Friday, October 25, 2013

SAE Student Success Stories - Story #1 - Iowa

We are engaging in SAE instruction in AEE 311 and so I will be sharing "Student SAE Success" Stories or vignettes over the next month or so (as long as I have them coming in from friends across the nation). 

SAE is one of the most unique educational tools at our disposal as agriscience educators. SAEs have long standing impact on the lives of students. SAEs are not optional. 

See what good things are happening in the Sioux Central Agriscience Department in Iowa with Ms. Melanie Bloom.




We will continue to share more stories and examples of SAE success over the next month! Soon, you too will be helping student explore and grow into their unlimited potential through agricultural education!

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Agricultural Education Magazine Archives

The Agricultural Education Magazine is a national magazine for practitioners of agricultural education. The archives from January 1929 to present are available at: http://www.naae.org/links/agedmagazine/archive/index.html



To much fun is there! I challenge you to go, seek out an article from the 20s, 30s, or 40s, that relates to sessions we have taught or are going to teach and bring it to class to share!!!

Session 17 & 18 - How do we plan, design, and supervise SAE Programs? (October 22nd & October 24th)

Responses to Ticket Out

What are your curious about?

  • What was the coolest SAE ever?
    • The one where students had fun learning about a life long career
  • What are some new innovative SAEs students are doing?
  • Is AET available in every state?
    • Yes
  • How do they grade AET as opposed to Excel Books?
  • What is the difference between AET and other recordbook systems?
    • We will have class sessions on November 12th and November 19th that help address this question.
  • Why do some teachers not conduct SAE visits? Or use the total three circle model?
    • Time? Philosophical Understanding? Administrative Support? All can be addressed through communication. 
  • For the CDE Plan, should everyone in the group choose the same CDE?
    • No
  • SAE occurs out of school, so when do they start and end?
    • Well, it depends on the student, but usually financial document are kept on a fiscal year basis so a Freshman could start their recordbook July 1st prior to the Freshman Year. The SAE program for the student runs continual from that point to completion.
  • Could I use FFA Fridays in my class to do practice CDEs?
    • Why not? It works better if the actual event is soon (ie same semester)

What did you learn?

  1. I learned so much more about SAEs and wish that I had got to have one in school!
  2. SAEs are not optional and communication is key to a developing a great Ag Ed Program.
  3. There are lots of Resources for SAE Assignment #7 on Angel!
  4. If you do not grade something, you run the risk of student's not valuing it. Grade SAE and FFA in all of your ag classes!
  5. Currently, the AET "books" are not judged at the PA State FFA Recordbook Event.
  6. SAE is NOT just a recordbook
  7. There are philosophical concerns about labeling a class SAE.
  8. SAEs should be GRADED.

What do you want to learn more about?

  • Thinking back to my HS experience, I wonder how students would balance all of this with other clubs and sports. I wonder if students do not do "Ag Ed" just because they do not have enough time out of the classroom?
    • We do all have to from time to time set priorities. I think our job as professional educators is to convey the benefits clearly enough that the opportunity is prioritized.
  • Is there a way that we can log on to AET as the teacher so we can see/know how it works from that side?
    • Yes, we will make it happen when Roger guests speakers on November 12th or the next session.
  • I really want to learn more recruiting students into a program!
  • How can an Ag Student be successful in Ag as well as other activities (i.e. sports) at the same time?
    • Thousands upon Thousands do every year.
  • How can do do home visits in  proactive way?
    • Be very clear about why you are calling and what learning outcomes you hope to achieve with their time. Share why it BENEFITS them and their child. Who does not want their child to be successful? Here is a great link to resources to help: http://dass.missouri.edu/aged/resources/handbook/chap8.pdf
  • Proficiency Awards!!
  • When do you you do Home Visits?
    • There is a season for everything, and every grade level of student will have a different need. Examples: Freshmen need later summer before school starts so they feel comfortable, but Seniors really need Fall to discuss college/scholarship applications, while Sophomores benefit from Spring to begin planning for ACT/SAT exams. A time can be selected for after school or on weekends. Conduct 1 or 2 a day after school and a few on a Saturday morning. Select calendar days where they can be scheduled, not all days should be a choice.

