The VSCPA recommends the following financial literacy resources and materials for educators, available from reputable state and national organizations.
Virginia Jump$tart Coalition Clearinghouse
The Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy, and its Virginia chapter, identifies high-quality personal finance materials, curriculums and resources for educational use and makes them available through an online Clearinghouse. The newly revised search functions make it easy for teachers, students, parents, youth leaders and others to select appropriate titles from a wealth of financial educational materials, including those available for free!
Virginia Department of Education Online Resources
Visit the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) Web site for a wealth of information on economics and financial literacy education in the Commonwealth, including ways to implement in your school's curriculum. The site includes details about objectives adopted by the Virginia Board of Education in 2006 that require Virginia's public middle and high schools, as well as higher education public institutions, to provide instruction in economics education and financial literacy.
Virginia Schools Best Practices
Many Virginia school systems are developing formal plans for integrating financial literacy education in the classroom, including required courses and curriculums. Check out best practices:
- Graduation Requirement: Salem City Public Schools has adopted a half-credit personal finance course as a graduation requirement. Check out their Curriculum Guide (PDF) and Task List (PDF) as well as a presentation (PPT) on the development of the course.
- Curriculum Requirement: Chesterfield County Public Schools has implemented a 9-week personal finance curriculum in senior government course that must be completed by all high school students. Check out their Pacing Guide (PDF).
NEFE High School Financial Planning Curriculum
The High School Financial Planning Program is a comprehensive personal finance curriculum by the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE). This practical and objective program is available at no cost to all high schools throughout the country. Trainings are available for Virginia teachers through the Virginia Cooperative Extension and Virginia Credit Union League.