WHO WE ARE C ATI O N?

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2 WHO WE ARE Agricultural Education is a school-based program that prepares youth for careers in agriculture. The program has been employing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) initiatives and 21st century teaching and learning principles for nearly 100 years. WHO WE ARE WISCONSIN AGRICULTURE CL A S SE S S A E The program has stood the test of time in developing student content knowledge, communication skills, business acumen, collaborative spirit, global awareness and more. This happens through an innovative local, state and national support system that nurtures the maturation of students multi-dimensional abilities required of them in the 21st century. Agriculture is a broad-spectrum industry with a diversity of career and job opportunities across the food, fiber and natural resources systems. Only a small percentage of people working in the agricultural industry are involved in production agriculture. The remaining careers impact agriculture through agribusiness, science, communications, government, education, processing, distribution, marketing, sales and other occupations that serve the farmer or the total agricultural industry.

3 Economically, 354,000 jobs, or 10% of the workforce, are in the agriculture industry. Additionally, every job in agriculture supports 0.89 jobs elsewhere in the Wisconsin economy.** About 9% of Wisconsin s total income, or 20.2 billion dollars, comes from agriculture. For every $1 of agricultural income an additional $1.24 is generated elsewhere in the Wisconsin economy. WHO WE ARE WISCONSIN AGRICULTURE The stewardship of our natural resources, the welfare of our animals, and the quality, affordability and availability of the foods we consume are topics that used to be confined to conversations at the rural feed mill. Now they are daily occurrences in mainstream media and within conversations among all demographics of individuals across Wisconsin. Agricultural Education continues to equip students with all aspects of these issues as they relate to social, environmental and economic sustainability. These students are also challenged to take initiative and approach matters with creative solutions. WISCONSIN AGRICULTURE CL A S SE S S A E Wisconsin s diverse agriculture industry weaves throughout the fabric of our communities, both culturally and economically. Passing knowledge and customs to our youth empowers them to continue the excellence and forward direction of these systems. It is a pivotal time for agriculture. Wisconsin agriculture also supports many public services through the tax revenues supplied. The total revenue provided is about $2.5 billion, most in the form of property and sales taxes. This analysis does not include property taxes collected by the K-12 public school system, which represents more than half of all property taxes collected in some parts of the state. Agriculture is a significant segment of the U.S. economy it is responsible for 16.3% of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP).*** The rate of increase in agricultural productivity is lagging the world s growing needs by 25 percent annually.* Business, governmental agencies, educational institutions and other groups are collaborating to prevent this threatening crisis. We need to do more with less and we must start implementing measures and policies that increase productivity today, said Bill Lesher, executive director of Global Harvest Initiative. A ramp-up of this order is achievable, as the public and private sectors demonstrated during the Green Revolution, said Lesher. Now we must provide public and private support for an Evergreen Revolution that is twice as long as, and even more productive than, the last without drawing on additional natural resources and other inputs. We must continue to cultivate our human talent who will lead this great feat from all aspects of the industry. * PR% pdf - Global Harvest Initiative s 2010 GAP Report **Data taken from UW-Extension Economic Impact Report Impacts_2007_FINAL_7%2031%2009.pdf

4 WHO WE ARE CLASSES Class instruction is effectively delivered by certified agriculture teachers who are dedicated to staying up-to-date on the rapidly evolving, global agriculture industry in order to present the most cutting-edge information to students. Many courses are cross-walked with core CL A S SE S S A E subject matter, and Assembly Bill 236 was passed in spring 2009 which allows for approved agriculture courses to earn science credits. CLASS IS AN INTEGRAL COMPONENT The class component builds student knowledge of agriculture, food, fiber and natural resources systems and techniques, current technologies and advancements, and issues related to environmental, economic and social sustainability. It also integrates and SAE concepts and principles into daily instruction. Without the or SAE components, the class instruction would be ineffective in preparing well-rounded, college- and career-ready students. Likewise, without the class instruction there would be no content knowledge basis upon which and SAE components are built. Core Subjects More than 120 agriculture courses in more than 50 Wisconsin schools have been approved for science credits. Global Literacy Financial Literacy Environmental Literacy CLASSES Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Information, Media and Technology Skills SAE

