High school students learn quickly that their futures hinge on a long list of numbers, from their SAT scores to their GPA.

But many of them are clueless when it comes to the one score that could make or break their chances of getting a college loan, a car and even a job: their credit rating.

As the economy continues to plummet, San Diego high school students must now take a crash course in financial literacy in what some describe as the most relevant graduation requirement ever imposed.

A team of teachers, bankers and even a bankruptcy judge has put together a new curriculum called “Personal Financial Literacy, the Game of Life” to educate students about money management.

Beginning this year, the 10-day mini-course will be folded into senior economics classes that are required to graduate. The San Diego Unified School District will be the first large, urban district in California to require such a course.

Its All About the Girl
The far-reaching curriculum covers everything from checkbook balancing and income taxes to investments and credit. It also includes lessons on identity theft and how the Patriot Act affects bank accounts.

“Credit scores will be more important to students' futures than their GPA ever will be,” said Kristy Gregg, a vice president with San Diego National Bank, who helped develop the program.

Personal-finance education historically has been administered at a teacher's discretion or because of a student's interest. Some teachers include the topic in their lessons, and some students opt to enroll in specialized classes.

SignOnSanDiego.com > News > Education -- High schools in S.D. add crash course in finances

Good idea!
I'm not sure "10-day crash course" is sufficient, but I guess for the general group it's a good start.

Coverage of "pre pay-day check cashing" places and comparing the cost of "paying by credit" vs saving to pay the cost are hopefully covered.

This should go nation-wide.
Is there any way to mandate a class for congress?

__________________
"As in a poker game where the chips were concentrated in fewer and fewer hands, the other fellows could stay in the game only by borrowing, when their credit ran out, the game stopped."
--Marriner S. Eccles, FDR's fed Chairman. (1951)