Many pioneers in family and consumer sciences (FCS) are not recognized for what they accomplished. How evident this became as the author learned of a home economist who preceded many members and did so much for her state and its people during much of the 1900s. The author read an article from "New Mexico Magazine" which features three women--the…

It was predicted that the 21st century would be an era of family stress and transformation (McCubbin, McCubbin, Thompson, Han, & Allen, 1997). When evaluating what families face today and what FCS professionals are addressing in current research, curriculum, and programming, it seems that this is indeed the case. Today's FCS professionals need to…

Lifelong learning is what happens after the formal schooling process is completed. Most of the individuals pursuing lifelong learning courses are older and are holding various jobs. Distance education offers flexibility and convenience for these individuals. On the other hand, innovation to create access to learning has always been the hallmark of…

No one learns in isolation; learning must be tied to real life experiences that are relevant to the student. "Integrated curriculum, interdisciplinary" and "multidisciplinary curriculum, teaming, standards" and "accountability" are terms with which every educator is familiar. "No Child Left Behind" is the current mantra, and family and consumer…

It is imperative that school administrators continue to develop and maintain strong family and consumer science (FCS) programs in their secondary schools across the nation. Today's youth and their families need the knowledge, experiences, and skills gained in these family-focused programs. FCS teachers provide necessary interpersonal,…

The ebb and flow of public support for family and consumer sciences (FCS) is a natural process that occurs with all content areas. It is important to understand and know where support exists at the federal, state, and local levels. Today's reality is that resources are focused on reading, mathematics, and science. With the potential consequences…

Sims and Stamper suggest that open and nonevaluative discussions of sexually abusive behaviors, causative factors, avenues for relief, and resources for assistance can provide abused students with the security they need to seek assistance and report abusive situations. Jones et al. describe a research study of personal stories of abuse and the…

The merger of science and commerce has become the dominant global force, giving rise to concerns about the use of genetic knowledge; ethical issues concerning justice, destiny, and perfectability; and the consequences for families and communities. Family and consumer science professionals should work to combat misunderstanding and misuse of…

Describes how the body of knowledge for family and consumer sciences has evolved over the years; outlines external influences and trends affecting the field. Presents a dialogue of elected leaders discussing the body of knowledge for the future. (JOW)

Outlines evaluative questions about technology use in education in the following categories: summative questions about results; whether the investment helps disadvantaged students; how technology use affects total costs and costs per student; and whether technology improves practice. (SK)

Examples of Midwestern and Honduran community-based collaborative problem solving provide cross-culturally-adaptable suggestions for community coalitions: adapt the process to the culture, recognize structural constraints, understand reciprocity norms, appreciate the validity of avoidance, and remember that communication roadblocks are always…

Family and consumer scientists can assist people with effective resource management during stages of divorce. Different resource issues arise at different stages: when contemplating transition to single life, during the legal process of divorce, and in the post-divorce adjustment. (SK)

Discusses the feelings and behaviors experienced in a child care situation by children whose parents have recently separated or divorced. Discusses the importance of caregivers' acknowledging family changes and provides suggestions for adjustments. (JOW)

Ethics are often taught in higher education. but research shows that family environment and early childhood are most influential in developing ethical behavior. The importance of ethics to work and family life suggests that ethical training should not be limited to vocational/business courses and it should start early. (SK)

Family/consumer science professionals can support fatherhood by advocating for parenting classes as a graduation requirement and part of divorce proceedings and for marital education before marriage licenses are issued. They can promote family-friendly workplaces and distribute information about the impact of fathers on children's health and…