>
N.J. schools fulfill mandate to teach financial literacy
Millions of American adults are learning the lessons of their financial mistakes as the current recession lumbers on.
So are their kids.
The 2011-12 school year is the first in which New Jersey public schools are required to administer personal finance courses, part of the legacy of former Gov. Jon S. Corzine, previously CEO of Goldman Sachs. The global financial crisis spurred schools to develop curricula voluntarily, well before it was required by state law.
“We already had it in place. Now we just make sure it’s aligned with state requirements,” said Kevin Kitchenman, superintendent of West Deptford Public Schools.
West Deptford High School has offered personal finance classes as an elective for at least three years. This year’s freshman class will be the first required to fulfill 2.5 credits in financial, economic, business and entrepreneurial literacy in order to graduate. Washington Township High School has taken the further step of offering a full-year course, as opposed to a half-year class. (Roh, Gannett)