*WINNER* AAFCS Body of Knowledge Assessment and Implication Review

Abstract

American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) has established a Body of Knowledge (BOK) standards which are the basis for the Council of Accreditation (CFA). AAFCS accreditation has three basic purposes which are to advance academic quality, demonstrate accountability and encourage planning and implementation for needed improvement if and when appropriate. Standards based on the foundation of consumer sciences mission and philosophy are to aid in seeking accreditation for bachelor’s degree programs in higher education. These standards were designed to emphasize student achievement and all students of family and consumer sciences students should recognize and understand the body of knowledge. Family and Consumer sciences BOK are comprised of three components: core concepts, integrative elements and cross-cutting themes. The core concepts include basic human needs, individual well-being, family strengths and community vitality. The integrative elements include life course development and human ecosystem. Cross-cutting themes addressed are capacity building, global interdependence, resource development and sustainability, appropriate use of technology and wellness. A literature review of each Human Ecology core course was completed to ascertain whether the body of knowledge components that were to be measured in each core course were part of the program of study and also listed on each syllabus as to enable students to readily identify.