FCS Programs of Study

Understanding Programs of Study

Since Iowa is a "local control state" we do not have "mandated" curriculum, however, we can "recommend" resources that have been developed and validated from other states. I have researched the following resources from a variety of states, including: North Carolina, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Utah, and recommend that you use the resources as a "framework" as you create your own "locally developed" curriculum, 3rd party assessments, program of study and career pathways for FCS. "Personalize" the resources to meet the needs of your local community and advisory committee input, and as you integrate Iowa Code requirements and Iowa Core and 21st Century essential skills. Please contact me at: maryann.adams@iowa.gov if you have any questions!

CTE Program Self-Assessment

Career Clusters for Iowa FCS Programs

Even though FCS "fits" into all of the 16 Career Clusters, 3 cluster area "pathways" are very suitable to the "comprehensive" FCS programs in Iowa and they are: Human Services, Hospitality & Tourism, and Arts, A/V Technology & Communications. Below you will find "sample" career pathways (course sequences for grades 9-12) for you to use as you begin to "create" your FCS program/s of study or as you "change" your current FCS program/s. Remember, these "pathways or sequences" of courses are reported on Easier CTE Plus through your school district, please check to see what FCS courses are being reported! (Health cannot be counted as a course within your FCS sequence/pathway). I have provided blank Iowa "Plans of Study" templates below for Human Services, Hospitality, & Arts, A/V Technology & Communications that you can personalize with your program of study and school logo.

A comprehensive FCS program gives an "overall" perspective of "family, life, and career preparation" and provides foundational "skills" that will connect directly to many programs at community colleges across the state! Your program can "link" directly to a 2-year interior design or fashion program; culinary academy or 2 year program; human service related programs: and the FCS Education program at Iowa Valley Community College (Ellsworth campus, 2 yr. program) and the Grand View University/DMACC FCS Education program-4 year program). Many of these programs would provide an oppportunity for "concurrent" courses for students. Currently, the ISU FCS Education program, does not offer "concurrent" course opportunities, but will transfer-in identified credits from community college courses. For more details concerning Career Clusters, go to: www.careerclusters.org

FCS Career Pathway Samples

Career Pathway Planning Chart

Department of Education Program of Study (POS) Guidelines-Step by Step guidelines to meet all requirements by Federal Perkins and Iowa's State Perkins Plan. DUE: September 1, 2012

Program of Study Guidance

POS Secondary Development Tool

POS Final Signature Form

Sample "IOWA" Plan of Study "Templates" (also referred to as: Drawing Boards)

These templates link your FCS Program to Post-Secondary. Personalize them to fit your local school districts requirements, your FCS pathway courses and the local community college course offerings for the "linked" program. Each template includes the correct CIP Code and Career Cluster for the specific FCS program of study.

Human Services: FCS Plan of Study Template

Human Services: Early Childhood Plan of Study Template

Hospitality/Tourism/Culinary Pathway Plan of Study Template

Arts/A/V Technology & Communications (Fashion & Interior Design) Career Pathway Plan of Study Template

Program of Study Development Guidelines

Community College Programs for POS "Linkages"

North Carolina Curriculum Resources

If you are updating or developing new curriculum and coursework...PLEASE check out all of the courses that have been developed at the North Carolina website below! Click on each course to see the course blueprint!

North Carolina Plans of Study

Virginia's FCS Curriculum Resources

Check out the link below to Virginia's state FCS courses, competency lists, templates, All Aspects resources and so much more! All at your fingertips as you continue to develop your programs of study!

Virginia's competency-based FCS curriculum resources!

Utah Curriculum Resources

Utah Education Network FCS Homepage

Career Clusters Information

What Are "Career Clusters?" Power Point

Using Career Clusters to Develop a Program of Study: Power Point

Hospitality & Tourism Career Cluster