The DCS Learner Profile defines nine essential skills every Dexter student develops throughout their education. Represented by The Helm (pictured above), the goal is for each student to master these skills by the time they graduate from Dexter High School.
This series explores the Learner Profile in action, offering a deeper look at the core values that guide Dexter Community Schools and how they are emphasized in the classroom.
Financial Literacy
In April, teachers, staff, and instructional coaches focused on the Financial Literacy competency. Dexter students learn about the role of the economy in society and how to make appropriate personal economic choices. They are also instructed on how to use entrepreneurial skills to enhance workplace productivity and expand their career opportunities.
Financial Literacy in Action
Here are some recent staff reflections on Financial Literacy at Dexter Community Schools:
- In the Mill Creek Community Service and Leadership (CS&L) class, teachers have a great opportunity to tie in [marketing and budgeting] skills related to selling items to make money (for charity), etc.
- Teachers have conversations with students about consumer skills, using their own real life experiences.
- A DHS economics teacher has spent the last few years building a classroom focused on financial preparation. Their goal has always been to express economic concepts, ideas, facts, and policies in a way that students can understand and relate to.
- Students learn the functions of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and other components that go into business and entrepreneurships.
- DHS teachers have seen several former students move into business majors in college, create their own businesses, and/or join businesses with a high degree of success.
- Teachers strive to educate and inspire students to make wise decisions with their money. They help students position themselves for financial growth and success in an ever-changing economy.
- Students learn to think about what the economy is and how it impacts their daily life and the world around them. They have opportunities to consider the kinds of jobs that are available, the goods and services they can buy, and the impact the economy has on their personal finances.
- In the SIM Money elective course (Mill Creek), students learn about using money, spending, saving, consumer skills, budgeting, and more. Students complete two projects during the nine-week course which allow them the opportunity to create and use a monthly/annual budget (based on a career) in order to run their household. In another project, students look up prices and comparison shop to plan a vacation using a budget.
Here are some recent student observations on Financial Literacy at Dexter Community Schools:
- “Money is essential to everyone and influences many parts of life. Since my mom is a financial advisor, I have learned a lot about money and taxes. Making smart choices is crucial for financial well-being. Collaboration is relevant because partners often share their stuff and money. It’s important to make money in your life, and using collaboration, such as having a financial partner, can be helpful.”
- “When I get a little money from doing a job, I don't spend it all on junk food, I save it for a college fund. I can think of ideas to show people how to make their lives easier and not have it be beneficial for me. I would think of ideas for all people and use tactics that show importance and reasoning. Saving my money will get me a better start in life especially for college, apartments, houses, etc. I would use my money carefully and with respect because the world revolves around money.”
In Creekside teacher Eileen McCallum’s fifth grade class, students recently completed a lesson called "My Life" to dive deeper into Financial Literacy:
In the “My Life” simulation, students are assigned an income based on a chosen job and its salary. They then plan how to spend their money on essentials such as housing, a car, bills, groceries, and other living expenses. The students also budget for unexpected events, like car repairs or vet bills.
“Through this activity, students begin to realize how expensive it is to live,” says McCallum. “They also come to understand that the type of job they have directly impacts the kind of lifestyle they can afford.”
|
|
|
|
By focusing on one competency each month, DCS helps students identify their strengths and areas for growth. These concrete examples reinforce the skills and prepare students to confidently share their experiences when asked, “What are your core strengths?”
Next month’s competency: Initiative
- Financial Literacy
- Learner Profile
- curriculum