DECA Insight | January-February 2018 by DECA Inc.

COMPETITIVE EVENTS

CURRICULUM + INSTRUCTION

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Written Entry Penalty Points Q&A

10 DECA Activities for the Third Quarter

JAN-FEB 2018

EVEN MORE PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES AT ICDC Education is ever-changing, and DECA knows there is always an opportunity to enhance your teaching and chapter strategy. That’s what DECA’s new professional learning is all about – fostering a network of educators sharing the best tools for student success. Spread your know-how with others by sharing “This Is How We Do DECA.” DECA Inc. is excited to unveil this outlook on advisor professional learning at the International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in Atlanta, Ga. this April. The new format will consist of two full days of professional learning, with two session options every hour. Content will address the needs of both new and experienced advisors. Drop in for just one session, or put together your own two-day schedule. You drive the professional learning you’ll receive. In order to provide classroom-ready resources at this professional learning event, we need your voice! DECA Inc. is looking for exceptional advisors who can deliver a dynamic 45-minute session or a 15-minute Cool Idea roundtable demonstrating an innovative use of DECA to integrate into classroom instruction, apply learning, connect to business and promote competition. The sessions will be open to up to 200 chapter advisors at ICDC. The application is present is available at bit.ly/howwedeca. Proposals will be accepted until the slate is full, but the priority deadline is February 12, 2018. Workshops can be directed to either novice or advanced advisors. Advisors presenting must be attending DECA’s International Career Development Conference. DECA Inc. will seek approval from the chartered association advisor before selecting final presenters. Stay tuned to decadirect.org and the ICDC program in March for the complete listing of professional learning series offerings at ICDC.

GET MORE

WWW.DECADIRECT.ORG APPLY FOR A DECA SCHOLARSHIP Don’t miss an opportunity to earn funding to enhance your teaching. bit.ly/decaadvisorawards

DECA ADVOCACY CAMPAIGN Promote DECA and Career and Technical Education through DECA’s Advocacy Campaign. bit.ly/decaadvo18

JOIN THE CTE MONTH THUNDERCLAP Join CTSOs around the world on February 1 in support of #CTEMonth by participating in the Thunderclap social media campaign where you can sign up to post a message about the value of CTE. bit.ly/ctethunder18

ELEVATE YOUR CHAPTER Planning for your 2018-2019 chapter officer team? Check out these chapter strategy resources. bit.ly/deca_elevate

DECA EXAM BLUEPRINTS Get the breakdown of performance indicators on the association level and ICDC competitive events exams. bit.ly/examblueprint

E-LEARNING WEBINARS DECA has a library of on-demand webinars awaiting to help you in your role as a DECA advisor. bit.ly/decaelearn7

COMPETITIVE EVENTS

PENALTY POINT ASSESSMENT Q&A As your DECA members make final preparations to their written entries in preparation for the DECA International Career Development Conference, the following Q&A is designed to help answer some common questions. Be sure to use the Written Entry Checklist to check your members’ written entries. 1. The Written Event Statement of Assurances and Academic Integrity must be signed and placed in front of the written entry. If only the chapter advisor signature is missing, do they receive penalty points? YES If one or more team member’s signature is missing, do they receive penalty points? YES

2. Entries submitted in an official DECA written event folio. Folios are available from DECA Images. No markings, tape or other material should be attached to the folio. One photocopy or the original typed document must be submitted. Participants may keep a copy for use in the presentation. Can the entry be submitted in an older DECA folio? YES Is the entry penalty pointed if submitted in a DECA notebook? YES

3. Sheet protectors may not be used. 4. You are limited to the number of pages specified in the guidelines (plus the title page and the table of contents). Is it penalty pointed 5 points for every page over the limit? YES Does the title page and table of contents count in the total number of pages? NO

5. All pages are numbered in sequence starting with the executive summary and ending with the final page of the appendix. Do not use separate sheets between sections or as title pages for sections. If the title page and table of contents are numbered, are penalty points assessed? YES If a graphic is covering a page number, is it penalty pointed? YES If a page is used only as a title page for a section, is it penalty pointed? YES

6. Major content must be double-spaced (not space-and-a-half). Title page, table of contents, executive summary, bibliography, appendix, footnotes, long quotes (more than three typed lines), material in tables, figures, exhibits, lists, headings, sample letters, forms, etc., may be single-spaced. 7. Entry must be typed/word processed. Handwritten corrections will be penalized. Charts and graphs may be handwritten. Are handwritten page numbers penalty pointed? YES Are judges’ marks from a previous conference penalty pointed? YES

EDITOR

Christopher Young, CAE

THIS EDITION

PUBLISHER DECA Inc.

EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Janelle Arrighi Sarah Williams

DESIGNER

Frank Peterson

CORRESPONDENCE

DECA INSIGHT 1908 Association Drive Reston, VA 20191-1594 (703) 860-5000 www.deca.org communications@deca.org

Penalty points can cause members to lose their placing quickly! Many times, they can easily be avoided. Some of the most common reasons for penalty points include:

• Not using the current year’s event guidelines. • All participants or advisor not signing the Statement of Assurances. • Leaving out sections in the body of the written entry. • Too many pages. Double check the number of pages allowed in your written entry.

8. Paper is 8½ inches x 11 inches. No fold-outs, attachments or tabs used.

Are page numbers taped on penalty pointed? YES If something extends past the 8½ inches x 11 inches, is it penalty pointed? YES Is use of colored paper, card stock, graphics or water marks ok for all pages? YES

9. The written entry follows the outline in the Written Entry Guidelines for the event. Additional subsections are permitted in the body of the written entry.

Must the entry include a title page and table of contents? YES Is the title page and table of contents penalty pointed for formatting? NO Does each main section have to be addressed? YES, in the body but not necessarily titled Must Roman numbers be utilized? NO Must each main section be titled exactly? NO Can wording be adjusted? YES For example, section 4 states - Identification of the Target Market; the section could be labeled Target Market. Do subsections get penalty pointed? NO Can additional subsections be added to content? YES Are sections penalty pointed if this year’s updated guidelines are not followed? YES Are main sections penalty pointed if not sequenced? YES Must a Bibliography be included? YES If an Appendix is not included, is it penalty pointed? NO Must the page numbers in the Table of Contents match the actual page numbers in the body of the event? NO

ACTIVITIES

FOR THE THIRD QUARTER

he start of the new calendar year allows you to return refreshed, recharged and ready to take your DECA chapter to the next level. As we move into competition season, it’s imperative to not overlook the other essential elements of using DECA as an effective instructional method. In addition to providing opportunities for your members, this is also an important time of the year to begin evaluating your program for next year and consider participation in professional development opportunities. Make a challenge to look through these 10 action items and incorporate something you haven’t been doing into your chapter’s activities.

POLISH YOUR PRESENTATIONS

EXPAND YOUR CHAPTER: PUSH FOR MEMBERSHIP

There is no better time than now to review your membership roster to double check that all of your members are on a paid roster. The eligibility deadline for ICDC competitors is March 1, but some chartered associations have earlier deadlines. March 1 is also the deadline we use to determine recognition at ICDC for the largest chapter in each association, largest membership increase by chapter in each association and top 10 chapters in the world. If students have joined your classes this semester, encourage them to become DECA members even if they don’t wish to compete. The power of DECA membership is that it can be unique to each member. Because members can get so many different things out of participating, DECA membership is accepted any time of the year!

After months of research and rewrites, your members have used their knowledge from your class to complete their DECA written events. Almost ready to face competitors from schools across your chartered association (and possibly around the world!), now only one remaining challenge stands between them and their moment of first place glory on stage: their presentation. Even if their write-up is flawless, from an exceptional executive summary to an amazing appendix, the presentation is the single element that allows them to express their expertise and passion for their project. Schedule a time with your principal and counselors for your DECA members to present their written projects. This activity allows your members an opportunity to practice their presentation and showcase your program to these important decision makers. The January/February issue of DECA Direct features suggestions for helping your members polish their written entries and presentations. <www.deca.org/publications/dimensions

Finally, to put a final touch on your impressive numbers, recruit your judges, alumni, business people and administrators to join your chapter. They can help you achieve your membership goals! 3

PROMOTE DECA DURING CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION MONTH

Be sure to highlight the importance of your DECA chapter during Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month in February. The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) has developed a variety of activities to engage your chapter in joining countless career and technical education programs in promoting their value in preparing students for college and careers. Use DECA’s guiding principles to reinforce your message supporting the importance of DECA. DECA’s Comprehensive Learning Program integrates into classroom instruction, applies learning, connects to business and promotes competition. As a result, DECA prepares the next generation to be academically prepared, community oriented, professionally responsible, experienced leaders. You can also find a lot of resources at ctsos.org.

CTE Thunderclap

ACTE is asking everyone to sign up for the CTE Thunderclap, which is a social media campaign where participants sign up to post a message about the value of CTE. <www.acteonline.org/ctemonth

POSITION YOUR PROGRAM, BEGIN RECRUITMENT

It’s never too early to think about your courses for next year and recruitment strategies to build your program and your DECA chapter. With DECA’s expansive mission and connection to Career Clusters®, consider how you might be able to partner with fellow teachers to create a sequence of courses that encompasses more than one career cluster. This could be the year where you completely revamp your program to span across multiple content areas and involve freshmen through seniors. Use the sample sequences to the right as a guide. This will allow your students more opportunities for DECA membership. As counselors begin enrolling students in courses for the upcoming year, this is also a prime promotional opportunity to help explain the benefits of DECA to your counselors and prospective students. With a few strategies, you can build a powerful program with students who aspire to achieve success. • Become a marketer. Study your demographics. Identify students that would be a good fit for your program. Send them personal invitations to join this elite program. •

In the spring, conduct an entrepreneurship workshop for eighth graders (next year’s freshmen).

