A Carlmont student explores online financial literacy programs, learning essential skills for managing money. Programs like these ensure that students are well prepared for financial responsibilities in the real world, after graduation.

California is preparing for an upcoming financial literacy graduation mandate under Assembly Bill (AB) 2927, to be enacted in 2027, prompting Carlmont to evaluate its current offerings and instructional resources on campus. 

Under AB 2927, led by the efforts of State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond, California public high schools will be required to offer a one-semester personal finance course in the 2027-2028 school year. Meanwhile, completing the course will be an added graduation requirement for those graduating in the 2030-2031 school year, making California the 26th state to enact this.

While the mandate will not fully affect students for several more years, Carlmont already offers a personal finance course that has been running for some time, positioning the school a step ahead of the state’s timeline. 

Carlmont administrative vice principal Gregg Patner pointed out that some aspects are still being determined at the district level. 

“We have a couple of years to determine if this mandate will be for all students to take or just for schools to offer such a course,” Patner said. 

As details of the mandate are being clarified, Carlmont is also considering how it could affect staffing and instruction.

“Teachers with the appropriate credentials are considered for teaching this course. Currently, we have the teachers in our business department teaching this course,” Patner said.

As the school evaluates staffing options, credential requirements may influence how the course is ultimately implemented. 

“The course could be taught through either the social science department or the Career Technical Education (CTE) business department. However, because CTE business credentials are harder to find, it’s likely that most personal finance classes will be taught by social science teachers, similar to how economics is currently taught,” said John Rowe, a Carlmont business teacher who has taught personal finance. 

Regardless of which department ultimately teaches the course, the existing curriculum already aligns closely with the state’s expectations, according to Rowe.

“The semester-long course will probably utilize the same curriculum that we’re using now with the year-long course,” Rowe said. “Other teachers are using the curriculum from Next Gen Personal Finance, and they have a year-long curriculum and a semester-long curriculum that they have for teachers to use. It won’t go as in-depth, but I think it will be very similar to the year-long course.” 

However, the possibility of an added graduation requirement raises both expectations and concerns. For some students, the mandate reveals a gap in financial education they feel is missing from their high school experience. 

“I’m not too confident when it comes to handling money. I mean, there’s a variety of different factors that affect how we handle our finances,” said Neilson Chien, a Carlmont sophomore. “It feels like our school doesn’t really have much of a finance program, so I learned most of what I know about money online.”

Many students see the mandate as an opportunity to gain practical skills while addressing money-management issues.

“A lot of students spend impulsively, so having a financial literacy class can be a good prerequisite for graduation,” Chien said. “Especially as people go off to the real world, they obviously need to be able to manage their finances.” 

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It’s something students will use no matter what path they take after high school.

— John Rowe

While students highlight the need for stronger financial education, Carlmont’s business department says the existing personal finance course already prepares students for real-world responsibilities. 

“The one that we have here at Carlmont is meant for seniors who are graduating who maybe need some extra credit, and thinking about what they need to do to be successful after moving out of their parents’ house,” Rowe said. “Students learn skills like managing a checking account, using a credit card, and applying to college.”  

Despite the potential benefits, Rowe acknowledged that adding another graduation requirement may not be welcomed by all students. 

“Some students might not be happy because it’s another requirement that they have to take, but hopefully they’ll see the value in it,” Rowe said. “It’s a little tricky, though, because our school has a semester of economics and a semester of government, so this semester’s class doesn’t have a partner to go with it. It might cause scheduling concerns.”

As the district plans for its implementation, Carlmont will have a few years to adjust for scheduling and staffing. As the mandate approaches, Carlmont will continue evaluating how best to deliver financial education that meets both student and state requirements.

“Personal finance applies to everybody,” Rowe said. “It’s something students will use no matter what path they take after high school.”