Friday, October 18, 2013

Session 16 - What is Experiential Learning; October 17

What are you curious about?
How to connect lessons to S.A.E.?

  • Each lesson that you teach should have some connection to a potential S.A.E. This could include research or even job placement, but you should be able to find a connection somewhere within your lesson to S.A.E.
How long can S.A.E. be? (timewise)
  • A student could begin the S.A.E. their first year in the program and carry it all the way through their high school career, as well as into college. They would potentially do this to continue towards their American degree.
I am having a hard time finding a group of 2 for the CDE project.
  • You will need to be a group of 3 total. Start talking to others in the class. I know there are others that are looking, too :-)
Who is responsible for finding the S.A.E.?
  • Ultimately, the student. However, the teacher and parents should be there to guide the student toward potential opportunities.
How do you decide what counts/works for an S.A.E?
  • This comes down to the individual teacher to make that decision. You need to know your students well enough to determine if what they are choosing "fits" their future goals. I am sure you will talk more about this on Tuesday in class!
More detail about S.A.E., please!
  • Coming to a classroom near you on Tuesday, October 22nd, 2013!
How heavy was the penguin that Ewing held?
  • Oh wow, I didn't even think to ask, but I am thinking it was about 10 pounds. It was just a "little guy".
Are AET books the new system for record keeping? Are the old ones not used anymore?
  • A lot of schools are moving to the AET system. Some schools still use the old books. You will hear more about both systems when we return from National FFA Convention. We have speakers that present on both books.
How did Kolb develop his experiential learning model?

How do you research the effectiveness of E.L.? (I moved this one, but I felt it fit well here!)


What did you learn?
S.A.E
Experiential Learning (5 part model)
Reflection comes in many forms
The definition of Pedagogy
When students get out of agricultural education they can "do" something, because of experiential learning
How to apply the E.L. cycle
Getting students to reflect is a crucial part of the learning cycle!
"I hear, I forget"; "I see, I remember"; "I do, I understand"
Ewing held a penguin!
That kids must take what they learn, generalize, and then apply it to other situations

What do you want to learn more about?
Research on hands-on learning
  • You would be amazed at how much reading/research you will find on the topics of hands-on learning and experiential learning; authentic learning, etc. just by doing a google search
S.A.E. books
  • Just keep in mind that there is an S.A.E. program that students complete and they keep records of that program/project in their record book. Don't think that the record book is the only/most important part of the learning that occurs when completing an S.A.E.
The various S.A.E.'s that people have completed.
The different types of S.A.E.
  • More to come on both of these next week!
How do you assess S.A.E. with what is being learned in the classroom?
  • There are various ways to incorporate assessment of S.A.E. into your program, and you need to be sure to do it. You will have the opportunity to build your own assessment plan for S.A.E. and samples will be shared.
How do we incorporate the E.L. cycle into our classroom if we have limited time?
  • Good planning, and you must shorten certain sections to make it happen at times OR you just need to realize that the cycle will span over several lessons.
How to make the S.A.E. component stronger in programs.
  • I believe this is up to the teacher. If you make it a priority with your students, then it will be stronger in your program.

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Session 15 - What are Career Development Events? October 15th

Great Session with Dr. Crutchfield.

Here is a link to the Recording: https://meeting.psu.edu/p3x2v9t28i5/

Resource Links:
PA Ag Teacher Directory - http://go.cas.psu.edu/paaged/
2013 FFA Activities Week Results: http://aese.psu.edu/ag-educators/2013-ffa-activities-week
National FFA CDE Info: https://www.ffa.org/programs/awards/cde/Pages/default.aspx
PA FFA CDE Info: http://www.paffa.state.pa.us/CDE%20Manual.htm


Response to the Ticket Out Questions.

What are you curious about?

