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Family and Consumer Sciences Education and Studies

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Family and Consumer Sciences Education and Studies

Administered by the Department of Human Development and Family Studies. Leading to a degree bachelor of science.

The curriculum in Family and Consumer Sciences Education and Studies (FCEDS) prepares graduates with a broad understanding of individual and family well-being. Graduates apply knowledge and research in Human Sciences content in global professional settings. They work in an integrative fashion to improve well-being by addressing and acting on complex problems confronting individuals, families, and communities.

FCEDS is an interdisciplinary major where students take coursework in across content areas including Human Development, Early Childhood Education, Interpersonal Relationships, Culinary Arts, Nutrition, Textiles, Interior Design, and Financial Planning. This unique program of study integrates multiples facets of human health and well-being, preparing FCEDS graduates to support individuals, families, and communities in diverse settings to achieve an optimal quality of life.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the FCEDS undergraduate program, students will:

Learning Outcome 1: Human Development: The student understands how humans grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas, and designs and implements developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences and materials.

Learning Outcome 2: Human Differences: The student uses understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each individual to meet high standards.

Learning Outcome 3: Learning Environments: The student works with others to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning, and that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.

Learner 4: Content Knowledge: The student understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of Family & Consumer Sciences to make the discipline accessible and meaningful for their audience.

Standard 5: Application of Content: The student understands how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage individuals in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues.

Learning Outcome 6: Assessment: The student understands and uses multiple methods of assessment to engage learners in their own growth, to monitor progress and outcomes, and to guide decision making.

Learning Outcome 7: Planning for Instruction: The student plans education that supports every individual in meeting rigorous goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, cross-disciplinary skills, and pedagogy/andragogy, as well as knowledge of individual and community context.

Learning Outcome 8: Instructional Strategies: The student understands and uses a variety of strategies to encourage learners to develop deep understanding of content areas and their connections, and to build skills to apply knowledge in meaningful ways. The student integrates current and emerging technology in instruction to encourage creativity, problem solving, collaboration, and digital literacy. Students practice and advocate safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology.

Learning Outcome 9: Professional Learning and Ethical Practice: The student engages in ongoing professional learning and uses evidence to continually evaluate his/her practice, particularly the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (individuals, families, other professionals, and the community), and adapts practice to meet the needs of each learner.

Learning Outcome 10: Leadership and Collaboration: The student seeks appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to collaborate with learners, families, colleagues, other professionals, and community members to ensure learner growth, and to advance the profession.

Students in FCEDS may choose coursework that leads to becoming a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE), a program that has been approved by the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). These courses provide the basic education for students interested in working with families, including adolescents, parents, or adults working to strengthen relationships. The student takes courses that support the development of knowledge and skills in family life content areas selected by the National Council on Family Relations. The certification is a voluntary credential that requires the individual to complete a degree in an approved program and to have at least two years of work experience in family life education settings (see http://www.ncfr.org/cfle-certification).

Graduates may also choose from one of several nationally recognized professional certifications available from the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) Council for Certification. This program measures competencies of FCS professionals using high- quality, rigorous assessments. Certifications that are currently available can be seen at https://www.aafcs.org.

Family and Consumer Sciences Education and Studies OPTIONS FOR EMPHASIS

Students choose one of three options: Teacher Licensure, Professional Studies, or Communications.

Graduates of the Teacher Licensure option may teach Family and Consumer Sciences in middle, junior high, and senior high schools. Students who enroll in Teacher Licensure must apply and be accepted into the educator preparation program prior to enrolling in advanced courses. This program is approved by the Iowa Department of Education. There is an opportunity to take online & summer courses to allow certified teachers or those enrolled in a teacher intern program to add endorsement 139: 5-12 Family & Consumer Sciences – General”

Graduates of the Professional Studies option are prepared to work in a variety of careers including Extension & Outreach, non-profit organizations, and governmental agencies as well as within the private business or entrepreneurial sector.

Graduates of the Communications option have the ability to educate consumers in a global and technologically changing society. Students apply the principles of educational presentations, journalism, marketing, and public relations to empower people to critically analyze options and make the best choices for their needs.