The article is devoted to the issues of financial literacy of children and adolescents in the education system. The Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation in 2015 launched pilot educational programs on financial literacy in schools of five Russian regions. In 2016–2017, training – initially optional, and later in the framework of social studies lessons – covered all regions of the country. This means that developing the basics of financial literacy and the culture of economic thinking among schoolchildren is recognized by the authorities as a significant element of successful human adaptation to modern economic conditions. In this context, the purpose of the article is to substantiate the relevance of including activities to improve the students’ financial literacy in the educational process, including in the framework of additional education. The controversy on the impact of financial education on the level of financial knowledge and skills of students is presented. The basic prerequisites proving the need for financial literacy classes for children and adolescents within educational institutions of various levels are highlighted. The international and domestic practice of integration of financial education in the school curriculum is reviewed. The authors present their elective course “Financial literacy for 5-7 grades” implemented within the framework of the system of additional education within the academic structure “Research-and-Education Center of the Vologda Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences”. Further work to improve the educational process implies an audit of the course taking into account changes in the financial sphere and new trends in education. The materials of the article can be useful both for secondary school teachers and researchers studying the problems of financial literacy of the population
Keywords
financial literacy, research-and-education center, elective course, financial education