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October 26, 2012

Should financial literacy be taught later?

The Norman Transcript

NORMAN — My son is a ninth-grader in Moore and is enrolled in the financial literacy class. I understand this is a state requirement, but what I don’t understand is why this class isn’t taught at an older age, such as when kids are getting ready to drive or as a senior getting ready to be on their own.

— Carla

Carla,

You are correct in saying this is a state-mandated course, and there are 14 competencies that must be passed. It is also posted on the transcript that this requirement has been met.

Although we aren’t sure about other districts, the Moore district has chosen to offer the class opposite Oklahoma history, which is only a semester-long course, and these are then taught during the freshman year. We appreciate your thought process on this and understand the benefits of continued education concerning finances. There may be other courses in the business or family and consumer science curriculum that also address finances that can be taken later in high school.

Check out the district’s course catalog during pre-enrollment during the spring semester.

Q: I was at Walmart the other day around 1 or 2 p.m. There were about three or four older elementary school-aged kids running around the store with an adult close by. It’s not the first time I’ve noticed this. Is there something I should have done in this instance, since they weren’t in school?

— Jodi, Norman

Jodi,

First of all, we believe there is a direct correlation between good grades and attendance. You can’t learn if you aren’t there. Sadly, there are some parents who just don’t get the importance of stressing good attendance to their children. It teaches them so much more about responsibility for later in life.

There might be several other reasons that children might not actually be in a school building. Some are home-schooled. If an extended illness is in the picture, they might be in a homebound program. Older kids can take classes on the internet or attend night school.

All schools have strict attendance policies and personnel in charge of trying to keep up with the never-ending problem of truancy. If you know what school they should attend, you could call the main office and let them know the whereabouts.

If you are really bold, you could ask the kids or parents why they aren’t in school … diplomatically, of course. Perhaps this could just be the ticket to make people realize who is aware of certain situations.

Sally and Jeannie are certified school counselors with 49 years combined educational experience. Jeannie has two children, Sally three. The responses presented don’t necessarily represent the views of any certain school district. Send questions to questions.classact@gmail.com.

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