In most high schools, business classes are electives competing for the opportunity to educate today’s students on the principles of sound business decision-making as owners, investors and consumers. In order to increase enrollment, it is essential that business courses are relevant and exciting—incorporating “fun” with thought-provoking challenges. This is a much easier proposition when you have izzit.org in your corner.
I’ll admit, it was the free DVD option that enticed me to try izzit.org, but it was the quality of the resultant classroom debates, and projects generated by the DVDs and current events that really hooked me. Why? Because they hooked the students! When I first shared a DVD, it was hundreds of students – and three budget cuts – ago. Yet I consistently get the same student reactions: they are enthusiastic and interactive!
I define a great day as one where the bell rings before the students are ready to leave. izzit.org days are great days! In my classroom we post two critical sets of questions:
1) Is there an unintended consequence?
2) Who chooses? Who benefits? Who pays? What’s fair?
These question sets help students frame their responses in more thoughtful and encompassing ways. I often hear students discussing the issues down the hall after class. Many times they return the following day – or week – with additional higher-level follow-up. What more can a teacher ask?
School goals in my district include differentiated instruction and rigor. The Teacher Guide that comes with each DVD facilitates the process of differentiating for various student populations, while keeping the information relevant and rigorous. Much of the work is done for me. And in the days of having to do more with less, it’s invaluable to have a trustworthy source at a price I can afford. As a district trainer for CRISS (Creating Independence through Student-owned Strategies), I use the izzit.org materials in my workshops as examples of excellent student-centered resources.
My biggest concern, frankly, is that more business teachers should become aware of the great resources available through izzit.org. Although the videos are certainly pertinent in a variety of curricular areas, many of my colleagues think of them as social studies resources. This simply is not the case! Eminent Domain is a perfect for Business Law, as is Markets Without Borders. Students in Introduction to Business and Entrepreneurship LOVE Free Trade and the Win-Win Trading Game. They walk away with a clearer understanding of the world, and their individual choices. I remind students they are always voting with their dollars and their actions. Students in Consumer Education chose to lend money through Kiva.org after viewing the Pennies a Day video.
I make it my business to spread the word at business education conventions – izzit.org is open for business! Student activities that engage, teacher lesson plans and assessments--all in one great package? That’s a win/win!
We have a new release at izzit.org - Morality in the Marketplace.
1. Pups of Liberty: The Dog-claration of Independence. All creatures are created equal…After the Boston Tea-Bone Party, the Pups of Liberty continue to assert themselves against Catland. But the Royal TomCat refuses their requests for representation in the government and issues orders that make life miserable in the 13 Ameri-canine colonies. We also released a brand new Pups of Liberty activity book! Visit our website to purchase yours now for only $6.95!
4. 4 Ways to Spend Money: The Musical - Only 4 ways to spend money? Olivia’s fallen in love...with economics! She’s fascinated by Milton Friedman’s premise that there are only 4 ways to spend money. In this glee-ful high school musical, she shares the specifics about how people spend money differently, depending on whose money they’re spending, and who they’re spending it on. 
So now is the time - join us, follow us, talk with us...let us know what you like reading by commenting on our social media and blog posts. Tell us what contest and giveaways you liked best and what crazy ideas you would like to see us try in the next few months. Even when students leave for the summer, teachers, parents, and izzit.org does not stop working! What are your plans for the next school year? What are you looking to do over the summer break? How can we keep you entertained and informed throughout the entire year - not just the school year! 
Teachers are a big part of our team. Not only do we need them to write some of our teaching zone blogs, but we also need teachers to join us on the road when we go to education conferences, or even provide us with feedback on new programs, titles, or materials.
No Longer OutCastes is available for immediate downloading or streaming from www.izzit.org! You can also stream this program from our YouTube channel, Vimeo channel and Roku channel (internet connection and Roku streaming devices are necessary).
