Links democracy and civic engagement with human development in families. Addresses the role of family and consumer sciences in strengthening families for engagement in civil society. Describes a policy analysis tool and public policy initiatives of the American Association for Family and Consumer Sciences. (Contains 38 references.) (SK)

In a community capacity building project, family and consumer sciences professionals developed a family resource center to provide programs and services to strengthen families. The project exemplifies the civic engagement role of the profession. (SK)

Discusses the use of poetry that addresses social, cultural, and ethnic experiences of oppressed groups in teaching to develop empathy. Describes a structured process for critical analysis of poetry to build understanding of diversity. (Contains 21 references.) (SK)

A merchandising course illustrates Boyer's four stages of scholarship--discovery, integration, application, and teaching--and adds a fifth: outcome (production of a scholarly product). The model is a means of integrating teaching and research in family and consumer sciences education. (SK)

Instruments completed by 166 Tennessee extension educators revealed a significant relationship between leadership orientation and work ethic. Their preferred leadership orientation was human relations; work ethic preferences included dependability and interpersonal skills. Higher work ethic scores predicted leadership effectiveness. (Contains 23…

In-depth interviews with four family and consumer sciences teachers indicated that none had been prepared for inclusive classrooms and they had positive attitudes about special education students. Classroom observations revealed some instances where students were not included and highlighted the effect of teacher knowledge and behavior. (SK)

Explains why sustainability is integral to family and consumer sciences. Presents a framework depicting the relationship of ultimate means, intermediate means, intermediate ends, and ultimate ends. Provides classroom activities. (SK)

A life-course development perspective depicts stages of family development with tasks for each stage. It addresses the diversity of family relationships and illustrates how human development includes individual, generational, and historical time. (Contains 14 references.) (SK)

Research on culturally, ethnically, and racially diverse classrooms suggests the following for teachers: develop a clear sense of cultural identity; learn about students' cultural backgrounds; be competent cross-cultural communicators; address divergent thinking and learning styles; use culturally relevant curriculum materials and multiple…

A parent telephone survey (n=300) was conducted to identify the primary customer of elementary school food programs. Results show that the decision to eat school lunch was most frequently made jointly by parent and child and the factor most frequently influencing the decision was the nutritional value of the meal. (Contains 15 references.) (JOW)

A study assessed dietary compliance among 192 college students. Students who lived on campus, younger students, females, students who ate out infrequently, and students who rarely/never consumed high-fat foods showed the lowest compliance with the recommended number of daily servings from all food groups. (Contains 36 references.) (JOW)

In-depth interviews with four university-based educators revealed that they had limited childhood experiences of diverse cultures. Their professional experiences of diversity led them to the following principles: maintain respect, appreciate other perspectives, commit to working together, and persist even in an unsupportive environment. (Contains…

Responses from 4,956 extension personnel examined the Cooperative Extension System's ability to serve diverse audiences on cultural, structural, and behavioral factors influencing organizational change. Results show that Extension is fairly active in incorporating diversity in work with children, youth, and families. (Contains 18 references.)…

Discusses financial literacy, its definition, and its importance. Looks at the financial literacy initiatives that are underway and whether they are working. Examines the role of family and consumer sciences education in financial literacy. (Contains 70 references.) (JOW)

Discusses the need for homebuyer education in light of the increasing availability of assistance programs aimed at traditionally underserved groups such as minorities and low income groups. (Contains 10 references.) (JOW)