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?
• Here is a direct link that discusses that: https://www.ffa.org/FFAResources/Publications/MakingADifference/0810/Pages/Creative-and-Innovative-SAEs.aspx
• Is AET available in every state?
• Yes
• How do they grade AET as opposed to Excel Books?
• This is up to the discretion of the teacher, here is a link directly to TEACHER HELP on AET: http://learn.theaet.com/default.aspx?ID=7450. Neat stuff
• 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!
• Recruitment and Retention will be the topic of the day on December 3rd. But until then you could check this out: 
• A Guide from NFFA: https://www.ffa.org/Documents/learn/RIU_RetentionGuide.pdf
• Ag Ed Mag Issue on Branding: http://www.naae.org/links/agedmagazine/archive/Volume82/2009%2009-10%20--%20Sept%20Oct%202009.pdf
• 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!!
• Well, we have awesome speakers on November 5th, but make sure you are ready with the best questions by visiting: https://www.ffa.org/programs/awards/proficiency/Pages/default.aspx
• 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.