With 26 states having mandates requiring financial education for students prior to graduation, the only constant is that no two states approach this the same. Individual states and school districts will assess financial literacy education differently based on unique standards, mandates, and approaches. What remains a throughline, however, is that state education leaders face similar challenges, goals, and needs to ensure that all students receive this critical education in an effective and lasting manner.
Alongside Bob Brazofsky, Director of Social Studies at Miami-Dade County Schools, and Hannah Rude, Director of K-12 Social Studies & World and Native Languages, Arizona Department of Education, we explored this topic in a recent webinar titled Trends & Opportunities for 2025: Financial Literacy and Career-Connected Learning. Here are some of the takeaways and highlights from that captivating conversation.
The Challenges Districts Face to Implement Financial Literacy Programs
There are hurdles that make financial literacy course implementation in the classroom a challenge and will continue to be pervasive in public education. Educators already have packed curricula, so there may be hesitancy to add yet another course or topic to their load. Some may be hesitant to lead discussions about these topics because they might not have full knowledge of it themselves. Ensuring that they feel comfortable enough to implement this education, and don’t feel embarrassed to learn alongside their students, is paramount. There are also taboos related to personal finance as it relates to background and income level of students and their families, so it’s necessary for a solution to reflect diversity of situations and approach the topic with sensitivity. Students also have varying levels and types of discussions with their parents about personal finance, and like educators, parents may not feel comfortable with the topic either. Other than parents, students may receive information from social media, which can be factually inaccurate or inapplicable to the student’s immediate needs and goals.
How to Support Educators with the Resources to Teach Financial Literacy
Educators need various pathways to access materials to make their work more seamless. Having a combination of on- and off-line resources can support their own learnings and help the material be more dynamic for students. Programs should accommodate educators’ heavy workloads and numerous responsibilities while supporting their desire to learn.
Providers like EVERFI and our strategic partners also know that educators can use a lift from classroom engagement opportunities and events. When a guest speaker, such as from a financial institution, comes into the classroom and breathes life into the course material, it can help demystify the topic because a professional in that field is backing up the content with direct experience. It provides students with a more enriching experience as well. Effective education providers bridge the gap of sourcing volunteers from partnering institutions because of the trust they’ve built with those schools. A fully comprehensive learning solution that supports educators and provides unique and diverse learning opportunities can provide them with the tools to support their students’ success.
How to Assess Students’ Financial Literacy Skills and Prepare Them for Success
Given the uniqueness of financial education and the impact it aims to have, it should be approached and reviewed differently than other subjects where standardized assessments may be beneficial. Pre- and post-surveys can capture immediate knowledge gain upon course completion. What’s important is not memorization of terms, but rather, development of real-world practical skills, and these surveys aim to be an early indicator of that. It’s important to give students the platform to prove their financial skills, because these are ultimately the building blocks of a healthy, happy life. Additionally, when assessing the right financial education for a classroom, it’s important to find a solution that focuses on core concepts and ideas. Financial tools, trends, and technologies that students may encounter will come and go, but learning key skills around saving, budgeting, and overall responsible money management will continue to be a priority and can take any student far so that they can navigate turbulent economies.
Ease Educators’ Burdens and Build Trust with Comprehensive Financial Education
Whether a state has an existing personal finance course mandate or not, there’s a need in all 50 states for education that helps set students up for success once they leave the walls of school. Financial literacy is practical and not a trend. It is here to stay, and there are organizations ready to help address this need like EVERFI. We work with institutions that want to make a direct impact on the communities they serve by sponsoring critical financial education in their local schools. Help students receive the building blocks of financial capability by attaching your brand to research-backed, district-trusted courses. Learn more about opportunities to connect with young people by going to everfi.com/sponsorship.