HOME ECONOMICS CONTENT IN THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CURRICULUM: AN ASSESSMENT OF SCOPE, SCHOOL FEATURES AND TEACHER CHARACTERISTIC

Scope of Study. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which the topics identified as essential to home economics content were taught in the elementary school curriculum. Objectives were (1) to analyze the scope of home economics topics as associated with primary and intermediate grade levels; (2) to analyze the scope of home economics topics as associated with school features; (3) to analyze the scope of home economics topics as associated with certain demographic variables; (4) to analyze the scope of home economics topics as associated with selected teacher characteristics. Four null hypotheses relating to the objectives were stated. The research instrument developed for the "census study" of consumer and homemaking programs was adapted and mailed to principals of 45 selected school districts in the state of Washington. The survey instruments were returned by 33 of the principals, 30 were usable. Data analyses were by analysis of variance and Scheffe procedures using the SPSSx statistical program.;Findings and Conclusions. The analysis of the data showed that home economics topics were taught in six elementary subjects in grades one through six. There were significantly more home economics topics taught in the intermediate grades than in the primary grades. The fourth grade teachers included more consumer education/management and family relationships topics than did the second grade teachers. No significant differences were found in the scope of topics taught in various school districts. Further, no significant differences were found in the scope of topics taught by teachers of varying age groups, gender, and teaching experience. Likewise, there were no significant differences in the professional preparation of the teacher and degree, year granted, major and minor emphasis of the degree, and academic credits earned beyond the last degree. The teachers did perceive a need for professional development credits in some home economics content areas.