Understanding Agriculture: New Directions for Education.

Overview & Synopsis

This report presents findings of a study to examine agricultural education at the secondary level and to make recommendations for program improvement. It focuses on the two major elements of agricultural education--agricultural literacy (education about agriculture) and vocational agriculture (education in agriculture). An executive summary sets forth the study's principal findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Chapter 2 discusses educational programs about agriculture for all students at the secondary school level with the goal of producing agriculturally literate citizens. Findings, conclusions, and recommendations are set forth in these areas: education about agriculture, teaching science through agriculture, teacher education and training, model programs, community involvement, and agricultural career exploration programs. Chapter 3 examines vocational agriculture education programs and explores recommendations for change. Specific focuses are program enrollment and availability, program content, supervised occupational experiences, Future Farmers of America, and teacher education. The appendixes review the evolution of agricultural education. (YLB)