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Julia Robinson
Mrs. Harrell
English 4
November 14, 2014
The Impact of Business Education in High School
All over the world educators are trying to teach students the things that they need to know
after high school, but are the core subjects, English, Math and Social Studies, teaching them everything that they need to know about life after high school. Business education has prepared students to become responsible citizens, capable of making wise decisions that will benefit their
personal and professional lives. However, business educators have to often defend the value of it.
Business education positively impacts high school students because of the vital skills, the lessons
learned and the community involvement.
Every business program teaches a set of skills, whether its communications, management,
computer basics or all of the above. Business education tackles more skills in one day than in
weeks of schooling, because of the constant interaction with technology, classmates and other
members of the community. These skills are what workplaces look for and without these types of
skills it is difficult to find a job that fits your experience. High school principals believe that all
students need to possess basic consumer skills taught in these business education courses (Railsback 151). Laura Burdick says that students also learn teaching skills in her classroom, while
helping each other succeed. Since we live in the century of technology all students will use technology as a tool for managing information, and need to master the lifelong learning skills that
foster flexible career paths and confidence in adapting to a workplace that demands constant retooling. As students learn new information these skills begin to come naturally to them.

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The biggest impact on students is the lessons that business classes teach them. Being able
to see classmates come together and create something that they could never have imagined being
able to create. According to Laura Burdick, if someone was to visit her room they would see a lot
of activity, collaboration, design, research and finance. These are all things that they have
learned over time. Burdick does not treat their work in her classroom as school work, but as a
job, assessing them on teamwork, work they do, attitude and positivity (Burdick). In some
schools, administrators have seen students who are not inattentive become immersed in their
studies. The students find that what they are learning relates to them (Kadleck). Business education helps students master concepts such as, business ethics, interviewing basics, marketing, finances, managing, and many others. By using these lessons and embracing entrepreneurial programming and education students excel.
Communities are major supporters of business education, they provide sponsorship, information and advice. When a student goes out and markets their products they are collecting
reviews and advice on how to better the product to improve their business. A student business
called The Blue Streak Bistro, purchases its ice cream from a big supporter and local mentor of
the schools club (Kadleck). The input from outside members provides a real world perspective
for the students, altering the way that they look at their business. Burdick has members of her
community evaluate her students work so that the feedback they receive not only comes from the
teacher but also from potential customers (Burdick). The financial support that businesses and
individuals in the community provide is very helpful, helping business educators improve the
learning environment of young entrepreneurs.
Business education prepares students for their future using the skills, lessons and community involvement. It introduces students to a career in business. Although they may not choose

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to go into business directly, business education provides a foundation for students who wish to
do something else. The skills and lessons that they learn make students responsible citizens that
understand and can follow the processes of a workplace.

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Work Cited
Burdick, Laura. "Interview With Mrs. Burdick." Personal interview. 13 Nov. 2014.
Kadleck, Chrissy. "Schools Help Students Get Down To Business." Crain's Cleveland
Business 35.24 (2014): 0012. Regional Business News. Web. 12 Nov. 2014.
Railsback, Barbara, and Nancy Groneman Hite. "The Value Of Business Education: Perceptions Of High School Guidance Counselors, Principals, And Boards Of Education." Delta Pi Epsilon Journal 50.3 (2008): 150-163. Business Source Premier.
Web. 12 Nov. 2014.