Course Description
With a practical approach to adjusting and living in the 21st century, this course focuses on studying contemporary lifestyles and skills needed to strengthen individuals and families. Discussion groups, journaling, and current articles will aid the student in preparing them for adulthood. Topics covered include stress management, problem-solving techniques, communication skills, interpersonal relationships, and preparing for careers.
Core Curriculum Content Standards
PA Common Core: English Language Arts (2013)
Speaking and Listening: Students present appropriately in formal speaking situations, listen critically, and respond intelligently as individuals or in group discussions.
GRADES 11-12
- Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions on grades level topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.(1.5.11-12.A)
Family and Consumer Sciences (2002)
Financial and Resource Management
GRADE 12
- Analyze the management of financial resources across the lifespan.(11.1.12.B)
- Analyze the relationship among factors affecting consumer housing decisions (e.g., human needs, financial resources, location, legal agreements, maintenance responsibilities).(11.1.12.C)
- Evaluate the role of consumer rights and responsibilities in the resolution of a consumer problem through the practical reasoning process.(11.1.12.D)
- Compare and contrast factors affecting annual gross and taxable income and reporting requirements (e.g., W-2 form, Income tax form).(11.1.12.E)
- Compare and contrast the selection of goods and services by applying effective consumer strategies.(11.1.12.F)
Balancing Family, Work, and Community Responsibility
Grade 12
- Justify solutions developed by using practical reasoning skills.(11.2.12.A)
- Evaluate the effectiveness of action plans that integrate personal, work, family and community responsibilities.(11.2.12.B)
- Analyze teamwork and leadership skills and their application in various family and work situations.(11.2.12.C)
- Assess the availability of emerging technology that is designed to do the work of the family and evaluate the impact of its use on individuals, families and communities.(11.2.12.E)
- Assess the relationship of family functions to human developmental stages.(11.2.12.F)
- Hypothesize the impact of present family life-cycle trends on the global community (e.g., over population, increase in an aging population, economic base).(11.2.12.G)
- Evaluate the effectiveness of using interpersonal communication skills to resolve conflict.(11.2.12.H)
Units
Unit #1 - Decisions and Careers
Unit #2 - Resource Management
Unit #3 - Personal Development
Unit #4 - Communication Skills
Unit #5 - Healthy Relationships
Unit #6 - Family Living
Course Resources
"Strengthening Family & Self" 6th ed., by Leona Johnson, copyright 2010
Take Charge Today financial curriculum
