SAE Student Success Story #22 - Indiana

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 – Indiana

A student of mine from a very low-income family started by enjoying houseplants his family was given.  He continued working with plants and began his SAE by mowing lawns and tilling gardens for others in the community as well as starting his own garden for his family.  By his junior year, he was hired by the local garden center and worked there utilizing and expanding on his plant science knowledge. This student averaged Cs in school and despised English class, but was motivated to win his proficiency area.  With his creativity and knowledge (and a little encouragement and about 10 revisions of his award app!) he completed his proficiency award application and placed first at the district and state level.  He was so proud, as was his FFA advisors and school administrators.  While college remained out of his financial capability, he went on to work in the Horticulture Department at the Toledo Zoo.

Submitting Teacher: Ms. Mariah Roberts

Four (13-16) of Sixteen SAE Best Practices (The Council, 2012)

13.  Program is supervised year-round

·         A year-round program requires 12-month employment of the teacher

·         The teacher, parents, administrators, employers, alumni and mentors can be involved in supervising experience programs

14.  Parents are informed and supportive of student involvement

·         Parents must be engaged, involved, informed

15.  Students invest time, energy and/or money

·         Students need to take ownership of experience

·         Students should invest in their learning

16.  Student programs are recognized

·         Recognition system necessary

·         Recognition should match purpose of SAE; currently awards drive program

In the month of November, You have read 22 different student SAE success stories from 10 states over the month of November. It is on a small sliver of the thousands of student lives impacted every year from well supervised programs. You have been reminded of 16 Theorems on SAE by Dr. Moore and reviewed 16 best practices of SAE by the Council.

You can do this. I look forward to sharing your “Student SAE Success Stories” in future years.