Teacher Education Priorities of Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher Education Programs: A Modified Delphi Study

Abstract

The Delphi Method, a research strategy incorporating both qualitative and quantitative research methods, was utilized to develop a list of content (knowledge), skills and experiences seen as priorities needed in Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) teacher education preparation, according to experts in the field. The subsequent priorityy list was then compared by experts, FCS teacher educators, with the National Standards for Teachers of Family and Consumer Sciences (National Association of Teacher Educators for Family and Consumer Sciences, 2004) to determine the degree of congruency. The results of this review can be used by FCS teacher educators to insure that FCS teacher education programs are teaching the content (knowledge) and skills and providing experiences that meet the National Standards. These findings may be used to improve teacher education programs and the FCS teachers they produce.