Agricultural educators perceptions of the standardization of agricultural education at the course level

Abstract

As standardization of curriculum has become a leading national strategy in the common core subjects, a question has arisen within the agricultural community. Should agricultural education start standardizing its own curriculum? This question has become pertinent because of funding concerns, long-term viability questions, questions of validity of programs, and the need for agricultural literacy in mainstream education. In this study, the researcher examined standardization within the national common core standards initiative. The researcher defined what the current Wisconsin agricultural education system was and what guidelines it abides by. The researcher outlined the importance of expanding agricultural literacy with the common core initiative. To provide reference on the standardization of agricultural education at the course level, the researcher presented the results of a survey completed by 112 Wisconsin agricultural educators. The main questions the researcher asked 1) Should agricultural education be standardized at the course level? 2) If it was your choice, would you rather have agricultural education trend towards vocational education rather than a standardized agricultural course curriculum or should we maintain the system currently in place? The results of the survey found that 55% agricultural educators surveyed did not want an agricultural curriculum standardized at the course level. The data suggests that 50% respondents wanted to maintain the current agricultural education system. Furthermore, it was determined that a vocational agricultural education curriculum was the least popular choice with only 17% in favor of the shift to vocational. In conclusion, this study states that agricultural education should not be standardized at the course level. The literature review and additional information provided by the surveyed suggested geographical curriculum as the main reason. One educator stated this "Wisconsin is very diverse in its agriculture and from north to south I believe that skills needed change depending on the location of where you are in the state. Who would determine in the state what is best for my students in my school system?(Appendix C)".