To begin the process of starting a VEI program, we recommend that the school or district convene a “self-study” team comprised of relevant stakeholders to review the program and evaluate how the program aligns to the goals and objectives of the school and/or district. The VEI program can be used as standalone program or as a capstone course to a Career Academy, a Small Learning Community or sequence of study in business, entrepreneurship, or e-commerce in a public, private or charter high school or college.
The “self-study” team might include the following participants:
- School/District Administration
- Teachers
- Business Partners
- Post-secondary Faculty
- Parents, Students, Alumni
- Local workforce board/youth council representatives
- Guidance personnel
Because VEI is a Career and Technical Education program, schools that implement it may be eligible to receive VTEA (Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act) funding to support costs associated with the program including a specialized laboratory that mirrors a professional office environment.
The VEI program model is designed as a one-year program 90-minute block, five days a week. Students who complete the program may receive Economics credit and/or an in-school work experience. Schools and districts can modify this schedule to support their instructional and organizational needs.
If you are interested in starting a VE program in your Virginia school or district and becoming part of a global network of simulated businesses, please review the Start Up costs. You may also contact, Rhonda Doak, coordinator for Virginia. We can assist you with program planning, implementation and professional development in using the curriculum, online components, wholesale marketplace, data portal and international network database. You will then be contacted by a member of the VEI Central Office staff to discuss next steps in the program implementation process.
New VE teacher-facilitators must attend staff training in order to effectively implement a VE program.
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