Showing posts with label Pennsylvania FFA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pennsylvania FFA. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Mr. Honeycutt and Mr. Bledsoe

 
 
Notes from the day:
  • What's the future?
  • What's some pressing issues:
    • Relevance: AFNR (career learning and exploration)
    • Developing programs of study
    • Certifications
    • Whatever we inspect is what we respect.
    • Engaging people
    • How do we tell our story?
    • How do we engage our partners more?
  • Standards:
    • AFNR standards are a good roadmap but look at your local needs!
  • Inclusion:
    • How do we build that?
    • Build that family relationship
    • It starts at the local level.
    • As a teacher, don't spread yourself so thin that you sacrifice inclusion.
    • How welcome, safe and connected will your students feel in your classroom?
  • Expose your students to great people, great experiences and books.
  • Invest in your students.
  • Grades: as a teacher determine how you will grade students fairly so every student can succeed.
  • Share with parents and administration!
  • How to maximize student teaching:
    • Diversify your experiences as much as possible.
    • Persevere! Motivation, set backs, lessons will all be challenging so learn from it all. 
 
Links:
  • Revised AFNR National Standards revised for 2015.
    • This link also has SEVERAL documents about the career clusters and standards.
    •  
  • Video chat with Mr. Honeycutt and Mr. Bledsoe
 
 
 


Friday, September 5, 2014

Session Four- What is an FFA Advisor?



Session 4 Ticket Out
                Today AEE 311 had the opportunity to hear the FFA Creed given by Bailey Hoyt from Central Colombia High School and talk to Mr. Doug Brown about his program. Everyone also had the opportunity to ask questions to both Mr. Doug Brown and Ms. Bailey Hoyt about their agricultural program and interests.

What are you curious about?

  •          I am curious about other opportunities in Ag Education other than teaching.

o   The opportunities with an Ag Education degree are endless! Here is a link to the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences webpage that gives examples of students who have graduated with an Agriculture and Extension Education degree and are working outside of the classroom: http://aese.psu.edu/majors/aee/careers .

  • ·         Being an agriculture teacher.

o   Explore the major through Penn State a little more and talk with Dr. Foster and Dr. Ewing. It is also beneficial to review some teacher blogs on their experiences or go and shadow an agricultural educator.

  • ·         Is any one strategy more important than the next strategy?

o   No, all the strategies are equally important.

  • ·         What are some ways to get students initially involved in an agricultural program?

o   Students need to “buy in” to what you are doing as a program. If students do not see that the agricultural program is accomplishing something and having fun while doing it, they will be less likely to join. Promote agricultural education throughout your school and show students how awesome your program is, that will draw their attention.

  • ·         How the role of the advisor comes out in the classroom.

o   Remember that the advisor and the teacher are one in the same for the classroom. It is important that as the advisor and teacher, students are still being engaged while learning.

  • ·         Agricultural teachers experiences with students and fellow teachers.

o   The best way to answer this question would be to go find and talk to agricultural teachers about their experiences.

  • ·         More information on Central Columbia School District. It sounds like a great school.

o   Here is the link to the Central Columbia School District webpage: http://www.centralcolumbia.k12.pa.us/domain/325

  • ·         Finding more ways to get involved with other organizations at my cooperating center.

o   Talk to your cooperating teacher and see what suggestions they may have for other involvement outside of the classroom.

  • ·         Career pathway schools

o   Career pathways work as follows for each grade level:
§  7th grade: students will investigate pathways that interest them
§  8th grade: students will conduct a one-day job shadow of that specific job
§  9th grade: students select 1.5 credits toward their chosen pathway, prior to 10th grade they are required to pick their top two pathways
§  10th grade: students must select courses that match their pathway
§  11th grade: students must select courses that match their pathway and must job shadow in their career interest
§  12th grade: complete courses for pathway and complete exit interview

  • ·         How does agricultural education work in the classroom setting?

o   Agricultural education works very well in the classroom setting because it allows teachers to give students hands on learning experiences while still being in the classroom setting.

  • ·         Are there other CDE events that are only for freshman or specific grade levels?

o   FFA Knowledge and Creed Speaking are the only two CDE events that are for a specific grade level. The rest of the CDE events are open to grade levels 9-12. FFA Knowledge is not a National FFA CDE yet.

  • ·         How to “save” an FFA program that is failing.

o   To save a program, student involvement and interest is crucial. Publicize all the outstanding things the FFA program is doing, incorporate new events to draw members, and work with local businesses to gain community support.

  • ·         How do you promote your program & chapter to non-traditional audiences?

o   Public outreach events would be a great promotion for any FFA program or chapter. Events like community service activities or booths at community outings would get your program and chapter recognized by all audiences.

