Issues

Changes in Iowa Perceptions About Agricultural

Education Opportunities Challenges

Source: Iowa Department of Education, Bureau of Planning, Research and Evaluation, Basic Educational Data Survey (BEDS), Free and Reduced Price Meal Eligibility Files.

Iowa Demographics

Iowa Demographics

Iowa Demographics

Iowa Demographics

Common Misconceptions About Iowa’s Agricultural Education

Programs

1. Ag Ed Programs are Disappearing

2. Ag Ed Programs Do Not Provide Rigor (Not for College-Bound Students)

Total FFA Chapters

Source: Iowa FFA Association

Chapters

050

100150200250300350

Cha

pter

s

Source: Iowa FFA Association

High School Ag Ed Enrollment

High School Ag Ed Enrollment

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

Stu

dent

s

FFA Membership

Source: Iowa FFA Association

FFA

02000400060008000

10000120001400016000

Me

mb

ers

FFA

Opportunities College of Agriculture at Iowa State

University has a combined placement rate of 98.5% (highest in the university)

Job opportunities in agriculture are abundant

Experiential learning adds relevance to classroom learning.

Relevance

Agricultural Education does provide rigor.

Science is a key component of agricultural education.

Rigor

Rigor In FY05, FFA

members exhibited more growth in science than the average of all Iowa 11th grade students.

More likely to graduate from high school

More likely to pursue postsecondary education.

More likely to score proficient in Math, Reading and Science

Interesting Facts About Iowa FFA Members

Challenges Facing Agricultural Education in

Iowa 30 % Female Low Minority Participation Lack of Respect Only 2/3 of High Schools Offer Ag Ed Increasing Demand for

Postsecondary Education Agribusinesses and industries are

seeking a more diverse workforce.

Your Challenge:

How should we adapt high school agricultural education

programs to meet the needs of a changing student population,

and the needs of the agriculture industry?