Pepperell High School’s Business and Computer Science Department achieved Industry Certification from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the Georgia Department of Education (GADOE).  The PHS program completed the certification program on Thursday, May 1st, 2008.  The PHS Business and Computer Science Department’s teachers: David Mowery, Jeff Shiflett, Brian Crick and Zach Battles have worked for approximately a year on the extensive certification process. 

During the final program evaluation, PHS students were extensively involved in the programs successful application for certification.  Students, Brent Bailey and Kayla Maxwell participated in the evaluation visit by presenting a business plan for a music store created in their Entrepreneurial Ventures class.  Also, Future Business Leaders of America members Ross Collins, Kati Westfall, Jonathan Stone and Tyler Maner gave a multimedia presentation highlighting the activities and accomplishments of the Pepperell FBLA chapter.  

Program Certification is a program implemented to promote high quality instruction in business education at the high school level.  Competency standards and specific performance objectives provide the foundation for a solid curriculum based in Business and Computer Science.  The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the Georgia Department of Education (GADOE) have determined the core employability skills in the areas of thinking skills, basic business and computer skills, interpersonal skills, and use of technology needed in a high school program.  The groups also require specific performance objectives and standards be incorporated in each high school course to meet the criteria of an exceptional Business and Computer Science program.

Program Certification provides recognition to high schools that have demonstrated exceptional business education programs and document them through the use of the certification standards.  SHRM and GADOE personnel evaluated the PHS Business and Computer Science program, based on these standards, in the areas of:

• Advisory Committee and Community Relations
• Instructional Planning and Organization
• Curriculum
• Career Guidance and Career-Related Services
• Technology, Budget, and Facilities
• Professional Competence
• Future Business Leaders of America

The Pepperell High School business department will be awarded a plaque to acknowledge their accomplishment at a luncheon in Atlanta later this summer. Pepperell High School’s certification will be valid for 5 years.