Session Two: What are professional expectations?

After a great second session, we left class today equipped with the challenge of pushing ourselves and our students to ask the question "why?" and remain conscious of the status quo. Additionally, we identified reasons that we join organizations, mapped out the remainder of the course, and last but not least started our journey with AET! Let's challenge ourselves to use AET to it's fullest potential, feel free to contact any of us for fun ideas!

Ticket Out Responses Session 2:

• What are we curious about?
• Managing multiple project books in AET
• Under "journal" at the top of the page after logging in,  click "develop your AET experiences" and then "add new." Once your experience is added, you can continue to enter more projects this way.
• How to use the POA to recruit and retain students
• When developing your POA implementation plan, one way to use it as a recruitment tool is to develop your standing committees in a way that is fun and inciting! For example, my implementation plan had very goofy name for each committee. Hold onto this question for our two sessions on POA. If you would like to take a look at my project, let me know!
• If we develop that competition and championship attitude, how can we also cultivate an "other focused mentality"
• Holy cow, this is a good question. I am hoping that Dr. Foster adds this thoughts to this one in the comments, but I would be happy to offer my personal feelings. If you are creating that "championship" mindset, why can't that include being champions of giving back? 
• Why is adolescence viewed negatively?
• Another excellent questions! I definitely don't have the answer, but here are some pretty cool links I found (including some more positive thoughts). Check them out!
• http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/surviving-your-childs-adolescence/201203/early-adolescence-and-the-negative-mindset
• http://soulpancake.com/conversations/view/94714/what-can-adolescence-give-to-the-world-and-what-has-it-given-to-your-life.html
• http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2004/04/14/31good.h23.html
• http://www.instructables.com/answers/Why-do-teenagers-get-such-a-negative-stereotypical/
• How do you keep everyone involved in an organization?
• We have a session dedicated to this in Decemeber!
• Exploring the AET Website and my SAE journal
• Make sure you check out the list provided in your assignment handbook to get a feeling of where to start!
• AET Chapter website
• This is available more so on the advisor features. Personally, I am hoping to get a feel for this as well. I should be people to add students for access to play around with the website. Any students who are interested, please contact me.
•  Percentage of schools that use AET for record keeping.
• I do not know if this number exists, but I can tell you that all states that have affiliation membership for ag education (meaning ALL ag ed students are also FFA members) have access to AET, including Pennsylvania. 

• What did we learn?
• There is a lot more to AET than recordbooks!
• Info about AET
• I learned why students want to join an organization
• Academically you are considered an adolescent between 11-21 years old
• How to use AET more efficiently
• AET is awesome

• What do we want to learn more about?
• FFA
• While we will be discussing this in 311, I think that AEE 100 might offer a lot more of what you are looking for. Check that out if you aren't already in the class!
• Teacher/FFA website
• See my response above. Once I play around with it, I should be able to start adding students who are interested in contributing
• Recruitment tools for organizations
• We have a session on this in December! But keep this in mind while planning out the four projects. What pieces can you add that make students want to be a part of it?
• Using the AET calendar for class due dates
• I can definitely add these in! :)

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.

Welcome! AEE 311 - Youth Organizations!

This will be a great semester in a super fun class!

Be sure to refer to the email I sent earlier for specifics on the class and let's engage on Twitter at #AEE311!

...and now a word from our Kid President :)

Session 29 - What are Public Relation Programs and Banquets? December 10th

Responses to Tickets Out

What are you curious about?

• If you are a new teacher, how big should your banquet be?
• As big as needed. I recommend fitting the program, community and students needs. Does your banquet adequately showcase your program and students success to the right stakeholders?
• Are there rules/stipulations about giving money away to students?
• There were not in my school district, but you would have check at the local level.
• What was your favorite piece of information learned at NAAE?
• I had a great workshop on global competency connection to workforce readiness! But the best part is seeing ag teacher friends from across the nation.
• Would you allow students to buy their own awards?
• No, I would allow them to shop and pick, but I would probably buy.
• How do you make a Banquet Free of Charge to Members?
• Aggressive Fundraising/Sponsorship
• What does Willcox FFA Facebook look like?
• Facebook was not around for everyone before 2006. 

What did you learn?

1. Many Tips for Banquet!
2. How to hold a successful banquet.
3. The importance of the Banquet!!
4. Have good food and keep your banquet under 2 hours!
5. Engage Partners and Businesses in your Banquet
6. You can recognize students at their seats for large groups
7. Display student awards and achievements
8. Invite post-secondary schools and vendors to come and have a display
9. Plan and Think Big
10. Public Relations are purposeful and good willed relationships between the public and the organization.
11. Advisor does not have to do it all! Advisor should NOT do it all. Student planned for student learning.

What do you want to learn more about?

• Sponsors? How do you contact how do you write letters?
• See the examples from Willcox I posted in ANGEL under Week 14/15.
• How do you get students excited about planning banquet?
• The same way you get them excited about anything else! You make it a big deal and they will follow along.

Session 28 - FFA Alumni

What are you curious about?
Who chooses your advisory board?

• Nominations and elections are conducted by those that currently serve on the board. The agricultural education teachers need to understand their curriculum and community resource individuals to a level where they are able to make informed recommendations.

Starting an FFA Alumni Chapter.

• Check out the process/requirements at https://www.ffa.org/alumni/Pages/Start-an-Affiliate.aspx

The "Connie Baggett story"

• Again, I am hopeful that someone will take the lead to invite him to a special organizational meeting/function so that he can share his story and we can capture it electronically to share in the future!

How can we sign up now/How much?

• First, find out if you home chapter has an Alumni Affiliate. If not, or if you did not come through a high school program, then I would encourage you to contact Krista Pontius at kpontius@greenwoodsd.org to find out how to become a state/national member!

How do you keep the alumni members active/interested, once you start an affiliate chapter?

• Give them jobs to do. Find out what interests them the most and then share where/how you need help in that area. You will be amazed at how willing people are to help, if they know how to help.

What did you learn?

The differences/similarities in Alumni and Advisory Boards!

The purpose/role of an FFA Alumni.

What an Ag. Advisory Board is.

I am finally beginning to understand these two groups!

That anyone can be an Alumni Member.

What do you want to learn more about?

Example of an Advisory Board constitution/bylaws.

• Check out http://www.forestlakeffa.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=Xju3HmmN8Ps%3D&tabid=9936&mid=15269

Does every advisor/chapter have an advisory board?

• They should, and if they want to be state approved, they need one.

How can you turn around a "bad" advisory board?

• This begins by selecting people that are willing to work with the teacher and the administration to build the program. The teacher needs to help guide the nominations so that appropriate individuals are on the board.

Tips for recruitment of Alumni members.

• Check out the great resources at https://www.ffa.org/alumni/resources/Pages/Promotional-Resources.aspx

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.

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!