  • Why in AEE 412 do you recommend 3 objectives maximum, but in AEE 311 you have 5 or 6?
    • Great Question! Recommended Learning objectives directly correlate with the amount of instructional time. The recommendation of 3 is for the standard instructional time in a HS of 50 minutes. We have 90 instructional minutes on Tuesdays in AEE 311, so you will see usually 4-6. On Thursdays with 50 minutes, you will see 2-3. Thanks for asking.
  • Do we have meat evaluations in PA and who runs it?
    • Yes,  
      • Carole Fay (Penn Manor), 717-872-9520 (Ext1593), 717-872-0934 (FAX), carole.fay@pennmanor.net 
      • Guy Amoroso (WB Saul HS), 215-487-4470, 215-487-4844 (FAX), gamoroso@philasd.org
  • Crosswalks for Curriculum/Academic Standards? What does this mean?
    • We need to be able to evidence to all stakeholders (primarily administrators) that our activities are going to improve student academic achievement, so we crosswalk to academic standards that they understand. Here is an example where Mike Clark from Greenwood did this for PA CDEs: http://aese.psu.edu/ag-educators/resources/connection
  • How can I get local companies to help prepare my CDE teams for competition (like Dr. Crutchfield with Tractor Supply)?
    • Usually you just have to ask! Have a clear request of how they help you better instruct your students! You will more often hear yes than no, but you have to ask!
  • Will new CDE's be added or will CDEs be taken away?
    • Depends on participation, demand, and finances!
  • How do you feel about students competing in an event at states more than once?
    • Is learning occurring? Are students growing and developing?
  • How do you know when enough time is enough or not? Can intense be to intense, even if they want to win?
    • Experience.
  • When did CDEs become a part of FFA?
    • Well, the first "CDE" was the American Royal Livestock Judging and was conducted in 1926 before FFA existed.
  • IF CDEs are related to your class instruction, then should only students in a particular class participate in a particular CDE?
    • Well, not exactly. What if a freshman is really interested, but has not taken the class yet? They could do it and then ti would act as an "interest approach" to the class or allow them to learn the material better when they were in the class. Or it could be a student who has completed the class, really likes it, wants to learn more (extend the classroom) and would be awesome!
  • What are PA CDE events not offered at the National Level?
    • Conservation Public Speaker, Tractor Driving, Small Gas Engines, FFA Knowledge, Aquatic Resources, Public Speaking-Junior, Wildlife, Scrapbook
  • How do you become a chair of a STATE CDE? Do you have to be elected or just sign up?
    • Volunteer!
  • How long did Dr. Crutchfield Teach?
    • 14 years! 
  • What do you think are the top 3 most important CDEs in PA & Nation?
    • The ones where the students have fun learning about careers.
  • When do programs create a POA?
    • Chapter Officers usually start at the Officer Retreat in the Late Spring/Summer to be approved by membership in early Fall.

What did you learn?

  1. CDEs help address 21st Century Skills. (http://www.p21.org/)
  2. If you do not teach it (it is not in your curriculum), you probably should not have a team in that CDE!
  3. Every State's CDEs can be different!
  4. When you start teaching, you should probably limit yourself to coaching 3 CDEs.
  5. CDEs can be a potential authentic assessment to instruction.
  6. NEVER let your students be embarrassed by being unprepared.
  7. Teachers need awesome support systems
  8. Research supports appropriate use of healthy competition in the classroom.
  9. CDES are an extension of my classroom & classroom! AWESOME speaker!
  10. There are 25 CDEs at the National Level.
  11. Teach all your students the CDE Info! Not just the team members
  12. It takes $50K a year with a 3 year commitment to sponsor a National CDE!
  13. Start teams with a goal mind set
  14. Positive Feedback is key!

What do you want to learn more about?

  • Would it be good idea to invite local 4H clubs to participate/help with similar events/contests?
    • That is not a good idea, it is a GREAT idea. Collaboration is the Key!
  • How long should CDE's be taught before offering the option to compete?
    • You can compete right after you teach it!
  • Is there research being done by agricultural educators to back up CDE importance?
    • Yes, in different ways this is being looked at!
  • Where is the national handbook?
    • See the link list at top!
  • How can I use CDEs to assess?
    • Just conduct a mock event in your program/class!
  • I want to learn more about how to start an Alumni Organization at the Local Level
  • The Foster Book of CDE practices
    • This is better shared in conversation over a cold drink!
  • How do Ag Teachers prepare students for CDEs, is it strictly in the classroom or do they practice every day like a sports team?
    • It depends, but most competitive teams have practice outside of scheduled class time.
  • Shouldn't every state have the same opportunities for CDES?
    • No, because every state has different needs.
  • How can I become a better ag teacher/coach for my future students?
    • Stay involved and keep working :) Experience is the key!

