Why economic education is important to Alaska children and young adults.

• Author: McCue, Daniel
• Position: EDUCATION

When children and youth have a better understanding of economics, they can make informed choices and function in a changing world economy. Youth who understand economics when they graduate are more prepared to shape their own futures and that of their communities. Economics curriculum also enhances learning in math, technology, and social studies, all while teaching and reinforcing important skills in critical thinking, decision making, research, cooperation, and communication.

The Alaska Council on Economic Education was formed in 1977 as an Alaska nonprofit with the mission of creating a partnership of leaders in business, economics, and education devoted to advancing the economic way of thinking so an informed public understands economics, shapes their future, and advocates sound personal, local, and national economic policies.

Primary Strategy

The council's primary strategy is to train K-12 teachers in ways to incorporate economic education into their classrooms. Through continuing education courses, K-12 teachers have been able to identify ways to introduce these lesson plans into their classrooms from elementary to high school. Every teacher who receives training in turn can reach hundreds or even thousands of students over the course of their teaching career. This means more of Alaska's young people can graduate with economic literacy, a crucial tool for success in life. The Alaska Council is part of a national network of state councils on economic education, with member organizations in all fifty states.

The Alaska Council maintains a strong partnership with the University of Alaska Anchorage's College of Business and Public Policy, through its Center for Economic Education (CEE). CEE's primary focus is teacher training. The teacher, above all, is the single most important asset in any educational program. The Center and its partners, including the Alaska Council, engage in many activities to support economics teaching, including the following:

* CEE offers teacher-training activities for teachers to increase their knowledge of basic economic concepts and to familiarize them with methods, strategies, and resources to teach economics.

* CEE consults with schools, educational agencies, and community groups for needs assessments, curriculum development, course content, resources materials, and teaching strategies.

* CEE develops curriculum materials to help teachers make economics relevant to the needs of their students.

Statewide...