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?