STATEWIDE — Mississippi educators are preparing for new financial literacy, computer science and civics requirements under Senate Bill 2294, a wide-ranging education law that took effect July 1. 

While the legislation, known as the Mississippi Math Act, is now law, many of its classroom requirements will be phased in over the next several years. The bill incorporates the J.P. Wilemon Jr. Financial Literacy Act, which failed to pass as a standalone measure in previous legislative sessions. 

Beginning with the 2027-28 school year, Mississippi public schools will be required to provide financial literacy instruction for students in grades 6-8. The curriculum will cover topics including income, budgeting, financial services, postsecondary education financing and consumer rights. The law also establishes new computer science and civics education requirements that will be implemented on separate timelines.

At Canton Public School District, financial literacy has traditionally been taught through partnerships with community organizations. Dr. Candra Nelson-Scott, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction, said outside educators provide students with practical lessons on managing money. 

“They talk about banking, savings accounts, investment accounts, budgeting, as well as informing (students) about loans, interest rates and principals,” she said. 

Nelson-Scott said the new law will establish consistent statewide expectations while giving districts flexibility in how the curriculum is delivered. She said district leaders and teachers will help determine whether financial literacy is offered as a standalone course or integrated into an existing class. 

Teacher training is expected to begin in summer 2027 as districts prepare for implementation. 

Heather Morrison, director of P-20 Partnerships for the Mississippi Department of Education and the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning, said the department is working with partners across the state to prepare educators. 

“For the high schools, the teachers are going to have to earn an endorsement,” Morrison said. “For middle school, there’s no technical endorsement (requirement) yet.” 

Morrison said any educator may add a personal finance endorsement to a teaching license by completing a Mississippi Council-approved economics education course. 

She also said students entering seventh grade in the 2026-27 school year — the graduating Class of 2032 — will be the first required to earn a personal finance credit before graduating from high school. 

“Kids who take (College and Career Readiness courses) meet that personal finance requirement,” Morrison said. “If they don’t take that class, then they have to take the personal finance class.” 

Morrison said financial literacy is a life skill that should extend beyond the classroom and encouraged parents to reinforce those lessons at home.

“I would hope parents are having these conversations with their students at home and make it a real-life conversation … having these conversations at home about budgeting, student loans, student debt,” Morrison said. “I definitely think it’s a positive (way) to spur conversation.” 

Nelson-Scott agreed, saying early exposure to financial concepts can better prepare students for adulthood. 

“I’m speaking from personal experience,” she said. “I can’t remember having that conversation (about financial literacy). Giving students this information early… gives them an early start.” 

Students and parents can expect financial literacy instruction to begin in Mississippi middle schools during the 2027-28 school year as districts implement the new requirements.