| The purpose of the study was to assess (1) the status of current programs of Textiles and Clothing in four-year institutions of higher education in the United States with respect to demographics and curriculum emphases, and (2) the perceptions of Textiles and Clothing educators regarding the current "state of the art" and future issues related to Textiles and Clothing programs. Two demographic variables were used to determine if differences in response existed: role of respondent (faculty member or administrator) and size of respondent's program (large or small).; The research design was descriptive; a survey questionnaire was mailed to the population of educators at institutions with programs of study in Textiles and Clothing or related subject matter. Useable questionnaires were completed by 98 administrators and 205 faculty members, a total of 303 respondents.; Descriptive statistics were used in data analysis and included frequencies, means, medians, and modes; range and standard deviation; Cramer's V, Phi, and eta2. The assumption was made that the incidence and status of the variables tested were approximately the same for the entire population.; Four research questions guided the study. General consensus existed among educators regarding program emphases and curriculum offerings, strengths and weaknesses of Textiles and Clothing as a field of study, employment outlets available to graduates, and issues facing the field in the future. Fashion merchandising was the most common program emphasis. Courses offered most commonly included beginning textiles, beginning clothing construction, tailoring, fashion merchandising, historic costume, and social/psychological/cultural aspects of clothing. Recent curriculum changes included increases in subject matter, opportunities for field experience, interdisciplinary courses, professional preparation, energy-related concerns, and concerns with special interest groups; decreases occurred in clothing construction subject matter and laboratory courses.; Perceived program strengths were opportunity for creative expression, consumer orientation, career opportunities, practical experience, and an interdisciplinary approach; weaknesses included lack of leadership in societal concerns, and visibility. A range of employment outlets was considered available to graduates. Perceived issues facing Textiles and Clothing in the future included funding, program felxibility and relevance, professional image and public relations, availability of qualified educators, and changing societal needs. |