  • ·         How Mr. Brown uses technology.

o   Technology is used in the classroom for research, instruction and development of knowledge. Mac books, iPads, smart boards, and interactive videos are all used.

  • ·         At Central Columbia, how do both the high school and middle school ag science programs work together? Can middle school students be part of FFA in Central Columbia?

o   Yes, both the high school and middle school programs work together to see what students in grades 5-8 need before coming to the high school. While some schools do allow middle school students to be part of their FFA Chapter, Central Columbia does not allow this. Middle school focuses on very simple and base knowledge that students can expand upon in high school .

  • ·         What are some projects that the 11 strategies encompass?

o   Some examples could be SAE projects, community service events, or mentoring programs. The best way to find projects are to come up with your own to encompass all the strategies and skills you want.

  • ·         The story about Dr. Foster’s competitiveness.

o   Meet with Dr. Foster to ask him yourself about this question.

  • ·         How many schools participate in the career path aspect of learning.

o   There is not a definite number of schools

What did we learn?

  • ·           I learned when you become a teacher to balance your home and school life.
  • ·         About Mr. Brown and Bailey
  • ·         Creed CDE- what it is, how it is given, and how to practice.
  • ·         The difference between ag teachers and FFA advisors.
  • ·         Some aspects that go into being an ag teacher and FFA advisor.
  • ·         FFA involvement with other organizations is beneficial.
  • ·         Different strategies to promote/create successful agricultural education programs.
What do you want to learn more about?
  • ·         Chapters that started from the ground up.
o   Bald Eagle FFA Chapter is a great example of a new program that was recently chartered by the PA FFA.
  • ·         FFA
o   We will be discussing FFA some in AEE 311, but for more information look into taking AEE 100. Also refer to the manuals that were given at the beginning of class and check out the National FFA website. FFA meetings are usually predetermined by the chapter prior to the start of the year.
  • ·         Other CDE Projects
o   There are 25 total CDE events offered at the National FFA Convention. Here is a link so you can see all the different events available: https://www.ffa.org/programs/awards/cde/Pages/default.aspx
  • ·         Leadership in Agricultural Extension
o   Stay tuned for more of this to be discussed in class!
  • ·         How are the advisors working to increase student motivation and participation.
o   See above response.
  • ·         Examples of the 11 strategies
o   See above response.
  • ·         How the Central Columbia School works with career pathway learning.
o   See above response on career pathway schools.
  • ·         Central Columbia exit interviews students go through.·          
o   Students go through an interview with a panel of six judges. Two of these judges are faculty at Central Columbia, four are community members. Each interview covers the student’s course of action with career plans and future goals.

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Session One - What is expected of us and what do we get to do!

Today's lesson went great, thanks for all the interaction and input on what can be accomplished from being a great leader. Throughout this semester we are going to learn about what it takes to run an organization to its full potential.

Ticket Out responses for Session 1:

