Resources available for financial literacy educators

AMES ? Responsible financial decision-making is a habit that develops through lifelong learning. But it?s a good idea for that learning to be underway by the time teens begin high school, says Mary M. Weinand, a human sciences specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

High School Financial Planning Program

?Financially literacy is an important 21st Century survival skill. The High School Financial Planning Program is a free, ready-to-use, financial literacy curriculum specifically focused on basic personal finance skills that are relevant to the lives of teens in grades 8-12. Whether or not you have experience teaching personal finance, you will find the instructional materials easy to use and adaptable for your situation,? said Weinand, who specializes in family finance.

The High School Financial Planning Program covers six topics: planning, borrowing, earning capability, investing, financial services and insurance. The curriculum includes student guides, lesson plans, PowerPoint presentations, assessments and a growing collection of online resources and learning activities.

?You can choose to use some or all of the lessons and activities as you decide what works for your students and timeframe,? Weinand said. ?All of these materials are available at no cost to schools and nonprofit organizations that teach youth about personal finance. Register online to access and order materials at www.hsfpp.org.?

The instructional materials are adaptable to the classroom setting, home schooling or independent learning, Weinand added.