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Capitol Leadership Conference Registration Due 12/15
The words we use help others understand who we are and what we stand for.
Consistent language shapes how others see our organization and the field of Family and Consumer Sciences.
So, by consistently using the correct terms, we build organizational awareness and show pride in FCCLA and FCS
which helps people see the leadership, learning, and impact of FCCLA.
It's FCS It's Not FACE, F&CS, FACS, or Home Ec
It's FCS It's Not FACE, F&CS, FACS, or Home Ec
To more accurately reflect the expanded scope and complexity of the field, Family and Consumer Sciences, with the acronym FCS, was adopted in 1994.
The field was formerly known as Home Economics (Home Ec). The term "home economics" was seen as outdated and having a limiting association with teaching only girls how to be housewives. The change was a conscious effort to move past these stereotypes and represent a more modern, relevant field for both men and women.
Today's FCS curriculum includes a wide range of subjects like personal finance, child development, food science, textiles, housing, and nutrition.
It's Student Organization It's Not Club
It's Student Organization It's Not Club
FCCLA is a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) that connects classroom learning with leadership and career development. It is part of the FCS curriculum and supports students in applying what they learn through projects, competitions, and community service.
Clubs are typically social or recreational, while student organizations are educational partners that strengthen career readiness, leadership, and real-world skills.
Using the correct term reflects FCCLA’s role as an integral part of Career and Technical Education, not just an after-school activity.
It's Intracurricular It's Not Extracurricular
It's Intracurricular It's Not Extracurricular
Intracurricular activities are part of the regular curriculum and classroom learning, while extracurricular activities are voluntary pursuits outside of class that are not for academic credit.
Intracurricular activities, such as class projects, are planned and integrated with coursework, whereas extracurriculars, like sports, clubs, or arts, focus on personal interests and development.
It's Adviser It's Not Advisor
It's Adviser It's Not Advisor
The FCCLA organization officially uses "adviser," derived directly from the verb "advise," in its professional standards and award guidelines.
For official FCCLA contexts: use "adviser" as it is the organization's official terminology.
Acronyms
Acronyms
FCCLA
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America
A national Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) for students in Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) education in public and private schools. FCCLA offers intracurricular resources and opportunities for students to pursue careers that support families.
FCS
Family and Consumer Sciences
A multidisciplinary field of study that focuses on the "science and art of living and working well" by providing individuals and families with the knowledge and skills to improve their quality of life and succeed in a diverse world. It covers a wide range of subjects including nutrition, personal finance, child development, interior design, and textiles, preparing people for both family and professional life.
CTSO
Career and Technical Student Organization
Youth organizations that are an integral part of career and technical education (CTE) programs. They help high school and college students develop technical and leadership skills through applied learning opportunities such as activities, competitions, and leadership opportunities, while also connecting them with peers and industry professionals.
CTSOs are unique from other extracurricular organizations and clubs in that they directly align with CTE programs, allowing learners to participate in a wide variety of aligned activities including conferences and competitions that complement and reinforce content learned in the classroom.
CTSOs Participating in the National Coordinating Council for CTSOs (NCC-CTSO) recognized in Wisconsin:DECA | FCCLA | Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) | HOSA-Future Health Professionals | FFA | SkillsUSA
CTE
Career and Technical Education
A system of programs that integrates academic knowledge with technical and job-specific skills to prepare students for a wide range of high-demand careers. It differs from traditional vocational education by offering modern, hands-on learning in fields like health sciences, information technology, and engineering, in addition to skilled trades. CTE programs are available in middle school, high school, and post-secondary institutions and include classroom instruction, skill training, and real-world experiences like internships or apprenticeships.
NCC-CTSO
National Coordinating Council for Career and Technical Student Organizations
A collaborative group consisting of the Executive Directors/Chief Executive Officers of national Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) and key partners who work together to communicate, collaborate, and champion Career and Technical Education (CTE) and the important role of high-level integration of a professional CTSO into state-approved CTE courses led by a qualified CTE-trained educator.
STAR
Students Taking Action with Recognition
Competitive Events in which members compete at the regional/district, state, and national levels. Students are recognized for proficiency and achievement in chapter and individual projects, leadership skills, and career preparation.
FACTS
Families Acting for Community Traffic Safety
Families Acting for Community Traffic Safety (FACTS) is a National Program that gives members the information and incentives they need to build an understanding of what it means to drive safely, both today and in the future. Through their projects, members work to educate adults and peers about traffic safety and support enforcement of local rules and regulations.
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