Successful Practices Network Virtual Enterprises as a Capstone Course: NYS CTE Approved Program Status Ellen Palazzo Long Island Field Associate, CTE TAC of NY Director of Long Island Region of VE

Successful Practices Network What is happening with Business Education programs on LI? What does it mean to you? What is Virtual Enterprises? How does it prepare students for college and careers? CTE Approved Program Status: “meaningful program of study” – VE as a capstone course How can you redesign your business education program?

Successful Practices Network 3 WHAT IS VIRTUAL ENTERPRISES INTERNATIONAL? VEI is an applied-learning instructional model for global business, economics, entrepreneurship, financial literacy and technology. Under the guidance of a teacher-facilitator and business mentor, students create and manage a business. Students engage in commerce with other student-run businesses in the U.S. and across the globe.

Successful Practices Network 4 Let’s Take a Look…..

Successful Practices Network 5 WHAT DIFFERENTIATES VEI?  In-school, live, global business simulation  Offices, not classrooms  Executives, not students  Open to all students  Develops college and career-ready students in the European tradition of apprenticeships  Emphasizes project-based, collaborative learning VEI approach emphasizes learning in four key areas: Ownership: Students take responsibility for their own learning Experiential: Students’ learning is authentic and realistic Cooperative: Students understand the dynamics of working as a team Reflective: Students experience the consequences of their decisions

Successful Practices Network  Industry Partners: Integral to VEI success  Mentors, Speakers, Judges  Business Plan Competitions  Global Business Challenge  International Trade Fair  Advertising Futures Competition  Internship Providers  Scholarship Sponsors  Advisory Board/Council Members  Workshop/Webinar Leaders 6 BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT AND RECOGNITION

Successful Practices Network Open to all students Student-oriented approach Practical, task-oriented instruction Real-world environment Rigorous curriculum & online resources Hands-on application of academic skills Context that has relevance NOTEWORTHY ELEMENTS OF VEI 7

Successful Practices Network 8 A CYCLE OF SUCCESS VEI Standards- based Curriculum Real World Learning Business Mentor Professional Development Program Evaluation & Impact

Successful Practices Network “Strong academic skills and the ability to apply those skills to solve real-world predictable and unpredictable problems and situations has become a minimum requirement for the vast majority of American jobs.” Dr. Willard Daggett, Ed.D. International Center for Leadership in Education How does VE prepare students for college and CAREERS?

Successful Practices Network Let’s discuss what a “meaningful program of study” in business ed with VE as a capstone course might look like: Hewlett High School— required prerequisites; integrates eco William Floyd High School--- newly introduced as part of a Commercial Foods, Cosmetology and Construction Programs East Islip Global Business Academy--- senior year; cohort All have gained NYS CTE Program Approval Status

Successful Practices Network All students should graduate high school with a diploma and something else

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Successful Practices Network CTE Program Approval Process Assures quality technical and academic curriculum-meaningful program of study that prepares students for real world Post secondary articulation agreements- Work-based learning opportunities Established partnerships with local business and industry Certification of individual programs; Re- certification every five years

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Successful Practices Network Challenge: How can you redesign your current program to help students transition to college and careers using VE as a capstone?