This bill aims to make financial education instruction a graduation requirement for high school students in Washington State. It recognizes the importance of personal finance knowledge for economic well-being and builds on previous legislative efforts to support financial education in public schools. The bill mandates that starting in or before the 2029-30 school year, all high school students must receive financial education instruction aligned with state learning standards. To graduate, students must meet these financial education standards, beginning with the graduating class of 2033 or as recommended by the state board of education.

Additionally, the bill amends existing law to enhance the availability of financial education resources and requires school districts to provide opportunities for students to access financial education. It also establishes a framework for the state board of education to recommend adjustments to graduation requirements and educational offerings to ensure compliance. School districts are tasked with reporting their financial education offerings and needs, and the financial education public-private partnership will create a statewide implementation plan. The bill includes provisions for publicizing the new requirements and allows for waivers for students who have faced challenges in meeting the graduation requirement due to prior residence outside the state.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28A.300.468