(Washington, DC) – Today, the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) announced an opportunity for public engagement in shaping the future of financial literacy education in DC high schools. The financial literacy standards encompass essential financial knowledge and skills, and explore how individual financial circumstances are influenced by personal decisions and systemic factors. The public comment period will close at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024.
"As our students embark on their post-high school journeys, whether pursuing higher education or entering the workforce, a solid grounding in financial literacy is an important bedrock for navigating the complexities of making smart financial decisions," said State Superintendent Dr. Christina Grant. "Beyond its immediate benefits, a profound understanding of financial literacy empowers our students with the foresight to strategically plan for a prosperous future."
The development of these standards began in the summer of 2023, following comprehensive stakeholder engagement, including surveys, virtual focus groups, and in-person discussions with DC high school students. Leveraging feedback gathered during this process, OSSE collaborated with local and national financial literacy experts to draft standards aligned with the 2021 National Standards for Personal Finance Education, developed by the Council for Economic Education and Jump$tart.
The draft standards include lessons that help students to:
- Identify opportunities in Washington, DC for financial support in higher education and career growth.
- Explore scholarships, grants, apprenticeships, and other avenues for educational and professional advancement.
- Evaluate factors shaping individual and community attitudes toward spending.
- Consider the role of marketing, community, personal experiences, and psychology.
- Examine government policies addressing historical wealth disparities.
- Question the effectiveness of these policies in building generational wealth for historically disadvantaged groups.
OSSE welcomes all interested members of the public to engage with the public comment period by reviewing the standards and providing feedback using the DC-OSSE financial literacy standards public comment form.
OSSE will also hold listening sessions to hear directly from members of the public regarding these standards. If you are interested in participating, please sign-up below.
- Listening Session for DC Educators
- Listening Session for General Public
To view the draft standards and learn more about the DC financial literacy standards process, please visit the OSSE financial literacy standards webpage.