While our nation’s “leaders” debate how we’re going to “bail out” the U.S. economy (here’s a thought: how about stop “sinking us further into debt!”), perhaps we would benefit by preparing students today on the “price they will have to pay” for decades to come. That might take a few lessons in Macroeconomics. (FYI: Macroeconomics is a branch of economics that deals with the performance, structure, and behavior of a national economy as a whole.) I know, I know, try to find that on the state standardized tests. Yet given we seem to be on the brink of a financial meltdown that potentially will be worsened long-term by an ever-expanding government, overextended entitlement programs, and debts that are becoming impossible to honor, we may all need to pay attention and respond appropriately.
Watching a movie might be faster and easier than getting into a macroeconomics class, so check out I.O.U.S.A. This film boldly examines the rapidly growing national debt and its consequences for the United States and its citizens.
Since no child will be left behind in dealing with this mess, perhaps we should seriously consider expanding the teaching of financial literacy and related civic activities for middle and high school students around the country.
