Staples High School math instructors Lenny Klein and Sarah White have been picked as “Gold Star Teachers” by Working in Support of Education (WISE), a New York based nonprofit that promotes financial literacy, Westport school officials announced today.
Staples High School math instructors Lenny Klein and Sarah White. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
Klein and White, who teach personal financial management at Staples, are scheduled to be honored at WISE’s Money Power Conference in New York City Nov. 6.
According to Lisa Marriott, schools spokeswoman, the Gold Star accolade is awarded to teachers to achieve a 90 percent passing rate on the WISE Financial Literacy Certification .
“In fact, 100 percent of Mr. Klein’s and Ms. White’s students passed the on-line test last spring semester and earned their financial literacy certification,” said Marriott.
Staples offered three sections of Personal Financial Management last spring semester for about 75 students, she said. Each student who passes the test becomes certified in financial literacy skills and is presented with a certificate.
“But more importantly, they leave Staples High School more informed on the financial realities of living on their own,” said Marriott.
She added that Staples has been named a Blue Star School, a distinction for schools with an average 80 percent score or higher on the financial literacy certification test.
According to Marriott, the course is designed to help students develop an understanding of financial literacy concepts “and prepare them to manage money and make informed financial decisions in their own lives.”
“Critical thinking, problem-solving, and clear communication of ideas are emphasized,” she said.
Topics covered in the course include budgeting, earnings, banking and saving, credit cards, taxes, insurance, investing, borrowing and buying personal property.
Six sections of the course are being offered this year.
