History of Business Education In 1925 business courses were frequently called “Commercial” Courses and were considered part of a General High School Curriculum. Typewriting – Shorthand Business Math – Business Law – General Business – Accounting – Marketing Business subjects were “Academic”.

Vocational dollars were designed to : From 1917 – Smith-Hughes Act – Vocational Education included agriculture, home economics, & industrial technology. In the mid-1960’s the legislation was passed to include business education & marketing education. Vocational dollars were designed to : Promote programs, recruit students Purchase needed equipment Professional development for teachers

Pros & Cons Some business educators supported the inclusion while others did not. Schools/programs had to apply to their state divisions of VE to receive funds. Teachers were supposed to meet the requirements for vocational certification. Some did, but many did not.

Many business educators wanted to retain their academic status. They viewed vocational education as attracting inferior students. This perception prevails somewhat even today. The big shift began around 1970 when schools, in large numbers, wanted to replace their existing typewrites with IBM Selectric typewriters. They also wanted some data processing equipment.

Spinoffs Some programs & classes were physically moved. Teachers entered vocational certification programs. Money for new equipment became available. Programs, faculty, & students were lumped together with other vocational programs which were largely “blue collar” work with your hands programs.

Late 90’s - future Microcomputers & Microcomputer Applications have resulted in an elevation of the status of business teachers and their subject matter expertise. Students want and need the classes. Teachers are viewed as the technology leaders in their schools. Demand for business teachers is high.

Goals Of Business Education Promoting career awareness and exploration of business careers Preparing students to be competent consumers of goods and services. Providing a basic knowledge of economics and the free enterprise system. Developing skills and knowledge needed in managing personal business affairs including computer skills

Goals of Business Education Continued Furthering competencies of a business nature that have special supportive value in other professions Inspiring respect for the value and dignity of hones work Providing general business knowledge skills, and understanding

Professional Organizations NBEA: National Business Education Assn. WBITE: Western Business & IT Educators (11 western states & 3 Canadian provinces. (WBEA) IBEA: Idaho Business Education Assn. ACTE: Association of Career & Technical Educators. (formerly American Vocational Association)

CTEI: Career & Technical Educators of Idaho (formerly Idaho Vocational Association) Idaho Professional-Technical Educators (name for summer conference) Techniques (formerly American Vocational Assn. Journal) NABTE: National Association For Business Teacher Education.

BPA: Business Professionals of America (student organization) SDPTE: State Division of Professional Technical Education (formerly SDVTE) BPA: Business Professionals of America (student organization) DECA: Marketing Education Association FBLA: Future Business Leaders of America DPE: Delta Pi Epsilon NCEE: National Council on Economic Education ICEE: Idaho Council on Economic Education