SAE Student Success Story #21 - Pennsylvania

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.

Story #21 – Pennsylvania

We had a student who lived on a small farm with horses, but had absolutely no interest in horses being his SAE project.  We directed him towards Agriscience (which is out go-to around here).  The next thing that we knew, he was at Penn State working with a professor in the Meats Lab working on a meat tenderizing experiment.  He went onto to win Best of Show at the Farm Show that year.  He participated in the National Agriscience Fair 3 times, was named the State Star in Agriscience last year and now is at the University of Maine majoring in Wildlife Veterinary Sciences. 

Submitting Teacher: Ms. Krista Pontius

Four (9-12) of Sixteen SAE Best Practices (The Council, 2012)

9.      Programs differ between students studying in agriculture and those studying about agriculture

·         Career exploration for students studying about agriculture

·         Experience and instruction in agriculture for those studying in agriculture

10.  Instructor prepared for and supportive of experience programs

·         Teachers define SAE that is appropriate for school and community

·         Teachers must be adequately prepared to teach the SAE component of the agriscience program

11.  Approved by school administration

·         SAE programs must be ethical/legal/within school policy

·         Administration should be involved in local decisions regarding SAE policies

12.  Supported by program advisory committee

·         Industry board/feedback should help guide standards

·         Local business/industry should be involved in local decisions regarding SAE

You are a developing positive agent of change who will one day help students explore and grow into their unlimited potential through agricultural education!