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District to propose amending graduation policy to require financial literacy and civics
Summary
District staff told the committee that state social‑studies standards require financial literacy and civics; staff will propose amending board policy IKF so graduation requirements align with state law and community expectations rather than simply adding an extra course.
Portland Public Schools staff told the Curriculum and Student Success Committee on June 22 that high‑school social‑studies standards adopted in 2019 require coverage of financial literacy and civics, and that the district plans to ask the board to amend policy IKF to ensure graduates receive those competencies.
Allison Dean, director of secondary academics, explained that the district requires six credits in social studies (typically three courses) and that the current course sequencing has limited space to guarantee both personal finance and civics instruction. "We think the best way to make this stick and be sustainable in our schools is actually we're proposing to the board to go in and amend policy IKF again to align with both the state law and our community," Dean said.
Dean said personal finance has lacked a consistent "home" in the current sequencing and civics often appears embedded within history courses; the amendment would clarify graduation expectations so every student receives explicit instruction in personal finance and civics.
Board member Lena, who chairs the policy committee, responded that the committee can work on the proposal and that Dr. Warren typically brings such policy items to the committee.
Staff said the amendment will go through normal policy‑committee and board review; no formal vote occurred at the committee meeting.
