Educators
The Investment Strategies Program (ISP) is a learning opportunity for Grade 8-12 students to explore the ways in which people save and invest for their future. The program is available in one of two delivery methods:
- ISP Connect offers a JA trained volunteer from the business community to facilitate the program in the classroom.
- ISP Virtual supports the teacher to facilitate the program materials via a series of online videos and activities.
Benefits for Educators
- Access quality resources
- Establish positive links with the business community (ISP Connect)
- Participate FREE of charge
- Utilize technology within the classroom
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is ISP?
- What is the difference between ISP Connect and ISP Virtual?
- Do I need access to the Internet in the classroom?
- When do we participate in the simulation?
- What role does the volunteer play?
- What if my students need help?
WHAT IS ISP?
Junior Achievement (JA)’s Investment Strategies Program (ISP) is an online learning opportunity, consisting of in class learning activities and an online stock market simulation. ISP is geared towards grades 8-12 classrooms.
The online simulation (designed and managed by Claero Systems) reinforces the need to increase the use of technology within the classroom. It is a free, risk-free and educational look at the stock market and other financial literacy topics. The simulation is currently offered 4 times per school year.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ISP CONNECT AND ISP VIRTUAL?
There are two versions of the ISP program: ISP Connect and ISP Virtual. If participating in the ISP Connect, JA matches the classroom with a trained volunteer from the financial sector. The role of the volunteer is to conduct several pre-simulation activities and coach the students in the online stock market simulation. If participating in the ISP Virtual, the teacher is given a suite of materials that include video clips of a “virtual” classroom volunteer to help facilitate the program materials. This virtual volunteer will also help coach the students in the online stock market simulation.
DO I NEED ACCESS TO THE INTERNET IN THE CLASSROOM?
It is ideal but not necessary. There are several activities that are Internet based but most activities can be delivered without student access to the Internet. As the online stock market simulation is all Internet based, class time with computers should be given to get the students started. Students will be able to access and update their own portfolios online, either on a school computer or at home.
WHEN DO WE PARTICIPATE IN THE SIMULATION?
There is a 6 week simulation offered 4x per school year.
Teams will be given a starting portfolio of $100,000 and will start to earn interest on that balance immediately. Teams (each class is allowed 30 teams) can log on any time within the competition dates to make trades on their accounts.
WHAT ROLE DOES THE VOLUNTEER PLAY?
If you are participating in the ISP Connect, starting March (for the spring semester) or October (for the fall semester), the volunteer will facilitate the pre-simulation learning activities (provided by Junior Achievement) and coach the students throughout the online stock market simulation. This ensures that the students will have the tools to make educated investment decision while playing the simulation.
WHAT IF MY STUDENTS NEED HELP?
Students or teachers can contact us for help. Also, the classroom volunteer is a wonderful resource to help the students with the online stock market simulation. All contact information will be given to the teams prior to the start of the simulation.