Some of the most important lessons being taught in middle and high schools are those being taught in family and consumer sciences (FACS) classes. Bearing little resemblance to the "stitch and stir" classes of years ago, today's FACS education focuses on helping students develop the ability to become independent, to assume family and community roles, and to succeed in the workplace.

"Our society has changed, and rather than concentrating on how to bake a cake or sew a dress, we look at how to read a nutrition label on food packaging and how to be a smart shopper when buying clothing," says Wanda Fox, Ph.D., program coordinator of consumer and family sciences education.

Family and consumer sciences is the name of the field formerly known as home economics. At Purdue, the teacher education program is called consumer and family sciences education in keeping with the name of the School. CFS education, an interdisciplinary program with the School of Education, offers two undergraduate majors: family and consumer sciences education and occupational family and consumer sciences education.

National standards for FACS education were developed in 1994, and Indiana adopted those standards in 1998. The curriculum for Purdue's CFS education program has been revised and updated to reflect the national standards and Indiana's shift to performance-based licensure for teachers.

Students participate in a professional development seminar each semester, beginning their first or second semester at Purdue. They also participate in enhanced field experiences before completing a full semester of student teaching that includes both middle and high school placements.

Graduates of the program are in great demand and often receive numerous job offers. Requirements for an Indiana teacher's license are met upon graduation. Career opportunities also exist with community human service agencies, businesses, and the Cooperative Extension Service.

According to Fox, the demand for FACS educators will continue to grow as the large number of teachers hired in the 1960s begin to retire. The field experienced an oversupply of qualified teachers in the 1970s and graduates had a hard time finding jobs. As a result of the poor job market and the changing times, the program experienced a significant drop in enrollment during the 1980s. Today, enrollment in CFS education is on the rise. Fox believes this shift can be attributed to society recognizing the importance of family values.

"As a discipline, family and consumer sciences education addresses life skills that are essential for everyone," Fox says. "Classes are designed around building strong and resilient families and helping students manage personal and family issues, and less on teaching basic homemaking skills."

In the "Adult Roles and Responsibilities" class, students explore the ways individuals and families set standards; make choices; and satisfy needs and wants for nutrition, wellness, clothing, housing, and transportation. For example, students learn how to select health care insurance and how to determine if it's better to rent or buy a home.

Other FACS core courses range from "Orientation to Life and Careers," "Nutrition and Wellness," and "Interpersonal Relationships" to "Consumer Economics" and "Child Development and Parenting." Courses are constructed to appeal to and meet the needs of a large and diverse population of students. Additionally, courses are sequenced so students can build depth in an area of study and, if desired, begin career preparation.

The advanced and professional/occupational courses available prepare students for a wide range of careers by looking at the broader issues, not just the technical aspects. "The new course frameworks lay the foundation for life-long learning and emphasize critical thinking, communication, leadership, and management," Fox says.

For more information about CFS education, contact Wanda Fox, program coordinator, at (765) 494-7290 or wfox@purdue.edu.