CAASPP Success - Grade 11 ELA Performance Task #1

Source #1: Working Financial Literacy into the Three R’s: A Lifelong Benefit

As the cost of living rises and financial security becomes an ever-growing concern, it’s time we start treating financial literacy as a core part of our education system. We often talk about reading, writing, and arithmetic, but what about teaching students how to manage their money? As recent studies show, financial literacy isn’t just about balancing a checkbook. It’s about giving students the tools to make better life choices.

For starters, high school students who take mandatory financial literacy courses are already making better decisions than those who don’t. In states where such classes are a requirement, students are more likely to save money and less likely to run up debt on credit cards. The data shows that fewer students in these states “max out” their cards, and a higher percentage of them actively use budgets to manage their finances. These skills aren’t just relevant for teenagers—they’re life skills that will pay off well into adulthood.

A major benefit of financial education is that it creates a shift in mindset. Students who learn about financial risk are better prepared to make smart investment choices. In fact, young adults who receive this education are more likely to open retirement accounts and start investing in assets like stocks or bonds. They aren’t just taught how to spend wisely; they are empowered to think about their financial future. Research indicates that people who attend financial seminars report an increase in their net worth, especially among lower-income households. This shows the potential of financial literacy to reduce economic inequality.

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Financial literacy doesn’t stop at saving and investing—it also helps people avoid common financial pitfalls. Many young adults, for example, fall into the trap of high-interest loans and unchecked credit card debt. Financially literate students are less likely to make these mistakes because they are equipped to understand the long-term impact of their choices. Studies have shown that individuals who are financially educated are more likely to manage debt responsibly, avoiding the high-interest credit card cycles that ensnare so many.

But financial literacy doesn’t just benefit individuals—it strengthens entire communities. Parents who manage their money wisely tend to pass on good habits to their children. Families with strong saving practices raise children who are less likely to spend recklessly. The ripple effect is real: financially literate adults raise financially responsible kids, and the benefits multiply across generations. What starts in a high school classroom could lead to better financial habits for entire families.

The impact of financial literacy is even more profound in a rapidly changing world where new financial products emerge constantly. Think about how quickly cryptocurrency and digital payments have transformed the way we think about money. For students who are financially literate, navigating these complex products becomes much easier. They are better positioned to make informed choices about investments, loans, and savings.

Finally, we can’t ignore how financial literacy ties into civic responsibility. People who understand taxes, government budgets, and social programs are more likely to vote thoughtfully and engage in the political process. Studies suggest that higher financial literacy leads to better-informed voters who understand the trade-offs involved in economic reforms. In the long run, this could lead to more stable economies as citizens make smarter choices at the polls.

At a time when financial decisions are becoming increasingly complex, students deserve to be equipped with the knowledge that will set them up for success. Financial literacy courses should be as fundamental as math or science. It’s time we embrace this essential life skill and work it into the core of our education system. Only then can we prepare future generations to navigate the financial challenges of the world ahead.

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Source #2: An Email from the District Superintendent to High School Teachers

Subject: Reevaluating Financial Literacy Requirements in Our Curriculum

Dear Teachers,

I hope this message finds you well. As we continue to explore how best to prepare our students for life beyond high school, I wanted to address an increasingly common topic of debate: mandatory financial literacy courses. While these programs are well-intentioned, a growing body of research suggests that they may not deliver the benefits we expect—and in some cases, they could even be counterproductive.

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Recent studies show that financial literacy courses, rather than empowering students to make better financial choices, sometimes foster overconfidence. Students may leave these programs believing they are better equipped than they really are. This overconfidence can be dangerous. When people think they know more than they do, they tend to take financial risks without fully understanding the consequences. One study found that students who completed financial literacy courses were often just as likely—or more likely—to mismanage their credit, take on high-risk investments, or ignore sound financial practices. Instead of making them cautious, the courses can unintentionally embolden them to make risky financial decisions, believing they have mastered complex financial concepts when they have only scratched the surface.

There is also evidence suggesting that financial education, as it is currently taught, doesn’t have a lasting impact on students’ behavior. One long-term study revealed that many participants struggled to recall key lessons just a few years after completing their courses. This suggests that while students may perform well on exams or exercises immediately after the class, they do not retain the information in a way that translates into lifelong good habits. If our goal is to create financially responsible adults, it’s clear we need to rethink how we deliver this education.

