Introduction

    Free Market America is a senior-required course that deals with the American Free Enterprise system.  Technically, it's an economics course. But, it also deals with current events and a fair amount of U.S. economic history.  Students will walk out of this course with a better understanding of Economics and their role in the system, both today and in the future.
    I would like to first share the course with other colleagues by providing the course outline.  That can found below.  In addition, click on Quality Work whenever you want to view some of the products that come out of this class.  Students are asked to provide quality products that represent their understanding of economic concepts.  Yes, this is a course where students need to demonstrate that they have learned basics.  However, it goes beyond that by requiring that students demonstrate their understanding by Producing, Exchanging, Distributing and Consuming economics.  We have fun, but there's a great of learning going on.  FOR EXAMPLE....check out the article just below.

     If you take a moment to observe the Free Market America students this year you might find them discussing their stock portfolios as much as their weekend plans. That’s right, seniors are taking a closer look at investment possibilities while having a good time as they build upon both their financial investments and their market savvy. This educational simulation is computer-based and is offered over the InvestSmart web site via the Internet. Eachstudent logs onto their respective class directory (FMA1 or FMA2), and then logs into their personal portfolio.  From there, the trading frenzy begins.
     Over 7,000 classes from around the United States are taking advantage of this phenomenal learning experience.  Market Basics, common-sense financial lessons, terminology and a mutual-funds challenge, are all a part of this simulation.  Information about over 5,000 companies is provided via research links and a thorough library.  Students are ranked within their own class and competition within a class or between investment clubs is also a possibility.
     Starting with $100,000 students are challenged to learn as much as they can about individual companies, profiles, products, history, analyst estimates and what Morningstar or Vanguard has to offer.  A portfolio must consist of investments in no less than 12 companies with as much diversification as possible.  Investing in mutual funds is also acceptable and even encouraged as a good way to finance additional schooling, family dreams and retirement.
     Students will graph their updated portfolios at the end of the quarter.  They will also provide their insights and expand on new-found knowledge in a short paper.  Those students who provide a completed graph, portfolio updates, the short paper and beat their instructor, by amassing as much as possible (once the portfolio is liquidated), will receive credit toward their FMA grade.
     Yes, this is an economics course and while this member of the social science family is often called the “dismal science,” students are having a great time logging on and keeping track of their newfound wealth.  They give each other tips, seek out help from their instructor and other staff members, and hope that lady luck will smile on them over the next 7-8 weeks.
    So, if you stop by and notice students (during class and even during lunch), checking their portfolios, don’t worry about what will appear to be obsessive behavior.  For once, a little obsession is providing a valuable lesson in financial investments.

***LOG onto the InvestSmart page through the link
which can be found on the Activities/Links page.

Yes...sometimes they do come back.  A big welcome to Mr. DeeJay Redders, currently doing his student teaching with Mr. Amato in FMA.  Mr. Redders brings a sophisticated maturity and enough real-life experiences to bring the course alive.  He has worked hard to bring economics to life for his students and has gained a reputation for being both challenging, yet fair.  Mr. Redders is a 1992 graduate of EHS and was once a student in the Free Market class.  We welcome him and hope that his experience as student teacher is rich and fulfilling.