State of Montana Newsroom
Superintendent Elsie Arntzen Applauds the Support of the Negotiated Rulemaking Committee of Financial Literacy and Civics Educations
HELENA – Superintendent Elsie Arntzen applauds the good work of the Chapter 55 Taskforce and Negotiated Rulemaking Committee for recognizing the importance of financial literacy or economics and civics education. This recommendation will be a state requirement for graduation but determined at the local level through Math, Social Studies, or Career Technical Education. These two possible additions carry the weight of half a unit towards graduation within the existing 20-unit requirement. These recommendations will flow to the Board of Public Education for final adoption.
“I encourage all Montana families and businesses to join me in the promotion and support of these two new graduation requirements as they work their way through the process,” said Superintendent Elsie Arntzen. “This will promote building a foundation for high school teachers in the recognition of this great work. The end result will make Montana communities and families more resilient and informed on local, state, and national issues.”
"Financial education is one area where the research is clear: requiring personal finance coursework in high school improves young adults' debt and credit behaviors well into adulthood,” said Carly Urban, Associate professor of Economics at Montana State University. “Positioning Montana's emerging adults on strong financial footing will reduce reliance on the safety net, increase the tax base, and allow young people to start businesses. Taken together, the new requirement will be an asset to both young people and Montanans at large."
“Civics is a critical part of our democracy and needed for all facets of sustaining our country and our great state,” said Joshua Clement, Director of American Legion Boys State. “Many high school students are eligible to vote just prior to the start or throughout their senior year with limited knowledge about the Democratic process. We owe it to our students to provide the needed tools of citizenship. The American Legion is grateful for the drive to push civics into school as a requirement for graduation.”
To provide support for these recommended rule changes, please send comments to ch55publiccomment@mt.gov.