Approve the EPF Add-On Endorsement

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this important topic for Virginia's students. It's common knowledge that individuals today need a strong understanding of economics and personal finance (EPF) in order to have financial stability throughout their life. Sadly, far too many young people are never provided that education, especially early in life when it matters most.

Fortunately, Virginia requires EPF education in our public schools, including a full credit high school course. These requirements lay a strong educational foundation for our students, including those economically disadvantaged, and provides critical life skills needed for future success and financial stability.

Of course, for the EPF curriculum to be effective, it must be taught well and by qualified teachers. I believe the add-on endorsement is a positive step toward ensuring each student learns these critical skills and concepts by knowledgeable teachers.

I understand there are concerns about this requirement adding to the burdens of teachers and school systems. It seems the requirement is reasonable and flexible, while still ensuring our teachers have adequate training in these critical subjects.

I serve on the board of the Virginia Council on Economic Education (VCEE), and over the last 12 years, VCEE has provided thousands of Virginia EPF teachers with content knowledge and classroom resources enable the them to more effectively teach economics and personal finance to their students. Going forward, VCEE plans to meet the demands of teachers needing 45-hour non-college institutes in both economics and personal finance, offering this professional development in online and in-person formats.

I urge the Board of Education to approve the EPF Add-On Endorsement. Thank you for considering this request.

Stephanie Peters