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Make sure your counselors know all the benefits of DECA and your courses.

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Have your successful seniors from this year talk to the freshmen/sophomore/junior classes about why they enjoy your program, the benefits of participating in DECA, the thrill of competition, etc.

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Offer a freshman-only class. These students are perfect to participate in the Principles of Business Administration events.

ENROLL EMERGING LEADERS IN DECA’S ICDC ACADEMIES

Looking to empower your underclassmen to help guide your DECA chapter for the upcoming year? Consider enrolling your emerging leaders in one of DECA’s many Emerging Leader Series leadership academies at the International Career Development Conference in Atlanta. Consult your chartered association advisor to learn how your up-and-coming chapter leaders can benefit from these powerful learning experiences and get a jump start on their upcoming year of leadership. Ignite is designed to help emerging leaders take advantage of all that DECA offers. Now’s their time to gain an edge as they learn how to take their personal DECA experience to the next level and ignite their passion for DECA. Elevate boosts your members’ leadership in DECA by helping them become the ultimate DECA chapter leader! In Elevate, they will discover their personal leadership style and how they can use that to take your chapter to the next level. Now’s their time to elevate their DECA status from member to chapter leader. Empower gives association officers the resources to learn how to effectively perform their role as an association leader, design an effective strategic plan and employ empowering communications strategies and methods.

Aspire challenges soon-to-be graduates to understand the sky is the limit for their aspirations. In Aspire, members learn what to expect in college and how to be successful in your career. They will learn how to leverage their DECA experience to their advantage in college, interviews and internships. Thrive participants will join members from other high performing chapters and continue to develop their toolbox of collaboration, communications, critical thinking and creativity skills. Eligibility to attend THRIVE is based on achievement in DECA’s Chapter Campaigns. <www.deca.org/events/icdc

PREPARE YOUR MEMBERS FOR TRAVELING ON DECA TRIPS

When traveling, your members are representatives of your chapter, school, community and DECA. Prepare for traveling with your members with a checklist of items to cover before, during and after the conference. Setting expectations and communicating them to your members, their parents and your administration is a proactive measure that can make for a remarkable experience for everyone. Visit DECA Direct for “Safety Tips for DECA Trips.” <www.deca.org/resources

MAKE PLANS TO ATTEND DECA ADVISOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Increase your power as a DECA advisor by participating in DECA’s Advisor Professional Development Series. Request to attend today! These high-quality, continuous sessions will focus on student-centered learning using DECA’s comprehensive learning programs that make the learning relevant. You’ll learn methods and strategies for integrating DECA activities into the curriculum that will result in better prepared students Advisor scholarships are available! Apply for scholarships (due March 5) provided by DECA’s corporate partners at https://www.deca.org/ classroom/advisor-scholarships-recognition/.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS April 22-23, 2018 Advisor Professional Learning at the International Career Development Conference Atlanta, Georgia June 25-28, 2018 DECA AMPED North Miami, Florida Johnson & Wales University Campus July 7-9, 2018 DECA Train the Trainer Certification Course Chicago, Illinois

CHAPTER STRATEGY FOR 2018-2019

It’s never too early to begin assessing your chapter’s performance and considering enhancements to your DECA chapter’s strategy for the upcoming year. Learn about the Elevate resources available to DECA chapters around leadership teams, program of leadership, DECA goals, fundraising models, communications strategies and more! <www.deca.org/elevate

BEGIN PLANNING FOR 2018-2019

July 7-9, 2018 DECA Emerging Leader Summit Chicago, Illinois November 15-17, 2018 Western Region Leadership Conference Anaheim, California November 16-18, 2018 Central Region Leadership Conference Detroit, Michigan November 16-18, 2018 Innovations and Entrepreneurship Conference Baltimore, Maryland November 16-18, 2018 Ultimate DECA Power Trip Baltimore, Maryland

CONNECT YOUR SENIORS TO COLLEGIATE DECA

Your graduating seniors’ DECA experience doesn’t have to end when they walk across the stage. Before they turn in their final exam, help them ensure success in college by encouraging them to join Collegiate DECA once they get to college. If they don’t have a chapter on campus, they can become an independent member or start a chapter. Now they can experience DECA for four more years! 6

Be sure to get next year’s conference dates on your school’s calendar now!

November 28-December 1, 2018 December 5-8, 2018 New York Experience New York City, New York January or February 2019 Sports and Entertainment Marketing Conference Orlando, Florida April 27-30, 2019 International Career Development Conference Orlando, Florida

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