Public education is the single largest expenditure for state and local governments across the nation. Yet it is arguably the most criticized. Many people charge that public schools are faltering and that American academic achievements are far behind those in other countries. In recent years, many states and localities have experimented with improving public schools.

Learning Objectives
Students will be able to
Differentiate between income and expenses
Classify expenses into needs or wants
Think critically about how daily choices impact a young person’s budget now and in the future

Approximate Time
Lesson length: 75 mins

Learning Objectives
Students will be able to
Define the gig economy and freelancing
Understand the financial implications of working in the gig economy
Acknowledge the special importance of saving if you work a gig job

Approximate Time
Lesson length: 100 mins

Learning Objectives
Students will be able to
How to define wealth and differentiate it from “having lots of fancy stuff”
The importance of creating a budget and paying yourself first
Key aspects of three popular budgeting strategies -- 50/30/20, Zero-based, and Cash Envelope

Approximate Time
Lesson length: 80 mins

Students will be able to:

Determine how comparison shopping can help in making different levels of purchasing decisions
Choose the best course of action in making a purchasing decision
Discuss how “must-have” features can vary from purchase to purchase

Learning Objectives
Students will be able to
Differentiate between gross and net pay
Create a budget on a salaried adult’s income and adjust it as required
Research and choose appropriate budgeting apps to meet specific needs

Approximate Time
Lesson length: 100 mins

Launched in 1997, the site provides tools to help parents as well as educators teach children to manage money wisely and develop good financial habits: the building blocks for a secure future.   Provides both content information and interactive activities for all age groups.

This is a program to help middle schoolers develop an understanding of complex economic concepts, make financial judgments, and assign a value to purchases and brands.  It is an interactive program that has lesson plans and activities to go with each module.This course covers:Financial Values & Goal-SettingBudgeting and Opportunity CostsSaving and InvestingPayment TypesBankingRisk vs. ReturnPlanning for the Future 

Students listen to a story written in rhyme about a bunny who has a lot of money in her piggy bank. Students distinguish between spending and saving and goods and services. They play a matching game to review the content of the story and to practice rhyming words.