Preparing Teacher Candidates in Family and Consumer Sciences to Integrate Indian Education for All

Abstract

The Montana Indian Education for All (IEFA) initiative is an unprecedented reform effort 38 years in the making. Teacher preparation programs statewide are charged with preparing teacher candidates in all endorsement areas to integrate IEFA in a culturally responsive manner. We review the evolution of the IEFA legislative mandate, summarize the history of Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS), describe the Montana FCS 5-12 curriculum guidelines, outline the Montana Seven Essential Understandings and share practical teaching strategies that can be employed in Methods of Teaching FCS classrooms. Reflections on the success of these strategies are also shared.