High school seniors would be taught how to write a check, manage credit card debt and obtain a mortgage under a bill advanced in the New Jersey Senate today.

The Senate Education Committee approved a pilot program in personal financial education despite concerns about overloading the high school curriculum.Sen. Jim Whelan, (D-Atlantic), expressed concerns about adding requirements to the high school curriculum without extending the length of the school day.

The New Jersey Education Association said financial lessons can be incorporated into existing coursework in business, economics, math or home economics.

The three-year pilot program will be restricted to six school districts.

The measure passed in the Assembly in September.