FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

If you have a question about the Learning, Earning and Investing program that isn't listed below, please feel free to submit it today.

Q:  What exactly is Learning, Earning and Investing?

A:  Learning, Earning and Investing consists of two print books (one for middle school and one for high school) and this Web site.  The middle school book has 16 lessons, and the high school book has those 16 lessons and seven additional lessons.  This Web site has many additional materials beyond the books; it has Web links, related lessons, a financial calculator and some very cool interactive online activities.

Q:  How helpful is LEI if my students participate in a stock market simulation?

A.  Stock market simulations get students interested in investing, but LEI teaches them the basics and corrects some of the false impressions that short-term stock market simulations give them.  LEI focuses on long-term strategies for investment success.

Q:  Is LEI just about buying stocks?

A.  Absolutely not.  LEI covers stocks and also mutual funds, bonds and other savings instruments.  LEI focuses on the reasons why people save and why many people do not save.  Most importantly, LEI teaches the basic concepts of investing.  LEI also looks at the critical role investing plays in capital formation, job creation, productivity and economic growth.  LEI does not glamorize day trading in stocks; it stresses long-term investments for the average investor.

Q:  Can I teach economics with LEI?

A:  Basic economic concepts are incorporated in every lesson.  Knowledge of basic economic principles helps people make better long-term investment decisions.  The correlation of the Voluntary National Content Standards in Economics to LEI lessons is found on page ix of each book.

Q:  There are four major categories in the National Standards in Personal Finance.  Which categories does LEI cover?

A:  Virtually every concept in "Saving and Investing" is covered.  Some lessons also cover concepts in "Income," "Money Management" and "Spending and Credit."  The correlation of the National Standards in Personal Finance to LEI lessons is found on page x of each book.

Q:  I teach mathematics.  Can LEI help me to teach the basic principles of mathematics?

A:  LEI applies math concepts to investing.  There is nothing like earning more money to show kids that knowing mathematics can improve their lives.  LEI is correlated to the Principles and Standards for School Mathematics, and the correlation is shown on page x of each book.

Q:  There are LEI books for middle school and high school.  Is there anything for elementary school students?

A:  Four special lessons were developed for 4th and 5th graders and are on the Web site.  You can download them free and print them.

Q:  How do I know LEI lessons really work?

A:  The lessons have been classroom-tested and reviewed by teachers, economic educators and economists.  In addition, we are assessing LEI's effectiveness through pre- and posttesting of students; the questions and results will be available on the Web site in 2005.

Q:  How can I buy LEI?

A:  You can purchase the middle school book for $14.95 and the high school book for $19.95 at the Council for Economic Education Online Store.  Call 800-338-1192 for more information.  If you are a member of the Global Association of Teachers of Economics (GATE) and a K-12 teacher, you are eligible for a 20 percent discount.  Membership in GATE is free.

Q:  Can I copy the lessons or do I have to buy a book for each student?

A:  You can purchase only one book and copy any of the instructional activities for classroom use.  What a deal!

Q:  I know I can copy the Visuals in the books, but I like to use PowerPoint® slides.  Are slides available?

A:  All of the Visuals are on this Web site, and you can download them as PowerPoint® slides.

Q:  Is this a real educational Web site or just a promo for the books?

A:  There is great stuff on this Web site.  Check our Investment Tips; find related online lessons; use the Web Links to other investment sites; take the Invest Test; have your students take the Invest Test and then work on their weaknesses; and try out the interactives such as our Compound-Interest Calculator, the Chessboard of Economic Life, Word Search and the Council for Economic Education's Historical Stock Market Simulation.

Q:  What in the world is the Council for Economic Education's Historical Stock Market Simulation?

A:  This stock market simulation covers 1982 to the present.  See how different asset classes performed over time and how the best investment one year could be the worst the following year.  See how diversification and a long-run investment strategy really work.  This might be the only long-term investment simulation out there.  Try it.

Q:  Teaching some of this investment stuff can be tough sledding.  Are there any training programs that will teach me how to use this material?

A:  The affiliated state Councils on Economic Education and university Centers for Economic Education will conduct 150 workshops in 2004 and 2005.  Go to http://www.councilforeconed.org/network/ to find your state Council or closest university Center.  Ask if they are offering LEI workshops. The Council for Economic Education is committed to teacher professional development.