5 WHO WE ARE is a national organization of over 523,000 members. It is the most well-known component of Agricultural Education because of its high-visibility contests, awards, conferences, programs and of course...the blue corduroy jacket! S A E IS AN INTEGRAL COMPONENT The offers opportunities to develop life and career skills as well as incentive programs that encourage student excellence in the class and SAE components. Without the class and SAE components, there would be no knowledge and skill basis for which the could offer competitions or award programs. Likewise, without the, the life and career skill attainment would be moderate. Premier Leadership, Personal Growth, Career Success. Communication Collaboration Character Education Civic Literacy CLASSES Health Literacy Local, State and National Incentive Programs SAE

6 WHO WE ARE SAE The SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experience) component is exclusive to the agriculture discipline and is arguably the linchpin of the Agricultural Education program. It engages students in an experiential learning project that can be entrepreneurial, research-based or employment-based. S A E SAE IS AN INTEGRAL COMPONENT SAE s offer hands-on opportunities for students to refine their employability skills and tackle real-world situations. It also challenge students to apply what they learn in class and activities in order to solidify knowledge and skills. Without the class and components, there would be no opportunity for students to grow their base knowledge or compete for recognition of their SAE program. Likewise, without the SAE component, the knowledge and skills attained would not be as rich or as deeply engrained. Students collectively earn more than $4 billion annually through their hands-on work experience. Creativity and Innovation Flexibility and Adaptability Initiative and Self-Direction CLASSES Social and Cross-Cultural Skills Productivity and Accountability Leadership and Responsibility SAE

7 FOR STUDENT SUCCESS Today s students regardless of previous achievement level, personal backgrounds or learning styles thrive in the environment and culture that Agricultural Education creates. Academic Success The relevance of agricultural content to students everyday surroundings creates an opportunity to teach and reinforce the 3 R s at rigorous levels that is difficult to match by standard instruction. Agricultural Education is a key component of the Wisconsin education system and enhances the social, economic and environmental well-being of the state. Agricultural Education utilizes three program components that work in harmony to attain whole-student development of 21st century skills and Life and Career Skills achieve college and career readiness. Workshops, competitive events and learn-by-doing experiences within the and SAE components promote mastery of many life and career skills. Innovative Instructional Delivery Agriculture teachers employ a variety of standard, project-based and inquiry-based instructional methods that offer differentiatedmodels of learning to appeal to individual student needs. Real-World Experience and Application CLASSES = Technical Knowledge = Life and Career Skills SAE = Hands on Application Students interact with real businesses and agencies to reach higher levels of understanding and influence real topics and issues in agriculture. Learning Beyond the School Building = The three integral components of Agricultural Education encourage students to learn from their surroundings and apply the class lessons learned to their everyday life, effectively becoming lifelong learners. Career Path Students discover personal talents and interests, identify a corresponding career path, individualize their Agricultural Education participation and work toward one of many successful careers in the agriculture industry. COLLEGE AND CAREER-READY INDIVIDUAL Student-to-Student Mentors The competitive and collaborative spirit of the program encourages upperclassmen to guide and mentor underclassmen to set personal goals and participate in various activities. Student-Adult Mentorship The environment and culture of Agricultural Education lends itself to strong bonds of trust, respect and mentorship between students and agriculture teachers as well as with other community volunteers. Collaborative Support Structure Each Agricultural Education student is supported by a team of agriculture teachers, business members, community supporters, administrators, donors, higher education representatives and governmental leaders at the local state and national levels who unite to better their student experience. A healthy balance of all three pieces of this program is necessary to foster well-rounded students who possess valuable 21st century skills. While the emphasis of Agricultural Education is the agriculture industry and its very broad spectrum of careers, we know that many of our graduates are successful in careers beyond the agriculture industry and would attribute their accomplishments back to Agriculture Education.

