Kansas lawmakers are considering adding a financial literacy requirement to the high school curriculum.
This week, the House education committee had a hearing on House Bill 2475. The bill requires that students would take a class during their junior or senior year, focusing on savings, investments, credit, debt and risk management.
“I can’t believe we don’t do it right now,” said Brent Lewis, a teacher at Wichita North High School. “It seems to me the strength of one home is the strength of the community, so if we’re not making sure that everyone’s prepared, then I think the whole community can suffer.”
Lewis has taught financial literacy for the past few years at the school. Wichita Public Schools require that students take the course.
“The best advice that I’ve heard through this class is that if you save $20 a week for 18 years, you’ll have enough money to go to a four-year college,” said senior Amber Bird.
“I’ve learned the liabilities and how to manage and organize your balance sheet about life,” echoed senior Auturo Villa. “I didn’t know that before I came into this class, which is really helpful.”
Yet, some lawmakers feel that this could be rather tricky for other districts because of other requirements they have to fulfill. Lewis said it’s worth the investment.
“Honestly, a lot of things with money, it’s not exactly rocket science, but it does take some attention,” he said. “It does take learning these principals and making these habits that make these things stick with us for a lifetime.”