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Session 14 - Inclusion follow-up

What are you curious about?
Are the due dates on the moodle modules suggested dates, or real deadlines? Can I complete them over Thanksgiving Break?

  • You will want to email Deb Herman at dxh271@psu.edu to get the specifics on deadlines, and stick to what she indicates are the deadlines on the moodle modules.
CDE
  • I never heard of it until this year. I am excited to learn more.
Is it expected that we log into AET to enter information every week?
  • I would think that you could find something to enter each week. Don't make this a stressful activity, but you do need to be able to navigate the pages, and understand how AET is designed.
Do all pre-service teachers have to take classes like WF ED and complete moodle modules?
  • All pre-service teachers in the state of PA need to complete 9 credits in working with special needs learners and 3 credits of ESL/ELL coursework. Thus, not all students need to complete moodle modules; however, they do take an additional 3 courses compared to our students.
Do the teachers we contact need to be from cooperating centers?
  • No. It can be any teacher in the state.
What will CDE plans include?
  • Check out the rubric. There is a lot of information there. Also, check out the example provided in class.
How many chapters are this prepared with POA, CDE plan, etc.? I know mine was not.
  • Each chapter has various levels of preparation, but those that are serious about completing these items are often well prepared to serve their students.
At National Convention is there going to be the "Native Celebration"?
What resources does National FFA offer to teachers?
How to contact teachers?
  • You can access the teachers' email and phone numbers through the PA Agricultural Education Directory at http://go.cas.psu.edu/paaged/ You will need to create an account, but it only takes 2 minutes.
What CDEs are offered?
What did you learn?
Tips for inclusion
About CDE manuals
AET login expectations
CDE- massive packets for each event!
That scent-free policy is real
CDEs and inclusion tips (there are a lot of ways to include students into your program)

What do you want to learn more about?
If teachers actually create CDE plans?
  • They may not all create CDE plans to the extent that we are requiring, but if they do they will be the best prepared to help train their teams. It would require them to really think about how/why they have students do something related to a particular CDE.
Contacting Teachers about the plans.
  • See above for the location of the PA Ag. Teacher Directory
How to train a CDE team.

CDEs

How to do the CDE assignment.

Things that I can do on AET tracker.
  • The best advice I can give here is... get on and test it out. Don't worry about "messing" something up. This is for you to get experience with the system.
How to deal with students with behavior disabilities.
  • I think this comes with experience, but don't forget to rely heavily on the special education teacher and the IEP, as they can help guide you on what to expect and how to properly handle with the least disruption to your class and other students.
Learning more about CDEs and can you use them as a guide for your units/classes?
  • There is nothing wrong with teaching content related to the CDEs. If there wasn't overlap it wouldn't make sense to have the CDE and/or the class content. HOWEVER, you do not "teach to the CDE". If you only teach what the CDE requires, then you are not giving you students opportunities to explore beyond whatever the CDE "permits".
About all of the different CDEs available.
  • See above for the link to the CDE manual from National FFA.
There is a lot of events in the CDE. Does a student need to do something in each category?
  • I would have to look at what you are specifically referring to here, but yes the students must complete many different tasks for each CDE. This typically includes written examinations, as well as several opportunities for application of content.
How to produce an interest in students to complete the CDE.
  • This is where it is important to work with students and motivate them to participate on an individual basis. Also, through your classes you can provide students with examples of past success. There are both extrinsic and intrinsic motivators that you can utilize to get students to participate.

