News Summary
The LAUSD board has passed a resolution to incorporate financial literacy and economic justice in its curriculum, introducing a personal finance class for high school students. This initiative aims to address the existing gaps in financial education and prepare students for real-world financial challenges. Essential topics will include budgeting, taxes, and retirement planning, focusing on inclusivity and diverse perspectives. Additionally, Voter Education Weeks will be established to enhance civic engagement among students, aiming to empower them as informed citizens in their communities.
Los Angeles – The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) board passed a resolution on Tuesday to integrate financial literacy and economic justice into its curriculum, aiming to better prepare high school students for the financial challenges they will face in life. This initiative will introduce a new personal finance class for students, marking a significant step toward enhancing education in this critical area.
The new curriculum will incorporate financial concepts through a “modern economic lens” tailored to the circumstances of students living in Los Angeles. The focus will include essential topics such as budgeting, borrowing, taxes, retirement planning, and financial justice, aiming to help students gain a comprehensive understanding of economic issues and their historical contexts. This move comes as LAUSD acknowledges the existing gap in financial education, particularly affecting women and marginalized groups across the nation.
Board President Scott Schmerelson highlighted the necessity of educating students about the financial landscape and systemic issues contributing to poverty. LAUSD aims to foster an educational environment where students can thrive and understand the economic perspectives that shape their communities. Board Vice President Rocío Rivas emphasized the need for classrooms that promote inclusivity and celebrate diverse perspectives.
Superintendent Alberto Carvalho noted that every student deserves access to a quality education that reflects the diverse voices within the community. The resolution was authored by Board Member Sherlett Hendy Newbill and received unanimous approval from the board, reinforcing the district’s commitment to academic freedom and inclusivity for both students and educators.
In conjunction with the financial literacy course, a separate resolution was approved to enhance civic engagement among students through the introduction of two Voter Education Weeks. These will take place from September 15-26, 2025, and April 14-24, 2026. This initiative is designed to increase student participation in electoral processes, with last year’s student board member elections recording a voting rate of 9.75%, an increase compared to previous years. During these weeks, schools will dedicate 20 minutes to share candidate videos and assist students in the voting process, and seniors will have the opportunity to pre-register to vote, with resources available in all district languages.
Currently, only 27% of California high school students attend schools that offer personal finance courses, according to the California Department of Education. The passage of Assembly Bill 2927 in 2024 mandates personal finance training in high schools, which could potentially enhance students’ lifetime earnings by up to $100,000. The LAUSD resolution requires an update on the new financial literacy course, with a start date set for February 2026.
The introduction of financial education in schools is not just a local need; it’s part of a broader trend across the nation to empower students to make informed financial decisions and develop responsibility in managing their finances. Past experiences from districts like Fresno Unified have shown that there is a high demand for quality financial literacy courses among students.
Younger generations face unique challenges, many of which stem from social media influences that shape their understanding of money and finance. With economic uncertainties prevalent, students are increasingly turning to online platforms for financial guidance, highlighting the urgent need for structured financial education within school curricula.
Overall, the LAUSD’s commitment to integrating financial literacy and economic justice into its educational framework is a crucial step towards addressing economic disparities and creating informed citizens. This initiative is expected to empower students with the essential skills needed to navigate the complexities of personal finance in today’s world.
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Additional Resources
- LAist
- Spectrum News 1
- Patch
- Los Angeles Times
- Citi Group
- Wikipedia: Financial Literacy
- Google Search: Financial Literacy Education
- Google Scholar: Financial Literacy Programs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Financial Literacy
- Google News: Financial Education
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