The Financial Literacy course at Waukee High School and Northwest High School contains five big ideas (Planning, Budgeting, Debt/Credit, Wealth Management, and Protection) that support a healthy financial identity. The course will explore how to set long and short-term financial goals. Students will also learn how to manage personal finances with a variety of tools and resources. Students will analyze insurance and wealth management options for the near and long term. Our ultimate goal is for students to have the tools and knowledge to make educated financial decisions now and once they graduate.
Standards, Benchmarks, Objectives
The Financial Literacy Standards were adopted during the 2019-2020 school year alongside the creation of a required course at the high school level. The financial literacy standards promote the goal of financial capability. The standards focus on setting goals, saving and spending, credit, debt, investing, and measuring financial risk.
Course Description
College Credit: Students have the opportunity to earn 3 credits (FIN1040) through the University of Northern Iowa by passing the for-credit final exam. The Financial Literacy course will explore the following areas that will support a lifetime of healthy financial decision-making:
- Financial System/Banking
- Understanding our Income, Benefits, and Paying Taxes
- Financial Planning and Budgeting
- Managing our Money and Maintaining our Checking Account
- Using a Variety of Credit Tools and Borrowing Responsibly
- Setting Financial Goals and Saving our Money
- Planning for Retirement and Growing our Money with Investments
- Using Insurance to Protect our Financial Choices and Assets
- Making Wise Financial Choices as a Consumer.
Students will be using a variety of resources during their learning experiences to support their growth and understanding of their financial futures. Guest Speakers, Everfi, NextGen Personal Finance, and UNI’s Financial Skills for Smart Living will provide further support to the students in the classroom in enhancing their learning experiences. Our ultimate goal is for students to have the essential tools and knowledge to make educated financial decisions now and once they graduate.
