Bills in Congress for FACS credit in high school

It has been said that we can make a difference with what we teach. Let's make a difference with letters to our senators and representatives supporting the bills for a FACS credit in high school. Please site evidence for your local representatives as to why FACS education is important in school.

Many FACS teachers feel like they are fight for their lives to keep their programs in their schools but together we can make a strong voice. Take the time to write a special story about the changes you've made in your students lives.

The following is a letter to a senator asking for support.


I am writing about the Senate Bill 3059 to require a Family and Consumer Sciences (formerly known as Home Economics) graduation credit in high schools.

This bill is not requiring a specific course and I believe that this is a wise choice, as it gives school districts the option to choose one of the many important areas that Family and Consumer Sciences focuses on in education. It is through my personal experience teaching at North High School, North St. Paul, and living in Cottage Grove that passing this bill would have a positive impact on many youths. I can attest to my statement many ways.

There are three fantastic areas that stand out and will help students achieve understanding in everyday life to help them be productive citizens in society.

The first is foods and nutrition; as you know our first lady has made it her personal project to change the look of our families and help turn their eating habits back to healthy eating with proper portions and nutrition. When Family and Consumer Sciences began 101 years ago proper water conditions and healthy food preservation was the organizations main focus. Nutrition and Food has been one of the mainstays of our profession and FACS teachers are the correct group of people to help coach our youth back into personal proper food intake.

The second area that we stand alone, in the field of quality education, is teaching young people about parenting and child development. In a world where many children have been left as “latch key kids” raising them selves it is time that we further our opportunities to spread knowledge about quality child rearing for all people in society. What better way to reach the masses than through high school education.

The last area that FACS teachers are knowledgeable in is the area of Consumer Education. In a time where our credit system has gone “amuck”, our population is in desperate need of teaching young people how to budget and manage their spending. As our title states, FACS teachers specialize in consumerism and therefore would be the logical choice to teach students how to systematically manage their financial lives.

There are many other areas that FACS teachers have the opportunity to teach but these three areas stand out very obviously with-out much deep thought. As a teacher I see young people struggle from day to day and much of it stems from lack of family guidance, financial security and lack of proper daily food.

What better way do you have to help the lives of many and make a positive impact on these children than by talking amongst your colleagues and encouraging them to pass this bill.