8 FOR STUDENT SUCCESS Today s students regardless of previous achievement level, personal backgrounds or learning styles thrive in the environment and culture that Agricultural Education creates. Academic Success The relevance of agricultural content to students everyday surroundings creates an opportunity to teach and reinforce the 3 R s at rigorous levels that is difficult to match by standard instruction. Life and Career Skills Workshops, competitive events and learn-by-doing experiences within the and SAE components promote mastery of many life and career skills. Innovative Instructional Delivery Agriculture teachers employ a variety of standard, project-based and inquiry-based instructional methods that offer differentiatedmodels of learning to appeal to individual student needs. Real-World Experience and Application Students interact with real businesses and agencies to reach higher levels of understanding and influence real topics and issues in agriculture. Learning Beyond the School Building The three integral components of Agricultural Education encourage students to learn from their surroundings and apply the class lessons learned to their everyday life, effectively becoming lifelong learners. FOR SUPERIOR SCHOOL ENVIRONMENTS Agricultural Education enhances traditional school environments by its spirit and culture of collaboration, unity and student achievement. Many student programs and projects directly impact the well-being of the greater school district. Partners in Active Learning Support (PALS) forests, greenhouses, and maintaining the is a mentoring program that matches Agricultural landscape shrubs, bushes, and trees on Education students with elementary and/or school grounds. middle school students. The students serve as role models to help their mentees learn to Ag Literacy Programs Many local programs set goals, build positive self-esteem and learn are involved in conducting agriculture literacy about the science and business of agriculture. programs to elementary and/or middle school Along the way, both the mentors and mentees audiences. These present multiple learning learn the value of helping others. opportunities for all involved. The younger students learn important information about food and the Green projects are a new trend in Agricultural environment that will help them make healthy Education programs. There are new and creative consumer choices. They also see positive role things happening across the state that are models in the older students. Older students are aimed at connecting youth to their food and engaged in a project that challenges them to environment and encouraging innovative research information and present it to an audience. approaches to current issues. These include They also take pride and responsibility in helping school gardens, recycling programs, school the youth of their school. FOR AGRICULTURAL SUSTAINABILITY The agriculture industry is a rewarding field of work and continues to demand more talented people to fill positions at all parts of the broad spectrum of careers. USDA estimates a growth of 5 percent of jobs in agriculture, food and natural resources from 2010 to Although employers strongly prefer graduates from colleges of agriculture and natural resources, there will only be enough graduates in these areas to fill 53 percent of the positions. About 44 percent will be filled with graduates from related disciplines including biological sciences, engineering, health sciences, business, and communication. There will still be a gap of 1.7 percent or 900 positions without qualified graduates. Shortfalls are predicted of qualified graduates to work as plant geneticists and plant breeders, climate change analysts, and food safety and security specialists. TOP SEVEN FIELDS WITH LARGEST PERCENTAGE OF GROWTH: 1. Biochemists and Biophysicists Veterinarians Environmental Engineers Market Research Analysts Environmental Scientists and Specialists (including Health) Public Relations Specialists Management Analysts 23.9 Career Path Students discover personal talents and interests, identify a corresponding career path, individualize their Agricultural Education participation and work toward one of many successful careers in the agriculture industry. Student-to-Student Mentors The competitive and collaborative spirit of the program encourages upperclassmen to guide and mentor underclassmen to set personal goals and participate in various activities. Student-Adult Mentorship The environment and culture of Agricultural Education lends itself to strong bonds of trust, respect and mentorship between students and agriculture teachers as well as with other community volunteers. Collaborative Support Structure Each Agricultural Education student is supported by a team of agriculture teachers, business members, community supporters, administrators, donors, higher education representatives and governmental leaders at the local state and national levels who unite to better their student experience. FOR STRONGER COMMUNITIES Agricultural Education enhances traditional school environments by its spirit and culture of collaboration, unity and student achievement. Many student programs and projects directly impact the well-being of the greater school district: There are many ways that Agricultural Education impacts local communities: Assisting the local food pantries Returning home-grown knowledge and Community supported agriculture (CSAs) talent to build the local community and facilitated by Agricultural Education programs economy through their professions and Agriculture literacy programs community leadership positions Community beautification projects Students receiving state and national honors Highway clean-up projects and awards build community pride and unity We need talented, knowledgeable people to maintain our safe and affordable food source.

9 education. The career pathways connect education to workforce/ economic development with a focus on high skill, high demand, and high wage careers. They also ensure a seamless transition for students from high school to college. Career Clusters and Pathways are groupings and sub-groupings of occupations or career specialties with similar knowledge and skill sets used as an organizing tool for curriculum design and instruction. A program of study is a sequence of instruction along a particular pathway consisting of coursework, co-curricular activities, work-site learning, service learning and other learning experiences. This sequence of instruction provides preparation for a career. Of all programs of study at local schools across the state Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (AFNR) has the most completed through Wisconsin Agricultural Education. In fact, at the time of this publication there were 60 percent more programs of study completed for the AFNR cluster (164 total) than the next in line, the Finance cluster with 100 completed. Wisconsin Career Pathways are an interagency initiative modeled after 16 national career clusters developed by the States Career Clusters Initiative (SCCI). Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources is not only a career cluster, it is an industry that employs people from all career clusters. AGENCIES INVOLVED: Wisconsin Technical College System Wisconsin Technical Colleges University of Wisconsin System Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities Department of Public Instruction Department of Workforce Development Wisconsin s WORKnet Wisconsin s Cooperative Educational Service Agencies TESTIMONIALS development in our state by providing a framework for seamless OUR NET WORK Wisconsin Career Pathways are the core of workforce and economic AFNR C AREER PATHWAY WHO WE ARE

