KCEE NEWS

 

 

Schools should teach financial literacy

Lexington Herald Leader editorial
by Todd Zielger
Sep. 15, 2008
 
Jason Bailey's back-to-school column was right on the money, literally and figuratively, when he said "a lack of financial literacy has separated Kentucky's citizens from a healthy understanding of money and debt. Nowhere is this more pronounced than in young people who have yet to face the challenges of financial independence."

Bailey went on to say, "Without a rational basis for understanding the consequences of their actions, students are less likely to act as rational purchasers."

Most Kentuckians are unaware that our state has a ready-made avenue to teach financial literacy in our classrooms and promote its strategies throughout our communities.

The Kentucky Council on Economic Education, a 34-year-old, non-profit organization works to provide educational opportunities for Kentucky students.

Through donations and grants, KCEE provides classroom materials, stipends for teacher training, underwriting for university-based Centers for Economic Education, and school-district support for countywide consultants.

Teaching financial literacy can come in many forms, but the outcome is the same: an investment in human capital. During these bleak economic times, teaching Kentuckians financial literacy and economic proficiency is more critical than ever.

I urge classroom teachers, school districts and communities to learn more about KCEE by visiting its Web site: www.econ.org.

Todd Zielger is chairman of the Kentucky Council on Economic Education.