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Session 13 - Inclusion

What are you curious about?
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

What can I do to be the best to accommodate all of my students?
  • You will learn more about all of this as you take WF ED 413, and complete the Chapter 49-2 requirements associated with the AEE coursework. As we talked about with our guest speaker, the classes help prepare you for the experiences that you will have in the classroom.
  • Seek out experiences now to work with students with special needs.
AEE 311 Final Exam scheduled time.
  • Let's discuss in class.
If you have an officer that is a special needs student, how do you do what is best for the student, but also for the program? 
  • I believe this is determined on a case-by-case basis, but the main thing is to consider the person and what is best for them. If you do this, then the rest of the program will take care of itself, and you would be amazed how other officers and members "step up" to help when needed.
Legislation dealing with inclusion?
What percent of students in agricultural education classrooms are special needs? (The following link answers about 3 different questions that were asked on the ticket out)!
What did you learn?
What state supervisors perceive to be barriers to inclusion.
Why inclusion is important.
That agricultural educators can implement various strategies to be inclusive.
This class session connect to other classes that I have taken!
I learned that there is actually legislation connected to working with special needs students in our classrooms. I learned that I should serve on IEP teams in the future.
The importance of working with guidance counselors.
Strategies and opinions.
Inclusion and mainstreaming
What inclusion is and other factors dealing with inclusion, mainstreaming, and tracking.
Socio-economic status factors are a major factor of experience conflicts.

What do you want to learn more about?
Opportunities to gain experience with special needs learners.
Dealing with parents who question my decision.
  • We do some work with this in AEE 413, and you have an opportunity to communicate with an upset "parent" in one of the assignments in that class.
Fundraising for students that can't afford official dress.
  • We also talk about fundraising in AEE 413, and there are many models out there to help students "earn" their jacket and/or official dress through fundraising. There are a few examples/stories at ffa.org
Different adaptations and accommodations for students, and how to follow a student's IEP.
  • The IEP will help provide specific strategies to support the student; thus, the importance of getting involved in IEP teams so that you understand how the paperwork is developed, and utilized.
Can we include 49-2 modules on a resume, or is it just assumed by employers that we have had done something like this?
  • Hmmm.... very interesting thought/question. I would think that it would be fine to list these, as long as you were specific in your description of the modules. School administrators will understand the regulations through PDE; thus, they would know that you complete coursework and/or associated modules, but they would still probably like to see that you have not only been trained, but that you felt it was worthy to list on your resume!
How are IEP meetings run... what are the roles of various people, etc.
How much do teachers tolerate from a special needs student prior to removing them from the class?
  • Read the following blog. It may help you understand this question. You, as the teacher, have the responsibility to educate all students in your class, so you do not need to think that a student with special needs can't be taken out of your class, especially for disruptive or dangerous behaviors. http://www.wrightslaw.com/blog/?p=3212
How do teachers minimize the negative perceptions of other students towards a student with a disability to make inclusion successful?


Friday, October 4, 2013

Session 12 Follow Up - What does the Future Look Like? October 3rd

Remember to put your rubric completed on all submissions.

Link to Mr. Bledsoe's Presentation: https://meeting.psu.edu/p82b7zwsni5/

Response to Tickets Out

What are you curious about?

  • How do you begin to put an advisory board together?
    • Dr. Ewing teaches this in AEE 413 in your Senior Fall
  • How is the supply for Teachers Now? There is obviously a concern.
  • Tell me more about badges?
  • How do you start an FFA Alumni Program?
  • Mr. Beldsoe, How did you decide to take so many different job opportunities?
    • Hopefully he responds with a blog comment!
  • What are some top suggested age classes for a program?
    • You need to think programatically to develop a course of study...not just random class names.
  • How do you start an ag program in a new school?
    • Assess community support/interest, work with department of education for requirements, approach local school board.
  • What does COO stand for?
    • Chief Operating Officer

What did you learn?

  1. It is a process to become an ag teacher. The journey of an ag teacher does not happen over night.
  2. It is not just about the blue jacket warm fuzzies, we need real data.
  3. FFA is only one piece of Ag Education and without Ag Education it would not survive.
  4. Experience = Belief = Action = Results
  5. The heart of the FFA is at the LOCAL level
  6. Tips on how to develop a great community based program
  7. Be a Catalyst of Change
  8. Quality Experience leads to Quality Results

What do you want to learn more about?