Another issue we need to consider is the evolving complexity of the financial world. Today’s students are navigating a landscape that is constantly changing, with new products, services, and technologies. Cryptocurrency, robo-advisors, and other digital financial tools are becoming more common, and our current financial literacy programs are often too rigid and outdated to address these innovations. What’s more, some financial experts argue that it’s impossible to teach financial literacy in high school because personal finance is, by nature, something people learn best through experience. What good is a lesson on mortgages if students are decades away from homeownership? For many of our students, the lessons may feel irrelevant, and this perceived disconnect could hinder their engagement with the material.

Moreover, there’s a concern that financial literacy courses may not effectively address the root causes of financial instability. Many experts argue that systemic economic factors—such as income inequality, access to financial services, and employment opportunities—have a much larger impact on financial wellbeing than individual knowledge alone. Teaching financial literacy without addressing these broader issues could create the illusion that personal responsibility is the sole factor in financial success. This mindset can be harmful, as it places undue blame on individuals while ignoring the structural barriers they face. In this context, requiring financial literacy courses can feel like a “Band-Aid” solution to a much larger problem.

While I’m not advocating for the complete removal of financial education from our schools, I believe we need to rethink how we approach this subject. Instead of relying on traditional, mandatory courses, perhaps we should focus on integrating financial concepts into existing subjects, such as math, economics, or even social studies. By weaving financial literacy into a broader curriculum, we could offer students more practical, real-world examples and avoid the pitfalls of overconfidence and disengagement.

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I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this important issue. As always, thank you for your dedication to our students and for your ongoing support in shaping a curriculum that truly prepares them for the future.

Warm regards,

Helena Vale

Superintendent

Source #3: New Approaches to Financial Education: Time for a Redesign

If financial literacy courses aren’t working as well as we’d hoped, it’s time we rethink how we’re teaching these essential skills. Traditional methods—such as standalone courses focused on budgeting, saving, and debt—aren’t producing long-lasting results. Research suggests that students often forget much of what they learn, or worse, they develop a false sense of security, leading them to take unnecessary financial risks. But there’s good news: educators and experts are developing innovative strategies to teach financial literacy more effectively. These new approaches are showing promise in creating lasting financial habits and preparing students for the complexities of today’s financial landscape.

One of the most effective ways to improve financial education is to integrate it across the curriculum, rather than teaching it in isolation. For example, math classes can include real-world financial problems like calculating interest or comparing loan options, while social studies lessons can explore the economic systems that shape personal finance. By embedding financial literacy into existing subjects, students see how these concepts apply in real-life situations, making the lessons more relevant and memorable.

Another promising approach involves experiential learning. Instead of simply reading about financial concepts, students participate in hands-on activities like simulated investment portfolios, budgeting games, or even managing school-based enterprises. These simulations allow students to make financial decisions in a controlled environment where they can see the outcomes of their choices. For instance, a study from the National Bureau of Economic Research found that students who participated in real-world financial simulations were more likely to develop positive financial habits than those who only received traditional instruction.

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Technology also offers exciting new possibilities for financial education. Digital tools like interactive apps, online games, and AI-driven financial planning platforms can engage students in ways that textbooks can’t. These platforms personalize learning, offering tailored financial advice and interactive scenarios based on students' financial behavior and goals. For example, a platform might ask students to make decisions about saving for college or managing a credit card, giving them instant feedback on the potential long-term consequences of their choices.

Moreover, financial education should focus on lifelong learning, not just a one-time class. Offering ongoing, age-appropriate financial lessons throughout a student's school years can ensure that they are learning about the financial issues most relevant to them at each stage of life. For younger students, lessons might focus on simple concepts like saving and sharing, while older students could tackle more complex issues like mortgages, taxes, and investing. This gradual progression helps students build a strong foundation and keeps financial literacy top of mind as they approach major life decisions.

The growing interest in “just-in-time” financial education is also a game-changer. Instead of teaching financial concepts that may not be relevant to students at the moment, this method delivers critical financial lessons when students need them most. For example, teaching a lesson on loans when students are considering how to finance college or offering investment education when they start their first job. This approach not only makes the lessons more meaningful but also helps students apply the knowledge immediately, reinforcing their learning.

The bottom line is clear: financial education needs to evolve. Integrating financial literacy across subjects, using experiential learning, leveraging technology, and delivering timely lessons can make a world of difference. These innovative strategies promise to equip the next generation with the skills they need to navigate an increasingly complex financial world.

It’s time we redesign our approach to financial literacy, ensuring that our students leave school with more than just knowledge—they leave with the confidence and skills to manage their financial futures effectively.

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