Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Science
DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES
Mission
The Department of Family and Consumer Sciences ensures that the students will receive a high quality education through program options that are effective and efficient in the twenty-first century. The mission of the Department is to (1) educate students for a dual role including balancing successful family living and preparation for the professional world, (2) to improve rural and urban life so that it will be rewarding and satisfying by extending service through Family and Consumer Sciences, (3) to develop interest in the important scope and needs of research in Family and Consumer Sciences.
Description
The Department of Family and Consumer Sciences is in the E.L. Holloway Education, Research, and Extension Complex. The Department has a Demonstration Learning Center for instructional use as well as individual and group auto-tutorials. An Early Childhood Laboratory is used for developing skills in working with children and their families. Students majoring in Child Development and Early Childhood Education will be provided with an opportunity to work with young children in an early childhood setting. Early Childhood and Child Development majors can observe the teacher learning process in its natural setting and study the organization of the school and classroom. Early Childhood and Child Development majors will be provided positive experiences with children and identify characteristics of the successful teacher and the acceptable mode of personal and professional behavior. In addition, parents will receive information related to child development, learning theories, nutrition and health needs. Parents will be provided with demonstrations on the use of instructional materials and activities to meet the needs of young children through parent education workshops/seminars, home-instructional packets, personalized instruction sessions, basic skill achievement goals checklist and individual education plan for identified students.
Faculty
- Dr. Emisha Young, Acting Chairperson/Assistant Professor
- Dr. Evia Davis, Adjunct Professor
- Mrs. Donna Foster, Adjunct Instructor
- Mrs. Shadonna Watkins, Adjunct Instructor
CONTACT
Assessment of Student Learning
The Family and Consumer Sciences Assessment Test (FCSAT) is administered at the conclusion of their academic experience. It consists of a written comprehensive examination. The comprehensive examination is very closely aligned with the Family & consumer’s Conceptual Framework, and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Standards.
The Oklahoma Subject Area Test (OSAT) is designed to assess subject area knowledge and skills required of entry-level educators in Oklahoma. All individuals seeking an initial Early Childhood Education license in the State of Oklahoma must pass the Oklahoma Subject Area Test (OSAT). Candidate’s responses must demonstrate an understanding of knowledge and skills in the field of Early Childhood Education. There are three sub-areas further broken into eighteen competencies. The three areas are language and literacy development, learning across the curriculum, and child development and early childhood programs. The early childhood test is also comprised of selected response questions. Candidates scoring 300-280 are considered exemplary; 279-260 competent; 259 to 240 acceptable; and those scoring below 240 do not pass the OSAT. In the Early Childhood option there were no candidates assessed for the 2013-2014 academic year.
The Program systematically uses the data to determine strengths and needs of the teaching and learning process. Data results are used to develop and improve assignments, rubrics and refine teaching practices that will continually enhance and strengthen the program. Student appraisal of faculty teaching effectiveness is conducted at the end of each semester.
As part of the program’s achieving and maintaining NAEYC accreditation, it must report annually on at least three of the following measures and display these data via easily located links on its website.
Outcome Measure #1: The Number of Program Completers
Outcome Measure #2: The Program Completion Rate
Outcome Measure #3: Institutional Selected Data
Students enrolled in the practicum course are required to complete the Reflective Essay Assessment prior to graduation. The essay is aligned to each of the NAEYC Standards: (1) Promoting Child Development, (2) Building Family and Community Relationships, (3) Observing, Documenting, and Assessing Children, (4) Using Developmentally Effective Approaches, (5) Using Content Knowledge to Build Meaningful Curriculum, and (6) Becoming a Professional. Outcomes are reviewed with faculty and are incorporated into the annual department course reviews for curriculum development, program planning and improvements. Student appraisal of faculty teaching effectiveness is conducted at the end of each semester.
The A.S. Child Development at Langston University is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The accreditation term runs from March 2019 through March 2021.