10 WHO WE ARE A unique feature of Agricultural Education is that each student is supported by a strong network of staff, volunteers, donors, industry partners and other allies at the local, state and national levels. The link that fastens the student to this network is the local certified agriculture teacher. One benefit of this structure and network is that each local teacher uses this support system on a daily basis for the betterment of their students. The network allows teachers to stay up-to-date on current industry issues, trends and techniques, gain ideas and resources to enhance the total program, solicit feedback on teaching or advising questions, connect students to outside resources and mentors and use volunteer and donor support to facilitate various aspects of the programming. The benefit to students is that through their relationship with their teacher they receive top-notch, cutting-edge instruction, access to many different adult and peer mentors and advisors, state and national programming resources, global awareness and connectedness through interactions with peers from other parts of the state, country and beyond and much, much more.

11 TESTIMONIALS We need bright, innovative youth... In agriculture, we are part of creating and developing the most powerful weapon known to mankind food. Historically, systems within education have viewed agriculture as the farmer. This is the foundation, but there are opportunities in agribusiness in every interest area. It is clear that agriculture will be significantly short of undergraduate students to employ in less than five years. Ag business is in a global competitive environment. We need to have the bright, innovative youth visualizing American agriculture as a field that excites and motivates them. Agricultural Education is essential to present the vision and create the interest among these youth. Doug Wilson, CEO Cooperative Resources International Shawano, Wisconsin A strong connection between education and the community. All three of our children were involved in all three components of the Agricultural Education program. Two were chapter officers, one won the State Discussion Meet, and one is turning their SAE into a career. It has been a great experience to see them grow and develop in so many ways. Our local agriculture teacher continually offers courses and programs that meet the needs of the diverse student population and employers. We have a number of local businesses that are owned, operated or employ staff that had a strong background in our local Agricultural Education department. It is a strong connection between education and the community. Darlene Arneson Alumni member and parent of Agricultural Education students Stoughton, Wisconsin Prepared corporate career, developed family and community values What I really appreciate about my high school Agricultural Education experience is that it tied agricultural curriculum with an SAE plus provided leadership and community opportunities. All of these experiences helped prepare me for my corporate career as well as strengthened my family and community values. Over my 25-year career with the nation s largest food company, I ve held numerous positions - research, quality assurance, training, operations and various headquarter roles. As our world rapidly approaches 7 billion in population, it is even more clear the important role that Agricultural Education, production agriculture and agricultural sciences will play in meeting the needs of future global consumers. Kevin Bacon, Senior Director Global Operations Kraft Foods Madison, Wisconsin Life-changing passion... Participating in classes and programs that relate to topics I am very passionate about has been an amazing experience. Not only did it help me find my future career path in animal science but it also helped me explore the many aspects of agriculture. Agriculture is such a diverse industry and is a huge part of the economy and each person s daily life. Students need to learn and realize how much agriculture affects. Not only has Agricultural Education changed my life and helped me find my true passion, it has also helped me make connections with the people I meet and work with everyday, in school and beyond. Emily Watson, Student Elkhorn Agricultural Education Elkhorn, Wisconsin So many students from diverse backgrounds. In difficult or challenging economic times, it is easy to lose sight of the long term goal and fix the immediate problem. Funding continues to be a challenge for Wisconsin schools and probably always will be. However, we must adhere to our state motto, Forward. In order to do this, we have to do what we can to provide our students with the best education possible. In my local community, Agricultural Education covers such a large spectrum of events and interests that it would be difficult for another single program to involve and invite the participation of so many students from diverse backgrounds. The program also teaches skills used across the curriculum. Steve Stoppelmoor, Principal Cochrane - Fountain City Schools Fountain City, Wisconsin Education is the door to opportunity. Agriculture is Wisconsin s largest industry, generating $59.2 billion in annual economic activity. The world s need for food will double over the next 40 years. There are 300 careers available in agriculture. We have the opportunity to grow and expand Wisconsin s key agricultural industry. Education is the door to opportunity. Agricultural Education is critical to feeding the world s increasing population. Wisconsin s workforce has a strong work ethic and our farmers are the backbone of the industry. With changes in technology and expansion of knowledge, agricultural education builds a foundation for improvement, efficiency and growth. Gary Tauchen, State Representative 6th Assembly District Bonduel, Wisconsin

12 Agricultural Education in Wisconsin