HSE Resources
Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) National Standards
The FCS National Standards, Middle Level Framework, and National FCS Teacher Education Standards were developed by LEAD FCS Education to support high-quality programs and educator preparation. The FCS National Standards define what students should know and be able to do upon completion of a program of study and are organized by Areas of Study to allow flexibility in state and local curriculum development. The Middle Level Framework provides guidance for creating effective and robust middle level FCS programs that support early career exploration and essential life skills. The National FCS Teacher Education Standards guide curriculum and instruction for colleges and universities preparing future FCS educators and, in alignment with the FCCLA Adviser Professional Standards, support the development of highly qualified FCS teachers and advisers.
Family & Consumer Sciences Teachers of Nebraska (FCSTN)
FCSTN is a division of the Association for Career and Technical Education of Nebraska (ACTEN), the state affiliate of the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE). FCSTN supports and promotes FCS teachers and programs to positively impact families and communities across Nebraska. Benefits of membership include networking opportunities, access to teaching resources, promotional materials, and recognition through awards and scholarships.
Nebraska Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (NAFCS)
NAFCS is the state affiliate of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS). AAFCS is a national professional association that supports and advances the FCS profession through research, leadership, and service to improve the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities. Benefits of membership include professional connections across the FCS discipline, access to webinars and resources, and certification through professional assessments.
Law and Public Safety Education Network (LAPSEN)
LAPSEN is a national organization that supports law, public safety, corrections, and security education programs through curriculum development, professional collaboration, and shared resources. LAPSEN partners with state education agencies, schools, postsecondary institutions, and industry to strengthen career pathways and prepare students for public safety careers.
If you are a Nebraska Law and Public Safety instructor or administrator your LAPSEN membership is already paid for by the state membership. This includes access to the members-only resources. To join, follow the steps below. Note: you must have a valid Nebraska address and work for a system in Nebraska.
- Go to the LAPSEN “Individual Membership” website.
- Click “Add to Cart”
- Click “View Cart”
- In the coupon code box, enter: Nebraska
- Click “Apply coupon”
- Complete all the information and place order!
Open Educational Resources (OER)
Open Educational Resources (OER) have Creative Commons licensing, making them open and free to use and adapt for teaching and learning. To access the standards-aligned resources, create a free account on OER Commons and join the Nebraska Health Science Working Group. Resources within this group are organized into folders by course names.
Explore.Act.Tell. (EAT) Program
The Explore.Act.Tell. (EAT) Program engages students in grades 6–12 in project-based learning that addresses hunger and food insecurity within their communities. Through ready-to-use, fully funded resources, students develop and implement meaningful projects while building leadership, civic engagement, and real-world problem-solving skills.
LifeSmarts
LifeSmarts is a free, nationally recognized consumer education program for middle and high school students that builds real-world knowledge and critical thinking skills. The program focuses on five key areas: consumer rights and responsibilities, the environment, health and safety, personal finance, and technology, and includes ready-to-use lessons, activities, and competitions. LifeSmarts complements existing curriculum, aligns with national education standards, and offers students opportunities for leadership, service learning, and scholarships.
ProStart
ProStart is an industry-backed culinary arts and restaurant management program for high school students that prepares learners for careers in the hospitality industry. Through classroom instruction, paid internships, and mentorship from industry professionals, students gain practical skills, real-world experience, and pathways to postsecondary education and employment. ProStart student competitions further enhance this experience by allowing students to demonstrate mastery of culinary and management skills, explore career opportunities in the restaurant and foodservice industry, and connect with industry and postsecondary partners.
uBEATS
UNO & UNMC Building Excellence in Academics Through STEM (uBEATS) is a series of online modules designed for grades 6-12. The content of each module was created by education and STEM experts and include the topics of cancer, genetics, microbiology, pathology, , public health, academic success, and health care careers. The modules are available at no cost to educators.