Senate Bill 5080 aims to make financial education a graduation requirement for high school students in Washington State. This legislation ensures that all students have essential financial education skills, such as budgeting, managing credit, understanding debt, and planning for the future. By embedding financial education into the curriculum, SB 5080 helps prepare students for real-world financial challenges and promotes long-term economic well-being.

Key Provisions

• Financial Education Graduation Requirement: Beginning with the graduating class of 2033, all high school students will need to meet financial education learning standards to graduate.
• Aligned Curriculum: Instruction will adhere to the state’s financial education learning standards, developed in partnership with the Financial Education Public-Private Partnership (FEPPP).
• Accessible Instruction: School districts can offer financial education through various formats, including class periods, online learning, or integration into career and technical education courses.

Implementation Timeline

• By December 15, 2025: School districts must report on existing financial education offerings and identify resources needed to meet the new graduation requirement.
• 2026: The State Board of Education will deliver recommendations to adjust graduation requirements and ensure students have opportunities to meet financial education standards.
• 2027-2028 School Year: Districts begin publicizing financial education opportunities and the new graduation requirement to students and families.
• 2029-2030 School Year: All Washington high schools must provide financial education instruction.
• Graduating Class of 2033: The financial education requirement officially takes effect.

How the Bill Works with the State Board of Education
The State Board of Education plays a crucial role in implementing SB 5080. It will:

• Consult with FEPPP, educators, students, and community members to develop recommendations for integrating financial education into graduation requirements.
• Monitor compliance with the requirement and report progress to the legislature.
• Provide guidance on credit options and competency-based approaches to meet financial education standards.