The FDIC revised Money Smart in 2006 to reflect changes in law and industry practices that occurred since Money Smart was first released in 2001. The instructor-led curriculum was updated and released in the English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese languages. The Computer-Based Instruction (CBI) was updated and released in English, and is scheduled to be released in Spanish by early 2009.

• 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.