This bill aims to make financial education 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 efforts to enhance 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. Additionally, students must meet these financial education standards to graduate, beginning with the graduating class of 2033 or as recommended by the state board of education.

To facilitate this requirement, the bill amends existing law to ensure that school districts provide access to financial education materials and opportunities for students in grades 9 through 12. It also establishes a framework for the state board of education to recommend adjustments to graduation requirements and educational offerings to support students in meeting these standards. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for publicizing financial education opportunities, allowing waivers for students who have recently moved to the state, and mandates monitoring and reporting on compliance with the new requirements.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 28A.300.468