Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School has introduced a new space designed to expand opportunities for students in the business education department and provide an innovative, real-world environment for learning, collaboration and career exploration.

The new classroom is part of the district’s ongoing commitment to building a robust business education program that prepares students with the skills and experiences needed for success in college, careers and beyond. Its design reflects the state’s Portrait of a Graduate framework, which emphasizes critical thinking, effective communication, reflective and forward thinking, and global citizenship.

Created to resemble a modern business environment, the flexible space can be adapted for a variety of real-world scenarios and learning experiences. Students can collaborate on projects, develop and present ideas, participate in simulations and apply business concepts in an environment that mirrors the workplaces they may encounter after graduation.

While hands-on learning and collaboration are central to the program, technology plays an equally important role in supporting student engagement and instruction. The space is equipped with two interactive monitors and two mobile monitors that can be easily repositioned throughout the room to support group work, presentations and collaborative activities. The flexible design allows students and teachers to reconfigure the room based on the needs of different lessons and activities.

Students also have access to career-related experiences such as DECA business and marketing competitions, certifications, field trips, guest speakers, work-based learning and the school store. These opportunities allow students to connect classroom learning to potential careers and develop practical skills.