The FDIC revised Money Smart to reflect changes in law and industry practices that have occurred since Money Smart was first released in 2001. The release schedule for the revised curriculum is:

• Instructor-led (English): Already released
• Instructor-led (Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese): Fourth quarter 2007
• Computer-based instruction (CBI) (English and Spanish): Fourth quarter 2007
• Train-the-Trainer video (English): Already released
• Train-the-Trainer video (Spanish): Already released

  You may order the English version of the revised curriculum now.  This website will be updated, and an email will be sent to the Money Smart News distribution list, to indicate when the other revised Money Smart products are available. If you have not already done so, you may subscribe to Money Smart News.

  Frequently asked questions regarding the revisions are answered below.

  • What is an example of some of the changes that were made to the curriculum? The revised curriculum includes an expanded discussion of topics such as disaster preparedness, predatory lending, elder financial abuse, and identity theft prevention. Also, instructional design experts assisted to ensure that the curriculum adheres to sound curriculum design principles and is as effective as possible for participants. For instance, additional handouts were added so participants would have a take-home reference version of key topics covered in class.
  
  
  
  • Does the new curriculum contain any other new features? Yes. A new stand-alone component for instructors was added: a Guide to Presenting the Money Smart Curriculum. This document presents general information regarding the use of Money Smart, effective adult learning strategies, and discusses how to meet the needs of disabled individuals. The Guide is an excellent resource that can supplement the Money Smart Train the Trainer videos . In addition, promotional signs for each module were added in Word format. Instructors may edit and use them to promote Money Smart classes.
  
  
  
  • Did the structure of Money Smart change? No. While the visual appearance of the materials has changed, the revised Money Smart curriculum retains its original structure of ten modules. These modules have the same names (and general subject matter) as before. Each module still consists of a Participant's Guide, Instructor's Manual, and overhead slides in PowerPoint and PDF format.
  
  
  
  • How long will it take to teach each module? The estimated presentation time for each module ranges between one and two hours. Only two modules are estimated to take two hours to present (Check it Out and Keep it Safe), but these two modules may be taught in two parts. Instructors continue to have flexibility in choosing how to present Money Smart, including which module(s) or part(s) of modules.
  
  
  
  • Is it necessary to retake a Train the Trainer workshop? No. Instructors do not need to retake the Train the Trainer workshop because of the revisions. Instructors should, however, review and familiarize themselves with the revised curriculum.
  
  
  
  • How do I get a copy of the revised curriculum? Once released, interested parties must place an order with the FDIC to get a copy. The FDIC will continue to provide one copy of the curriculum per instructor, and the materials are not copyrighted and can easily be reproduced. The jewel cases for the revised curriculum feature a new design to allow for easy differentiation between versions.
  
  
  
  • How will I know when it is released? The website will be updated, and an email will be sent to the Money Smart News distribution list, to indicate when it is available to order.