  • Techniques to distribute tasks to others
    • A POA :)
  • Urban Area Ag Programs. I have not heard about them?
    • Some Examples are:
      • WB Saul in Philly
      • John Bowne in New York
      • Chicago School for Agrisciences
  • Ag Career Network?
  • Ways to help your chapter (as the teacher) to get funding
    • Dr. Ewing discusses in AEE 413
  • National FFA Convention
  • I am curious to examples of where Ag Programs "Failed"
    • I will work on this.
  • How do you reach out to the Alumni or find them to get involved with the chapter?
  • Are there example POAs we can look at?
    • Yes, look at the Weekly Web Wonder for POAs to see what your peers found, look on ANGEL for the POA lesson to see examples of the assignment handed out in class

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Session 10 - What is a great POA with Stephanie Joliff!

Here is a link to the video recording of Ms. Joliff: https://meeting.psu.edu/p4eg5jxicif/

Instructor Notes:
1) Please do your Weekly Web Wonders prior to the 8am Tuesday class!!
2) Please keep your AET Books updated!
3) Don't forget to grade your self with the rubric and turn it in with major assignments.

Responses to Ticket Out
What are you curious about?

  • Doing virtual lessons/meetings, etc for FFA Chapters and classes.
    • Technology opens boundless doors of opportunities!
  • If I have students who want to start an event or activity that demands government assistance, How do I support them?
    • I need more details to help here!
  • How would you engage a student who just has a few interests?
    • It is part of our job to help students develop their interests!
  • Let Them Eat Cake Program.
  • Grant Writing
    • You will learn in AEE 413, but I think Teach Ag Society should do a professoinal development workshop on this!
  • bie.org and serviced based, project based learning models
    • We discuss in AEE 412 and AEE 313, but get your google on!
  • How do we work with other teachers? (music, art, etc)
    • You must clearly articulate what you are trying to accomplish. Have a plan!
  • What should we do for our POA?
    • What is best for your students and community
  • Are 100% of Ms. Joliff's students in FFA?
    • Don't know. Maybe she will see this and comment in the blog!
  • Who created National Teach Ag Day?
    • The National Association for Agricultural Educators (NAAE)
  • What is Stephanie's Husband's program like?
    • I will let her share!
  • Mind Blown
    • We like that :)

What did you learn?

  1. POA - Can link curriculum and bring a community together
  2. Learning more about how to let students "own" their program
  3. POA is not just a bunch of activities. We need to be challenged to connect student learning needs to our POA
  4. Small Programs can accomplish BIG things
  5. Students and administrators can see value if you take time to link your POA to the common core.
  6. How to empower students with POA
  7. Keeping statistics on attendance of events seems like a great way to gauge your chapter involvement.
  8. How great ag teachers can be!
  9. We cannot force POA onto anyone. Let kids take the driver's seat to fulfill a need they want is the key to a successful POA and chapter
  10. You can discuss POA and student development during a home visit in the summer!
  11. Reflection is critical for Chapter Success
  12. You must have life balance!

What do you want to learn more about?

  • Grant Writing
    • Perhaps this is something that Teach Ag Society can have  a Professional Development Session on?
  • Setting up Community Events for Student Teaching
    • Tell me more? It is  a good idea, your cooperating teacher can help guide, what do you want to know?
  • Putting a POA together that is 100% focused on students and their achievements
    • Sometimes you just have to role up your sleeves
  • I would like to know more about Ms. Joliff's POA..what does it look like? How is it structured?
    • Maybe she will see this and share!
  • How to fit your FFA Alumni into your POA?
    • You share your POA with your partners like Alumni to help you. You do not "fit" them into it.
  • I want to learn more about other successful programs across the nation!
    • Be sure to join the PSU Great Teacher Chats/Webinars!
  • How to delegate with my future HS students!
    • Takes practice
  • Online Meetings!
    • Technology is a powerful tool!
  • I want to look at the 21st century learning and common core standards to tie them to ag better!
  • Community Engagement.
    • We will keep discussing, but this is Ewing's AEE 413!
  • How does Ms. Joliff select her Chapter FFA Officers?
    • Maybe she will tell us!