Bankruptcy Teacher Resources

Some banks escaped certain disaster with a bailout by the government. But, what about the rest? Sal explains the intricacies and dynamics of a bailout down to the details on a balance sheet. He also provides a thorough definition of...

The first of two videos on bankruptcy, Sal explains the liquidation process and effects on investors. He reviews ways a company raises capital and presents a hypothetical issue: a company goes bankrupt and doesn't have the assets it...

Continuing from the last clip on liquidation, scholars explore another bankruptcy avenue: restructuring. Sal briefly touches on covenants with debt holders and goes into reasons a company would refrain from liquidating when facing...

Build economic vocabulary. This clip provides full definitions, context, and examples for several key economic terms related to bankruptcy as it occurs in the United States. Liquidation, bankruptcy, creditors, chapter 11, and chapter 7...

What's the difference between stocks and bonds? Sal illustrates this concept through explaining the two ways a company can raise capital: debt or equity. Drawing out a balance sheet, he categorizes stocks as equity and bonds as debt,...

Bestow background in big business bailouts on your scholars with this political cartoon analysis handout. Two cartoons focus on the General Motors bankruptcy, and its effect on American taxpayers. Background information gives context for...

Young scholars examine credit use and abuse, and the consequences of bankruptcy.

What are some of the financial risks associated with using credit? Pupils learn the warning signs of incurring financial hardship, and through PowerPoint presentations, worksheets, and discussion, discover the implications of such events...

Chronicling the "first wave" of the financial crisis with a short review, Sal goes on to explain how bad choices and unfortunate moves by several banks can lead to total disruption of a financial system. Sprinkling real-world examples...

Introducing the circumstance surrounding the 2008 bailout and financial crisis, Sal uses a simplified analogy to help students to see the heart of the matter. He covers the importance of credit and credit scores, as well as what happens...

Should college loan debt be easier to discharge in bankruptcy? Scholars sort through the top three pros and cons to decide for themselves in preparation for a class debate or discussion. Learners may also participate in an online poll to...

The History Channel's "Pub Historian" gives you the quick facts on the French Revolution. Dates, historical figures, and causes are all named. Watch this for a quick overview of key events!

In this credit learning exercise, students calculate the value of 4 different loans before completing a table about credit card offers advertised in newspapers, magazine, or junk mail.

High schoolers explore the concept of credit. In this credit lesson, students read an article about credit debt and financial trouble. High schoolers discuss ways to avoid financial trouble. Students make a cause and effect chart for the...

Financial independence can be a dream, but it can also be a nightmare if you don't know how to stay afloat. Use a series of lessons to teach pupils about the consequences of overspending and not minding a budget, as well as how to...

Brian was devastated when Hostess® filed for bankruptcy, and he was also fearful that his favorite snack treat would be lost forever. The snack food was in danger of being lost, your class won't be lost when using Twinkies® as the...

Students participate in a game in which one group acts as the company and the other group acts as the employees. They examine what happens when the company files for bankruptcy. They discover labor strategies as well.

How important is a credit score, anyway? Scholars view a PowerPoint and take notes about credit scores. Next, they write essays explaining their plans for achieving a good credit score.

Students review responsibilities people have of their own finances, consequences of poor money management, excessive debt, and bankruptcy.

Students investigate consumer credit and how it works. They also examine basic types of credit, risks and responsibilities associated with credit, ways to establish and maintain good credit, ways to avoid hurting ones credit and what one...

In this current events learning exercise, students analyze a political cartoon about healthcare issues during the Clinton administration and respond to 3 talking point questions.

Equally informative and opinionated, this video is sure to inspire thoughtful discussions and debate among your students. Sal outlines Paulson's plan - and explains his own (unfavorable) opinion about it.

Use this online interactive learning exercise in an ELD class or for younger native speakers. They practice using simple past tense verbs in the passive voice. Many of the constructions are not straightforward, nor often used by early...

Here is a simple tutorial on the difference between simple and compound interest. In it, Sal describes what interest is, defines the vocabulary of principle and interest rate. He also models year-by-year the amount of money owed under...