My senior year is jam-packed with classes I’ve planned on taking since my freshman year of high school: four AP classes, three electives, and courses at Linn-Benton Community College. I don’t have room for more classes. However, I have to find room in my full schedule for a new graduation requirement. 

     Recently, it has been announced that for the class of 2026 to graduate next year, students will have to take a required personal finance class. According to the Oregon School Board Association, this 0.5 credit should start being implemented for the class of 2027. However, for some reason, it is being required for the class of 2026 in the Greater Albany Public Schools District.

     The intended purpose of the personal finance class is to provide financial literacy for students as they leave high school. During my freshman year of high school, I took the required CTE rotation that included business and everything related to finance. Although it was an overview of financial literacy, I don’t understand why that course can’t count as the 0.5 credit I need to graduate. Why disrupt a methodically pre-planned schedule to require a class that isn’t even supposed to be implemented until 2027? 

     Financial literacy is essential, but the sudden change in graduation requirements feels unfair. Instead of adding a last-minute required course for students going into their final year of high school, the school district should follow through with the original timeline given by the school board; this way, students can graduate without sacrificing the things they love.