California could require kids to learn how to manage money. Should voters decide curriculum?

  • by:
  • Source: CalMatters
  • 05/03/2024
School curriculum is usually the purview of education experts, but this fall it could be decided by California voters, who will vote on adding a new requirement for high school students: a one-semester class in managing personal finances.

California’s Secretary of State is poised to certify that the California Personal Finance Act is eligible for the November ballot, which would add financial literacy to the list of high school graduation requirements beginning with the class of 2030.

Students would learn about paying for college, online banking, taxes, budgeting, credit, retirement accounts, loans, how the stock market works and other topics. The issue is critical, organizers said, as students face a shifting economy and difficult decisions about college, careers and their futures.

“No one comes out of the womb knowing how to manage their credit score. It has to be taught,” said Tim Ranzetta, co-founder of a personal finance education nonprofit and a chief backer of the initiative. “And right now there’s a dramatic gap between what students know and what they need to know. We have to change that.”

Please help put parents in charge of their child’s education by forwarding this article to other parents, family, friends and voters.

Other Articles

Teachers from the Philippines and beyond are filling gaps in Bay Area schools
A teacher’s shortage is sweeping the country, forcing districts to look farther afield for educators
Read More
California Raises the Bar on Climate-Friendly School Lunches
Schools across the state are leaning into plant-based meal options — good news for both kids’ nutrition and the planet.
Read More
Private child care in San Diego feeling the brunt of California's new free TK programs
Many teachers have left the private workforce to go work for Universal TK, compounding the teacher shortage
Read More
Distracted students and stressed teachers: What an American school day looks like post-COVID
Pandemic in rearview, schools are full of challenges – and joy. Step inside these classrooms to see their reality.
Read More
Beyond crayons and circle time: What California transitional kindergarten needs to succeed
California is rolling out its transitional kindergarten program, with the goal of offering it for all 4-year-olds by 2025-26. While some schools have had programs in place for years, others are just starting to create teaching guidelines.
Read More
Teacher Breaks Down Monthly Paycheck Minus Expenses, Internet Is Shocked
A grade school teacher on TikTok breaks down her paycheck minus monthly expenses. The results have us reeling over teacher salaries.
Read More
High school students need time and space to read for pleasure. Here’s why it matters.
An English teacher and a school librarian in NYC launched an effort that is helping teens increase their reading stamina.
Read More
Doubling up on classrooms, using online teachers and turning to support staff: How schools are dealing with the ongoing teacher shortage
Millions of students are returning for another school year marked by challenging teacher shortages, causing schools to double up classrooms, move courses online and employ what critics have labeled as underqualified teachers.
Read More

Get latest news delivered daily!

We will send you breaking news right to your inbox

© 2024 educationopportunity.org, Privacy Policy | FPPC #1460602