Document Type
Article
Publication Date
Fall 2025
Abstract
Students sitting in high school business classes are often distracted, dissatisfied, and bored with the curriculum that teachers are expected to teach. There is a lack of resources and time when it comes to truly engaging students and preparing them for their futures, but research has shown that many students often pursue degrees or some element of business in their post-secondary education, not to mention the skills and capacities developed in business classes make their way into every student’s daily life. This study aims to identify the curriculum that would be best for high school students to engage in, so that value, meaning, and purpose are cultivated and carried forward. Based upon a literature review, an online survey was conducted, as well as two interviews with school staff at a rural public high school in Iowa. The survey and interviews provided insight into the career pathways and interests of students at this high school, as well as sought-after partnership elements with local businesses, student learning preferences, and student assessment preferences. Analysis of the responses indicated that students have positive perceptions and a desire to partner with local businesses in order to create a meaningful business curriculum. However, the staff interviews indicate that although the benefits are immense, there are challenges and obstacles to overcome from the school’s standpoint. On this basis, it is important to consider the value and benefit that developing a student-centered business curriculum with local businesses could have on secondary schools, as well as consider the challenges and how schools and businesses may be able to bridge the gap. Further research is needed to determine tangible ways to implement business and school partnerships and how to alleviate the challenges that hold many school districts back from creating this type of learning environment.