Using Bibliotherapy to Promote Cultural Competence in Family and Consumer Sciences Education

Abstract

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are crucial concepts for educators to demonstrate cultural proficiency in the family and consumer sciences (FCS) classroom. The purpose of this manuscript is to show how one FCS educator preparation program seeks to develop culturally proficient FCS educators. By implementing course activities that help students examine their own cultural biases and by exploring bibliotherapy using the Bluford novel series, students learn how to reflect upon cultural differences and gain insight for their future classroom. The details of the diversity, equity, and inclusion plan for the Texas Tech University Family and Consumer Sciences program are provided.