Financial Literacy in Education
Personal financial literacy (PFL) gives students the knowledge and skills needed to make informed financial decisions, develop sound financial habits, and manage money effectively. A solid foundation in PFL can help students finance their education, purchase a home, or cover medical expenses. In other words, it can help them reach their goals and maintain financial stability regardless of life’s ups and downs.
Wisconsin started requiring its schools to incorporate K-12 PFL curriculum in 2017 (see 2017 WI Act 94). Most local schools in Wisconsin have a stand-alone course or an equivalent elective course that fulfills a graduation requirement. See this map to learn about the PFL curriculum in your area.
Be a Financial Literacy Hero
How can you be a financial literacy champion? Here are some ideas to get you started!
- Check to ensure that your school/district is embedding Wisconsin’s K-12 financial literacy standards into instruction.
- Talk to the administration in your district about the possibility of requiring a PFL course for graduation. Consider bringing your ideas to the school board.
- Research what other schools are doing. Wisconsin has many great models!
- Speak to local businesses to see how they might be interested in helping. Local banks and credit unions are great places to start!
- Consider applying for a grant from the DPI the next time they are available!
- Join or plan an activity during Money Smart Week, April 15-21, 2023!
- Come up with your own ideas! The possibilities are endless...