Treasurer Introduces New Literacy and Financial Education Program for Children

Randall Edwards says a little reading could mean money toward a college savings plan.

(SALEM) - State Treasurer Randall Edwards on Thursday will kick off Reading is an Investment, a new literacy and financial education program for elementary school children. He will visit schools across the state throughout October to promote this long-term investment in the financial education of Oregon’s young students.

“Financial literacy is no longer the language of accountants and investment professionals,” said Treasurer Edwards. “People of all walks of life need to understand the basics of money. Reading is an Investment is a fun and rewarding way to encourage children to read, and to start building the foundation of basic financial knowledge that they can use throughout their lives.”

Reading is an Investment is designed to highlight the importance of reading and to teach basic financial concepts to young children. Treasurer Edwards, in partnership with the Oregon College Savings Plan and OppenheimerFunds, Inc., donated three books to every public elementary school library in Oregon. Each book has its own set of curriculum and activities, developed by a group of Oregon teachers and librarians, and is tied to the State standards in Math, Language Arts, Social Sciences and Career-related Learning.

“This library book donation program is a fantastic way for educators to combine basic financial concepts with the state's academic standards in a way that encourages students to have fun learning while they read,” said Patty Sorensen, Oregon State Library's School Library Liaison.

As part of the program, children are encouraged to read a certain number of hours from a specific list of books that teach basic financial concepts. After completing the required hours, children will receive a certificate of achievement from the State Treasurer, fun prizes and entrance into a drawing for a chance to win one of 50 college savings plan account scholarships that will be awarded in April 2007.

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Henry Ruark October 14, 2006 5:19 am (Pacific time)

Steve: Thank you for your courteous reply -- Hank is fine here or anywhere. Re your original, I agree absolutely but feel one demanded action is precisely what Edwards is doing. Mark's move with sons is one of the great blessings of digital instruction since it eases production of media, allowing process to become learning procedure as here and as Tim demonstrates remarkably allatime via streaming video.

Steve October 13, 2006 5:04 pm (Pacific time)

Mr. Ruark. No, I am sorry, but I have only one (1) posting name. So sorry to disappoint you and others who probably use 2, 3, 4 or more.

Henry Ruark October 12, 2006 6:57 pm (Pacific time)

Same-Steve-Albany ? Allasame approach, belly-button style... Mark, yr production of tested special-learning is one significant part of new tech in usage, and same approach you used is part of trained teacher approach with facilities, time, and simple equipment. Bet yr program was a stunner... !!

Albert Marnell October 12, 2006 3:03 pm (Pacific time)

Steve, There are already too many non-violent offenders in jail because of the outdated and cruel Rockefeller drug laws (meanwhile he died in bed with his hooker or mistress...same thing). If you keep making more petty laws to keep law enforcement at the high levels it is at we will really be in trouble. Remember it is so easy to create a law but hard as hell to get rid of it. I am sure that some people are too caffeinated when they drive from too much coffee. DWC='s Driving While Caffeinated. Do not be surprised is this becomes a law in the not so distant future. Caffeeine makes people aggressive and hyper. Do we need another law to interfer with life? Do not cry for the dead for before long we all will be dead. So let us live life while we are here. I for one do not want to live in a clinic being constantly monitored by law enforcement just so that their existence can be overly justified.

Steve October 12, 2006 7:34 am (Pacific time)

We fail to adequately fund state police, the crime labs, not enough jail beds......roads need repaired/replaced, parks need care.......but we can afford to waste money in this fashion. Edwards needs to re-think the priorities.

Mark Kling October 11, 2006 5:48 pm (Pacific time)

I have had an on going interst in teaching my sons about money. In the end I created a computer simulation for them to learn by. Instead of teaching, it shows them what to expect after high school. You are welcome to examine it at www.financialsuccess.orbquest.com It is free and designed for school use. Contact info on site.

Albert Marnell October 11, 2006 2:43 am (Pacific time)

This is a great idea and I am all for it. I think that the parents can learn alot too. The reason that children need to be taught by someone like Mr. Edwards is that the parents do not know how to handle money and how important it is to watch every dime even if you are rich. Most people are more worried about how they wipe their rear end then how they manage their money. Doing both properly takes about the same amount of time.

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