Coosa High Business and Computer Program Earns Re-certification

Posted on 05/21/2010

The Coosa High School Business and Computer program has earned re-certification by the Greater Rome chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Georgia State Council and the Georgia Department of Education. Coosa High passed the 37 Industry Certification standards/criteria and will be certified for the next five years as meeting the highest of industry standards. The program was reviewed by a committee representing SHRM and the Georgia Department of Education during the month of April. Industry certification means that the program is teaching skills graduates will need to be success upon graduation. “Industry Certification is validation from the local and state business community that Coosa High School business students are being prepared to meet and exceed the challenges and expectations of the business world,” stated Joe Agan, business and computer teacher at Coosa High. “We truly feel that we are providing a quality education that will bring out the personal best in every student.”

The CHS Business Department completed the certification program on Friday, April 2, 2010. Teachers and students worked for approximately a year on the extensive certification process. Despite this being classified as a re-certification, the process is essentially the same as that of a program seeking certification for the first time. During the final program evaluation, CHS students were extensively involved in the programs successful application for recertification. Students, Deana Krauss and Justin Gresham participated in the evaluation visit. The students presented a promotional plan for a business titled, Skateboards, Inc. created in Mrs. Melody Noyes’ Computer Applications II class. In addition, Murphi Swann and Tristan Brock provided information on the Job Shadow Day for Coosa High School that the students coordinated as a part of their Business Procedures Class led by Coach Joe Agan. Lastly, Future Business Leaders of America Chapter President, Ashley Jones, gave a multimedia presentation highlighting the activities and accomplishments of the Coosa FBLA chapter. 

Program Certification was implemented by SHRM and the state 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 CHS 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 Coosa program first earned certification in 2005. The CHS business department will be awarded a plaque to acknowledge their accomplishment at a luncheon in Atlanta later this summer. Coosa High School’s certification will be valid through the 2015 school year.