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Earn a Certificate
Cash, cabbage, paper, scratch, scrizzle, dineros, dough, whatever you want to call it, it all means the same thing – it’s cold, hard cash. Finally!!! Now is your chance to take giant steps in the right direction on the path of cash managing success! Not only will you gain a strong foundation for handling your own personal finances, you will learn to love the responsibility and power that goes with it. You can even earn a Passport Certificate for your portfolio and scholarship applications.
Frequently Asked Questions – Answers for students
- Why is financial and economic education important?
Comes down to this…we all need and use money. The sooner you know how to get it and what to do with it, the better. It is the same concept of brushing your teeth. The sooner you get in the habit of doing it, and doing it well, the better off you will be. Eventually you will be on your own with more independence than you know what to do with. NOW is the time to get a grip on financial and economic knowledge! Knowledge = Power! - What is the Utah K-12 Financial and Economic Education Integration and Passport program?
The Utah State Legislature asked the public schools step up and help students, like yourself, become more money savvy. The Passport Program is the glue that holds the legislation together and makes is doable for teachers, parents, and you! No matter if you are in elementary, middle school/junior high, or high school, you can earn a passport. Each year that you participate and earn a passport prepares you for the General Financial Literacy class you will take during your Junior or Senior year, which is required to graduate.
The program has two parts:
- Integrated Activities
Each year at school, you will learn financial and economic concepts that will naturally flow with the core areas of math, social studies, and language arts. In other words, it is partnering stuff you would be learning anyway, with the stuff the legislature (and you parents and teachers) knows you will need in the future. For example, when learning addition, a student may be asked to show a savings account balance if $3 is deposited each month for 6 months along with a brief discussion about saving. You will complete these assignments and activities in class or at home. - Passport Completion
To officially complete and earn a passport, you will be able to complete an activity at home or in the community. The recognition for completion is optional and is up to your teacher and administrators. A Passport may be earned at each K-12 grade level.- Does the Finance in the Classroom site provide information, resources, and ideas for parents/guardians?
Absolutely! Encourage your parents to be involved in the Economic and Financial Education program. We have a special “Parent” section on the site which provides many quality resources. - How will the Financial and Economic Education Passport be tracked?
You and your teachers will track the completion of your activities on a tri-fold document which is available above. The front will show your name and school, the inside will show the activities, assignments, and lessons completed with student and/or teacher comments. The back panel have a suggested at-home or community activity. Have your parent or teacher sign off your activities as they are completed. If you choose to complete the entire Passport, including the at-home or community activity, you will be responsible to return the signed tri-fold tracking document to your teacher. - What is the recognition/incentive for completing the Passport?
This is totally up to your teacher! The possibilities are endless. Some teachers provide recognition at awards assemblies while others might give out movie tickets. Ask your teacher if there are incentives at your school!
- Does the Finance in the Classroom site provide information, resources, and ideas for parents/guardians?
Questions?
Please contact Travis Cook, Utah State Office of Education, (801) 538-7849.
