The state has taken another step toward making climate education and financial literacy required in New York schools in the coming years. 

The New York Board of Regents, which presides over the state education department, voted last week to put the proposed requirements out to public comment for 60 days, starting Nov. 19. The board will then make a final vote in the spring. 

Public comment period to begin on climate, financial literacy mandates

Saranac Lake resident Roger Catania, a former Lake Placid schools superintendent and current board of regents member, called the move a “dramatic step forward.” 

“I think it’s a really positive step,” he said. “I also think broadening it to all levels, and not just keeping it at the high school level, is an additional positive step because it really sends the message that this isn’t just for meeting graduation standards. This is for all kids to be learning.” 

The state has made it known in recent years that it planned to add the requirements as part of its New York Inspires program, introduced in November 2024, and its Portrait of a Graduate program, approved in July. 

Those recent moves are meant to shift away from regents testing requirements for graduates to one where students are required to meet specific skill sets, including showing the ability to be critical thinkers, effective communicators and global citizens. 

The new climate and financial literacy requirements dovetail with that thinking and would be introduced through a phased-in approach. 

Jay Worona, speaking as a consultant on behalf of the New York State School Board’s Association where he worked for 40 years before retiring, said there is broad support for the new requirements. 

“The support is predicated on support for the Portrait of a Graduate, which is Regents framework for what school should be offering, so kids can prosper as adults when they get out,” he said.  

Personal finance education would be required starting in the 2026–27 school year for grades 5-12 and the 2027-28 school year for grades kindergarten to fourth grade. Climate education will be required starting in the 2027–28 school year for grades 5-12 and the 2028-29 school year for grades kindergarten to fourth grade.

Detailed requirements are still being developed but schools will be required to participate through course requirements or by embedding the programing in existing classes. 

For climate change, this would include teaching causes, impacts and solutions.

For financial literacy, this will include teaching budgeting and money management, credit and debt management, earning income, risk management and saving and investing. 

Local educator supports initiative but questions funding, training

Saranac Lake School Board member Joe Henderson has a deep background in climate education, including co-editing the book “Teaching Climate Change in the United States.” 

“I celebrate the fact that they’re moving towards a more interesting and meaningful kind of education, including climate education,” he said. “This is going to be one of the biggest issues facing young people, and young people are demanding it, and so state ed is responsive to it. I welcome that.”

But Henderson noted that New York is still behind several other states in climate education, including New Jersey, Connecticut, Maine and California. 

He said there are some questions, including how teachers will be trained to teach climate education and whether the state education department will receive funding through the state budget to support training for schools. 

“I think what remains to be seen is, are they actually going to adequately fund this to do it well, at scale and equitably across the state,” he said. “I think that’s the big open question at this point.” 

Written comments on the proposed amendment will be accepted for 60-days after its publication in the New York State Register on Nov. 19 and must be received by Jan. 19, 2026). They can be submitted to REGCOMMENTS@nysed.gov and/or mailed to: Dr. Santosha Oliver, Assistant Commissioner NYS Education Department, Office of Standards & Instruction 89 Washington Avenue, Room 860 EBA Albany, NY 12234.