Promoting Family Economics & Finance

The mission of Family Economics & Financial Education is to provide educators with no-cost curriculum materials and low cost training seminars. To accomplish this goal we rely heavily on word of mouth promotion. The staff at FEFE realize most states and educators are short on time and low on resources. To remedy this problem, ready to present promotional materials have been developed. The promotional materials are divided into four main sections;

• Administrators – Getting a course approved

• Promoting to Students

• Parents and Community Members

• Presentations

Administrators

Resources are available when communicating with school administration about the importance of teaching financial education.  Some documents that may assist educators when working with administrators include:

• Investing In Financial Education: Creates awareness about the need for financial education and how a community benefits while describing the support FEFE provides educators such as specific state resources and educator trainings.  FEFE curriculum effectiveness determined by an extensive independent research project is also described in this document.

• FEFE Curriculum Materials: All FEFE curriculum materials are described with instructions on how to acquire the curriculum with potential costs identified. Recommended supplementary materials and estimated costs are available providing a complete list of necessary supplies. FEFE curriculum accountability is introduced as instructions on acquiring national and state standards charts are included in this document.

• Course syllabus’ and curriculum maps

Promoting to Students

Age appropriate, relevant learning activities and an active learning approach are essential for student learning and knowledge retention. The FEFE curriculum provides a wide variety of hands-on experiences that allow students to practice new skills and apply knowledge learned.  When communicating with students, the following resources are available:

• Hallway Display: Create a display to generate awareness for the need for financial education and inform students about the content included in a family finance and economics course. A sample poster, Are You Financially Savvy, is available.

• Short Course Descriptions for "Take Charge of Your Finances" and "Get Ready to Take Charge of Your Finances" are available to advertise the courses to students in a school directory or course offerings handbook.

Parents and Community Members

Gaining parent and community member support is beneficial when teaching new curriculum.  These documents are available:

• Parent Letter: Informing parents of the events that occur in the classroom is essential in encouraging parent involvement and support. The parent letter provides background information for the need for financial education and a brief summary of the content included in the semester curriculum “Take Charge of Your Finances.”  Parents are encouraged to communicate with their children about the information learned in class and to not hesitate to contact the instructor with any questions.

• Press Release: Inform parents and other community members about "Take Charge of Your Finances" and other upcoming events in the classroom. The press release is easily adapted to meet individual needs before submitting to local newspapers.

Presentations

When working with administration, students, parents and community members, giving a presentation may be the most effective way to inform others about the need for financial education and the resources FEFE provides. However, please contact us when doing extensive workshops so we may provide you with appropriate support. The following resources are available when preparing for a presentation:

• 10-15 or 45-60 minute PowerPoint Presentations

  • Two PowerPoint presentations are available for educators to use when presenting information to administration, parents and/or community members.  A brief history of the FEFE project, curriculum design and available resources are described in both presentations.

• 10-15 or 45-60 minute Workshop Guides

  • Two workshop guides that provide step-by-step guidance when preparing for and conducting a workshop. Educators may follow this guide carefully to ensure a positive experience when presenting information about the Family Economics & Financial Education Project and curriculum materials.

  • A materials request form is also included in this document. These will aide educators when presenting to groups with materials that are available from FEFE per request.  Promotional folders, sample lesson plans, and additional resources are available depending on specific needs are available.

  • Finally, a presentation report form is included to complete after a presentation. FEFE asks presenters to complete this form and either fax or mail it to FEFE. Tracking participant numbers is crucial when applying for additional funding. Educator participation in this effort is greatly appreciated.

• Who We Are handout: a general overview of the FEFE project.

• FEFE Facts is a quick overview of the FEFE project.

• Promoting Your Program gives information on promotion packets have been developed to provide guidance for educators when sharing information about the project and using Family Economics & Financial Education resources.

• Workshop Request Form

• Post Workshop Report Form