Financial literacy may soon be a reality

Many concerned with youth's preparedness for "real world"

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Across the state, students may be required to take a financial literacy course to better prepare them for the world after high school, but not all educators are in favor of an additional requirement.

Florida and the national economy are improving, but many feel Florida's youth aren't prepared financially to enter into the "real world."

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"The best way to get ahead of that is to require students take a money course," said Mark Anderson, of Florida Council on Economic Education.

"It's important because today we're seeing historic levels of personal debt that we've never seen in the history of the country and state," Anderson said.

Junior Achievement is a volunteer program that has been educating Florida students on financial literacy for years. Kristi Strickland says preparing students financially for the future is essential.

"It's very important and we realize in the way the economy is today, its more relevant now than ever," Strickland said.

School administrators say Florida students are required to take an economics class which already touches on finances.

Although the group supports students being educated on financial literacy, they're concerned on how the plan will be executed.

"Transitioning into common core standards, with students having to complete end of course exams, they need to have the ability to take those courses that are currently required," said Michele White, of Florida Association of School Administrators.

One study has shown that young adults had more trouble finding a job during the recession. That's why those in support of a class say its all the reason students need help handling their finances.

The Florida Department of Education released a study saying a financial literacy course is feasible and will cost the state as little as $138,000 over five years.