Financial Literacy Education
As the requirements for competing in a global economy have changed, so have the educational needs of our students. Today, more than ever before, high school graduates must be financially literate in order to be prepared for college, careers and responsible living. The HCPSS is committed to ensuring that all students receive instruction in financial literacy that will prepare them to be responsible citizens.
The Financial Literacy program of instruction in Howard County meets the requirements set forth in the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR):
- Make informed, financial responsible decisions.
- Relate careers, education and income.
- Plan and manage money.
- Manage credit and debit.
- Create and build wealth.
- Manage risks and preserve wealth.
The personal financial literacy education program of study in Howard County provides:
- An instructional program in personal financial literacy for students in elementary, middle and high school.
- For the diversity of student needs, abilities and interests.
- Personal financial literacy curriculum documents for teachers in elementary and secondary schools.
Financial Literacy is integrated into a variety of courses throughout a student’s academic career primarily taught in social studies courses in elementary school, in Family and Consumer Science courses in middle school and in the American Government course in high school. In addition, components of personal finance can be found in a number of other courses that students may elect to take in high school.
Where Students Encounter Financial Literacy Education
Grades K-5
Social Studies
Grades 6-8
Family and Consumer Science
Grade 10
American Government
Grades 9-12
Students can elect to take the following courses.
- Academy of Finance
- Financial Literacy (Mathematics) Financial Management (Business and Computer Management Systems)
- Principles of Business
- Career Research and Development I & II
In addition to the curriculum materials developed by the HCPSS, teachers use a variety of materials from different sources, including, but not limited to:
- Family Economics and Financial Education (FEFE)
- Maryland Council on Economic Education/Maryland Coalition for Financial Literacy
- Junior Achievement (JA)
- The Stock Market Game
- National Council on Economic Education
- Council for Economic Education of Maryland
- Hands on Banking
- Playbook for Life
Additional Resource
- Financial Literacy Education
(MSDE, July 2010)
Contact Information
Sharon Kramer, Coordinator
Office of Career and Technology Education (CTE)
Applications and Research Laboratory (ARL)
10920 Clarksville Pike
Ellicott City, MD 21042
410-313-6797