What is the Total Agricultural Education Program? A recap from AEE 100

Agricultural education is a systematic program of instruction available to students desiring to learn about the science, business, technology of plant and animal production and/or about the environmental and natural resources systems. Agricultural education first became a part of the public education system in 1917 when the U.S. Congress passed the Smith-Hughes Act. Today, over 800,000 students participate in formal agricultural education instructional programs offered in grades seven-adult throughout the 50 states and three U. S. territories.

Through agricultural education, students are provided opportunities for leadership development, personal growth and career success. Agricultural education instruction is delivered through three major components:

1) classroom/laboratory instruction (contextual learning)

2) supervised agricultural experience programs (work-based learning)

3) student leadership organizations (National FFA Organization, National Young Farmer Educational Association, and National Postsecondary Agricultural Student Organization).

The magic happens when all three components are present. This means:

* Yes, you teach about FFA in class

* Yes, FFA helps with student recognition of SAE programs

* Yes, FFA is an outside of classroom application of in class content

* Yes, SAE program development is critical for the success at the highest level for FFA members

* Yes, instruction about SAE should occur in class time and should be part of the course grade

* Yes, all students in agricultural education courses should participate in FFA activities (as the leadership laboratory of the course) and have an SAE that they keep records on.