Financial Education and Financial Literacy in the Czech Education System

Abstract

This paper reacts to the current situation in our society and the need for financial education in schools and for adults. Today's world demands financial and economic literacy. This paper outlines the importance of economic and financial literacy in primary and secondary schools (ISCED 1, 2, 3) in the Czech Republic. Research findings in the Czech Republic and from the World Bank have shown high levels of household debt while also indicating the need for higher levels of financial education. Financial literacy and financial instruction in schools would be an effective tool to prevent such developments. The findings and conclusions of this study were obtained through a questionnaire survey in secondary schools (ISCED 3) and through a content analysis of strategic documents adopted at both national and international levels. Simultaneously, we compared the findings, that is, the students’ knowledge of financial literacy topics, with the corresponding official documents. This paper describes the level of financial literacy knowledge among high school students. Furthermore, as financial education is currently a mandatory component of primary school education in the Czech Republic (ISCED 1, 2), the paper also describes the current situation of financial education in Czech schools, including methods of implementation. Only time will tell if financial literacy and subsequently financial product utilization of Czech students improves, but it is already clear that the introduction of financial literacy into the school curriculum is necessary.