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Rep. Nass Hopeful that Family and Consumer Science Bill Will Prevail

AUGUSTA – State Rep. Joan Nass says she is down but not out in her crusade to bring life skills education to Maine schools. On April 16, the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee voted 7-4 against her bill to integrate family and consumer science subjects into the state’s system of Learning Results.

“I regret the committee’s action, but the bill is still alive,” said Rep. Nass (R-Acton). “I am optimistic that we can make a strong case for this legislation on the floor of the House.

“It’s very important that our young people learn some of the basic things you need to navigate today’s world – financial literacy, parenting skills, nutritional information and other core skills,” she added. “Too many young people are not learning the basics. But with creative and innovative planning, Maine teachers could integrate a lot of this information into high school courses in math, science and social sciences.”

The 7-4 vote in the Education Committee came after an amendment was added to Rep. Nass’ bill, LD 1027, “Resolve, Directing the Department of Education to Include the Study of Family and Consumer Science in the System of Learning Results.”

Maine’s Learning Results, established in the 1990s, were designed to help educators identify the knowledge and skills essential to prepare Maine students for work, higher education, citizenship and personal fulfillment.

The amendment to LD 1027 would involve members of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences in the development of scoring guides for performance indicators in Learning Results. They would address such components as standards, implementation and assessment of such skills as parenting, personal finance, nutrition and family dynamics.

“We would have a voice in the development of the program if the bill passes,” said Rep. Nass. “It would be part of a revision of education standards. But I think these core skills are important enough to have a specific section within Learning Results. We need to educate the whole child. In just the nutritional area, we’re now dealing with childhood obesity, heart problems, depression and many other maladies, all driving our health care costs higher.”

There is currently no representation of family and consumer science within the Maine Department of Education, she said, reflecting a serious deficit in nutrition, financial literacy, child development/parenting and related education within the Maine Learning Results program.

Rep. Nass said that Governor Baldacci believes the basic skills problem is severe enough that he declared April to be Financial Literacy Month. In his declaration, he noted that only 40 percent of Americans use a budget to keep track of household finances.

“What we really are talking about is teaching people to be smart consumers, so their money goes further and they can afford other basic expenses,” said Rep. Nass, who taught high school courses in family and consumer science for 30 years. “Young people need the skills to be savvy consumers. It’s vitally important that we give today’s youth the foundation for a healthy and productive life, and I think the people of Maine agree.”

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