The application of data to improve the South Carolina family and consumer sciences program of study

This study investigated if, or to what extent, the application of data would improve the secondary South Carolina family and consumer sciences (FCS) program of study. Data are important to the improvement of programs and to adequately meet accountability mandates. The study results provided data that could lead to program improvements and provide recommendations for a systematic method of collecting data to evaluate program effectiveness. Quantitative data were collected to determine if, and to what extent: (a) the listing of programs in the local plans correlated to the level of family and consumer sciences funding, (b) a relationship existed between the listing of programs in the local plan and the family and consumer sciences courses offered, (c) a relationship existed between the family and consumer sciences courses offered and the level of funding, and (d) a relationship existed between the Perkins IV performance indicators, which were 1S1—English Language Arts Achievement, 1S2—Mathematics Achievement, and 4S1— Graduation Rates, and the family and consumer sciences 2007–2008 outcomes. The relationships among the variables in this quantitative correlational study were analyzed by using a Pearson r product-moment coefficient to determine if any significant relationship exists among the listing of programs in local plans, family consumer sciences courses offered and allocated funding, and Perkins IV performance indicators and family and consumer sciences performance. Four of the null hypotheses were accepted, indicating that there was no statistically significant correlation between the variables. Two of the null hypotheses were rejected, showing that there was statistically significant correlation between the variables. The results of the study indicated that the application of data based on Perkins IV performance indicators and local plan applications can be used to improve the program of study. Applying data to improve family and consumer sciences can have a national and international social change impact because this is the only curriculum in secondary public schools that places emphasis on the holistic development of individuals who possess the characteristics to become quality employees, valuable family members, and empathetic community members. These qualities contribute greatly to a healthy nation.