  • What are we curious about?
    • Effective ways of advising/starting an FFA Chapter.
      • On Tuesday September 2nd, Doug Brown will be in to talk about advising a FFA chapter. 
      • Also on September 16, you will learn how to select and train quality chapter FFA officers.
    • How can we apply what we will learn in 311 to other organizations/groups?
      • Like Dr. Foster explained in class today, everything that we learn in AEE 311 can be used in any youth or adult organization. You will learn more about this as the semester continues. 
    • What is FFA all about?
      • Tuesday, September 9th, you will learn all about FFA and what it has to offer each of you. 
    • How can I develop my own skills as a youth leadership leader?
      • Through the semester and your time at Penn State you will have the chance to become part of a group. It is what you put into each activity that you do that will make you a better leader. 
    • My peers and their past experiences!
      • Keep coming to class and interacting!!!!
    • What are the fun projects and assignments that are required of us?
      • All assignments are outlined in detail in the assignment handbook. If questions are still arising then take the time on Thursday during the bellwork to write them down. Dr. Foster is going to answer all questions during class. Also, you have a TA assigned to each assignment to help if any questions should arise at a different time. 
    • Learning how to develop youth outside of such a structured organization like FFA.
      • Keep coming to class!
    • CDE's, SAE planing and the POA
      • These assisgnments are outlined in the assignment handbook. You may also contact your TA's or Dr. Foster. Also there is at least 2 class sections focused on each topic to give you a better understanding. 
    • How can experiential education happen in the classroom together, not only in SAE but in class as well?
      • This class will help but AEE 412 will be the focused methods course. 
    • How do you motivate students who do not care about their grades or class and/or students who are disruptive 
      • By showing that you are excited/devoted to the topic will help get students involved. Find what makes the students want to learn and go from there. Each class and group of students is different.
  • What did we learn today?
    • There is a great instructional team to help us throughout the semester
    • A way to integrate leadership skills into classes
    • Foster likes (should say loves) Technology!
    • Even know youth leadership is very important today, there are stills problems that need to be fixed
    • What to expect from the class and the pace in which topics will be discussed 
    • Many important factors of Leaderships 
    • A new resource to use in my future classroom (The TA challenge sheets)
    • Everyone has a different background !!!
    • That group projects encourage learning by being thrown into a different environment that leaves a positive impact on others
    • The same book is used for AEE 100 and AEE 413!!!!
  • What do you want to learn more about?
    • Different ways to go about completing assignments 
      • Each assignment is going to be explained during the class section that has to do with that assignment. The great thing for your class is you have TA's helping that have done these assignments so we will be able to give you insight when you come to us with questions. Just one word of advise, stay on top of getting your work done. 
    • FFA and other organizations that I can do to gain experience/knowledge outside of this class 
      • One great thing about being a Penn State students is you have the opportunity to become a part of many groups/clubs. Attending meetings and see how they are ran. 
      • CFFA and Teach AG are two great clubs that AEE/College of Ag Science has to offer. More details about these clubs will be announced in class. 
    • What materials do I need to bring to class each day?
      • Bring a pencil, notepaper and your book to class every day. If technology is needed we will let you know the class before hand. 
    • Learn more about being a successful leader.
      • Well, you are signed up for a great class then. We will discuss everything leadership and how to become better leaders. Keep coming to class!!
    • How can I utilize my strengths more effectively in being a leader?
      • This comes with practice. When in a group, be heard. Do not be afraid to try new things. See what works for the group. 
    • How to obtain resources that I could use in my classroom.
      • Dr. Foster will always being using different resources throughout the semester. He will let you know where you can order them from. 
    • CDE planing 
      • The following class session is devoted to talking about CDE's and how to plan/couch students: October 14th. You will also explore ways of planning CDE's when working on your assignment. 
    • Getting students interested in SAE's
      • The following class sessions are devoted to talking about SAE's: October 16, October 21, and October 23
    • Are SAE's all online now?
      • Yes and no. Most schools are changing to The AET which is online. However, there are still a few schools that still use the excel sheets. 
For next class session:
  1. Make sure you review the syllabus and assignment handbook and come with specific questions. This will be your bellwork/Do Now for the day. 
  2. Read the Adolescent Theories that you picked up on your way out the door today. 
  3. Bring a digital devise (ipad, laptop) with wireless capability to explore The AET.

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Follow up to Session 3: What is the Pennsylvania FFA?

Thank you very much for a great class session!  Here is a link to the blog post following up on your Ticket out:

Course materials have been posted to Angel (https://cms.psu.edu)

Mr. Brammer, Chris Toevs, and Austin Shay have been cc’d on this email if you would like to add them to your contact information. The website for Pennsylvania FFA is: http://www.paffa.state.pa.us/

For Next Time:
·         Bring Reading provided from Session 2 (expectations, adolescent factors (pink)
·         Add 1 resource to each of the 10 essential elements posted in Angel under Weekly Web Wonder 1 ReDo: https://cms.psu.edu/section/default.asp?id=201314FAUP___RAEE__311_001

Other News:
Renee has informed me that in the time it took for us to complete our democratic process, someone else nabbed Ferguson 202. We will continue to meet in Ag Engineering 114 on Tuesdays and Ferguson 005 on Thursdays.

Suggestion:
Due to our use of AET in AEE 311, I strongly suggest you try to attend the following event from the Tuesday Teach Ag Email BlastThursday, September 5th-3:30 to 4:30 EDT - New Webinar Program called Thursday Teach Ag! Technical Updates. Join this webinar on Thursday by clicking https://meeting.psu.edu/teachag/. The speakers are Mr. John Hines from West Perry and Mr. Neil Fellenbaum from Penn Manor. Their topic is: Using the Ag Experience Tracker (AET). Contact: Dr. Foster (foster@psu.edu)

To address the Ticket Outs from Session 3:

What are we curious about?
  • How to get chapter officers to "want" to do a POA?
    • I think structure goes a long way, hopefully the 7th class session on September 17th and the 9th & 10th class sessions the week of September 24th will help. Be sure to ask that question of our guest speakers.
  • What will I record in AET? How does AET work?
    • It can really be anything! Maybe start with "hours studying!" We just want you to play with the program 
  • ACES and SLLC
    • Both are Statewide FFA Conferences in the Spring. Student teachers are provided funding to attend one with their chapter. Other opportunities exist to help with Penn State Teach Ag!
  • For the web wonder where we are making Trivia Questions, do you want a formal APA citation or just the site/book and page number?
    • The site/book and page number will suffice
  • I am curious to why some schools with Ag Ed Programs still do not have FFA. What are their reasons?
    • They probably would site many, I would indicate a mis-communication or lack of understanding of how to use the powerful student development tool of a Career & Technical Student Organization (CTSO)
  • For Small FFA Chapter like mine back home, how else can they get money to support their program?
    • To know how else, we would need to know what they are doing currently. Creative ways abound! What we find is, when a school values something, they find a way. Examples can be:
  • FFA Chapter Meetings
  • How do you get students involved in FFA?
    • A well structured POA that shows opportunity for involvement can go a long way! We will also discuss recruitment and retention in our 27th session on December 3rd
  • Creating FFA Chapters in places that do no think they need them
    • The key is to avoid acronyms and jargon when sharing about opportunities. Talk in a language that appeals to the audience.
  • What time would we leave for the Trip to the BIG E in Springfield Mass?
    • I believe 5:00am on Friday, Sept 13 and return Sunday Evening
  • Is the AET program the one we are supposed to record something in every week about anything we choose?
    • Yes
  • I am wondering why we had such a "crappy" FFA chapter at my high school.
    • So much really depends on the FFA Advisor/Ag Teacher framing the opportunities and reaching students.
  • I am curious about which of the 10 components of a successful FFA Chapter is usually the weakest.
    • Suppose it just depends on the situation!
  • How does an Ag Program lose their Charter?
    • They do not pay dues, do not offer ag education classes or do not have an ag teacher.
  • Is it common for Ag Programs to now allow for College Placement/Advanced Placement students to be involved?
    • No. Some programs offer AP courses. Many programs have a great deal of students in this description.
  • How could a school with an Ag Program Charter an FFA Chapter?
What did you learn?
  • 10 Essential Elements of an FFA Chapter, including:
    1. Constitution and Bylaws
    2. Diversity of Membership
    3. Program of Activities
    4. Capable Officers
    5. FFA Knowledge
    6. Adequate Financing
    7. School & Community Support
    8. Sharing Responsibilities
    9. Proper Equipment & Records
    10. Regularly Held, planned Chapter Meetings
  • How much Ag Ed does Youth Development!
  • The bonuses w/ affiliate FFA Membership/About FFA Affiliate Membership
  • There are a lot of great ideas that arise from this class that I hope to put all together to one day create a dynamic program. 
  • 100% FFA Membership in Ag Ed Classrooms!
    • Remember, as an advisor you can create two levels of membership. General Membership and Active Membership with different rights for each.
  • SLLC is unique to PA!
  • You need to break the POA into three divisions (Student, Chapter, Community) and you have committees in each of those divisions to accomplish things!
  • I learned that as much as I would like to think a community will be able to make a successful program, in the end, it is the advisor that can make or break the situation.
What do you want to learn more about?
  • AET!!
  • Steps to become a State FFA Officer
  • What does it mean to have capable officers? In your opinion.
    • In my opinion that means three things:
      • Officers who know what their job is.
      • Officers who have been provided the training to do their job.
      • Officers who have the motivation to do their job right.
  • I want to learn more about how Ag Teachers balance the FFA with their everyday classes
    • Don't forget integrated. Often times, FFA becomes a part of your curriculum and lesson. 
    • You do not have to do it all..remember, a buffet
    • You develop student leaders who take ownership
    • You utilize community members and booster clubs
  • POA's! (Program of Activities), I have never had the experience of using a POA!
    • No worries, the 9th class session on September 24th and the 10th class session on September 26th will go a long ways to helping you!
  • Opportunities to be involved with activities and conferences of the FFA
    • Keep your eye on that Tuesday Teach Ag Email Blast!
  • The FFA Affliliate Membership Program
  • The FFA Advisor's role
    • The next class session will help!
  • I would like to learn more about lesson plans and how to develop them!
    • You will pick up some very basics in AEE 100 and go in depth in AEE 412!
  • What are the "descriptions" of the officers positions? Do their jobs vary from chapter to chapter?
  • I need to read more and learn more about the FFA
    • Well, the student handbook and official manual you were provided will go a long way in helping with this!!
  • Moodle Modules: Will we go over what is on the assignments or is it all self-paced online learning?
    • It is all self-paced online learning. Go Get em!
  • I want to learn more about starting up a new FFA Chapter.
  • What needs to be in a meeting agenda to make it a success?
  • AET: I signed in as a student and I wanted to do mine on research, but a lot of the tabs were about expenses. How do I gear it about research that does not involve $$?