They draw up actual budgets. They use newspapers and the Internet to research the price of apartments, cars, and groceries in their area. In other words, they become active participants in their own financial futures. To date, more than 1,500 teachers in California have been trained in this program. Reviews have been positive.
Similar programs exist throughout the country.
Clearly, progress is being made. The question is whether it will be fast enough for your children. Jim Charkins is professor of economics at California State University, San Bernadino, and executive director of EconomicsAmerica of California.