Financial Literacy

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Financial Literacy in the Ontario Curriculum

Scope and Sequence Documents

These documents support the government's commitment to make financial literacy a part of every student's learning from grades 4-12 beginning in September 2011.

In order to assist teachers with planning their programs while incorporating financial literacy knowledge and skills, the ministry has developed documents detailing the Financial Literacy – Scope and Sequence of Expectations / Littératie financière – Portée et enchaînement des attentes et contenus d'apprentissage in the elementary and secondary curriculum.

Some subjects are closely linked to the study of financial literacy topics and issues, but all subjects provide opportunities to incorporate financial literacy education.

The scope and sequence documents will be updated periodically to reflect newly released curriculum documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the government supporting professional learning for teachers about financial literacy?

The ministry has partnered with Ontario Teachers' Federation (OTF) and its affiliates to offer financial literacy summer institutes (A Sound Investment). There were elementary and secondary workshops across the province offered in English and French in the summer of 2011.

What other resources are available to support teachers?

The ministry has developed a comprehensive implementation plan. As part of this plan, supports have been developed for teachers to connect financial literacy education topics across the curriculum. Professional learning opportunities offered through subject/division associations, instructional videos, and other electronic resources will be released in the 2011-2012 school year. More information will available as the resources are released.

Financial Literacy Report

On November 9, 2010, Education Minister Leona Dombrowsky announced that the government is moving forward with integrating financial literacy into the Ontario curriculum. On February 28th, the government announced that it is taking the next step in its commitment by investing $1.9M in financial literacy resources and professional learning opportunities for teachers.

The minister received the advice from the Curriculum Council and is reviewing the recommendations from the Working Group on Financial Literacy in A Sound Investment: Financial Literacy Education in Ontario Schools (PDF, 752 KB).

Beginning next school year, elementary and secondary students will learn more about how to make informed financial decisions. In the classroom, students will learn about saving, spending and investing money, and they will develop the critical skills that are needed in today's complex financial world.

Who were the members of the Financial Literacy Working Group?

The Working Group on Financial Literacy, was co-chaired by Leeanna Pendergast, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Finance and Former Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Education and MPP for Kitchener-Conestoga, and Tom Hamza, President of the Investor Education Fund.

The Working Group was convened by the Curriculum Council to gather information and conduct consultations about ways to embed financial literacy in the curriculum.

What was the consultation process?

The Working Group consulted with stakeholders including parents, students, teachers, and school board teams. The process used to engage these stakeholders included:

  • an online survey from students, parents, school boards, educators other stakeholder groups and interested members of the public,
  • presentations and discussions with researchers and representatives with expertise in financial literacy from different sectors including educational organizations, student groups and financial sector groups,
  • a review of initiatives from other jurisdictions.

When will students start learning about financial literacy?

Knowledge and skills associated with financial literacy have always been important and are included in several subject disciplines in the current elementary and secondary curriculum. Beginning in fall 2011, additional supports will be available for teachers to connect financial literacy education topics across the curriculum which will deepen and enrich student learning.