Family and consumer sciences: A qualitative study of Oklahoma programs

Scope and method of study. The primary purpose of this study was to discover how Family and Consumer Sciences programs prepare students for adult roles in the family and the workplace. The method of data collection involved semi-structured interviews using McCracken's long interview technique and the analysis of related curriculum documents. A purposive sample of exemplary Oklahoma Family and Consumer Sciences teachers were selected from a list of recommendations from Family and Consumer Sciences program specialists employed by the Oklahoma Department of Vocational-Technical Education. Teachers had taught for a minimum of five years in a rural or suburban comprehensive high school. Documents analyzed included curriculum guides from the Oklahoma Department of Vocational-Technical Education and a variety of textbooks.;Findings and conclusions. A synthesis of data resulted in a list of ways that Family and Consumer Sciences programs prepare students for adult roles. Teachers reported that they use a comprehensive approach to connect skills to real-world situations. A variety of strategies and resources are used to teach basic academic skills, communication, relationships, decision-making and problem-solving, goal-setting and wellness. Teachers described their programs as teaching both preparation of students for adult roles in the family and workplace and preventing students from making choices that would affect them negatively at home and at work.