiency and improve the creativity and quality of business documents and publications.

Description

This course is designed for students to gain knowledge and proficiency in the creation of various projects such as brochures, publications, posters, invoices, business cards, flyers, advertisements, and many other functional documents. Creativity and critical thinking will play a large part in this course.

This course introduces the novice publisher to the features of Microsoft Publisher, Adobe InDesign and Illustrator, as well as Adobe Photoshop. Photoshop will be used throughout the class and incorporated into the activities completed throughout the year. The student’s will learn an overview of the software product’s capabilities and functions.

This class is articulated through North Central Missouri College in Trenton upon completion. Students will also have the opportunity to receive up to three hours of dual credit (BT200) from NCMC.

Textbooks: Microsoft Publisher 2007 Complete Concepts and Technique, Adobe Illustrator CS, Adobe InDesign CS, Adobe PhotoShop CS

Evaluation Structure: Grades for this class are based on daily work, computer projects, skills tests, and written tests. Students' grades will be determined by dividing the number of points earned by the number of points possible. Other factors considered in determining the final grade are attendance, punctuality, work ethic, and class participation. These factors can make a difference if a student is on the borderline between, for instance, an A- and a B+. Due to the nature of the course, good attendance is essential for success in this class.