I have enjoyed the privilege of working with Jane Dolby Clinard
for the past eight years through my position as the Senior / College
Guidance Counselor at our school where Jane teaches the ninth
grade course in Economics / Finance. I have seen the exceptional
outcomes for her students while they are in high school and even
once they are in college. This year, I am also able to experience
these positive outcomes through my own son who is currently enrolled
in Economics / Finance with Jane.
In Jane's course, students get excited about the world of business
firsthand! Through comprehensive units in business, economics
and the stock market, Jane's students learn by DOING! Her
stock market unit is exceptional. Instead of only reading or listening
about the stock market, the students actually get the opportunity
to give their advice to a local businessman. After Jane's students
research and evaluate different stock option, they submit their
recommendation to a local businessman who purchases stock accordingly.
Together they monitor the purchased stocks' progress throughout
the year. The students' choices have resulted in profits the vast
majority of years. In addition, students see business in action
by shadowing a business person in a career field of their choice
for a day.
What I find to be out-of-the-ordinary is that many seniors tell
me how much this ninth grade class has influenced their choice
of major and career. I have watched many bright students use Jane's
class as a springboard to planning and succeeding in business
majors and careers. Just last week, I heard about one of our graduates'
success story. This student was a timid yet extremely bright boy
who found a real love for the field of business and the stock
market through Jane's course. He attended Miami University's College
of Business and now works for a strong and prestigious company.
He is now confident, mature, happy and successful.
This year my son is enrolled in Jane's course. After they started
studying the stock market, he got up the courage to ask my husband
and I if he could reinvest some of our stock that has been unsuccessful.
We agreed and the stock that he has purchased (in his name!)
has shown a substantial gain. Everyday, he jumps on the Internet
when he gets home from school to see how his stock is doing! Talk
about learning while doing! My son is beginning to see how his
talents in math, critical thinking, problem-solving and interpersonal
skills could blend into a satisfying business career.
Jane's stock market unit as well as her Economics / Finance course
is clearly a stroke of genius!!
Most sincerely,
Joan Tussing
Guidance Counselor
