Where home economics courses in the 50's were more narrowly focused, reflecting the "traditional" structure of society, modern Family and Consumer Sciences courses reflect the changing social and economic patterns of the 90s. Consumer and Family Studies curriculum is concentrated on eighth content areas, each of which teach personal, family, and work management skills, as well as provide a sound background for career exploration and specialization in careers related to home economics related occupations.
Child Development and Guidance
The changing role of the family unit--for example, the prevalence of dual income families and single parent--has resulted in an even greater need to provide information about raising healthy, happy children. Family and Consumer Sciences teaches prenatal care, child growth and development, learning and self-esteem development, and health care.
Consumer Education
Our multifaceted society requires us to be informed, educated consumers. Consumer and Family Studies provides a strong foundation of consumer skills, including occupational goals, job search and employability skills, financial planning, economic security, purchasing and sales information, and consumer rights and responsibilities.
Family and Human Development
The family unit is the cornerstone of society. Family and Consumer Sciences students study family dynamics and responsibilities, how to deal with conflict and crisis, communication skills, interpersonal relationships in social and work settings, and how to balance personal, family and work roles for more satisfying family and work lives.
Fashion, Textiles and Apparel
California is recognized as an international fashion center. Family and Consumer Sciences students learn about the relationship between budgets and purchases, design and wardrobe planning, and construction, care and repair of clothing.
Food and Nutrition
Family and Consumer Sciences courses offer instruction in nutrition; physical fitness and health; meal planning, preparation and service; resource conservation; comparison shopping; and other food and nutrition-related decisions.
Housing and Furnishings
Our home environment is a reflection of our personal taste, as well as management of our personal lives. Family and Consumer Sciences teaches practical skills regarding the economics of housing decisions, conservation and energy; the principles and elements of design; and quality and economic considerations in selecting furnishings.
Individual and Family Health
Today's youth face numerous social and health decisions. Home economics courses provide information on personal goals relating to health and happiness, well-being, self-esteem and physical health as well as the behaviors which affect personal health such as substance abuse, health maintenance, and injury prevention and treatment.
Leadership Development
An eighth content area, Leadership Development, is integrated through instruction as well as in-class and extended classroom activities into the other seven content areas. FCCLA is the recognized co-curricular, instructional strategy to effectively address leadership, citizenship, and career development.