ERIC ED529355: 2006 Mississippi Curriculum Framework: Secondary Agricultural and Natural Resources Technology. (Program CIP: 01.0003 - Agricultural and Natural Resources)

by: ERIC

Secondary vocational-technical education programs in Mississippi are faced with many challenges resulting from sweeping educational reforms at the national and state levels. Schools and teachers are increasingly being held accountable for providing true learning activities to every student in the classroom. This accountability is measured through increased requirements for mastery and attainment of competency as documented through both formative and summative assessments. The courses in this document reflect the statutory requirements as found in Section 37-3-49, Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended (Section 37-3-46). In addition, this curriculum reflects guidelines imposed by federal and state mandates (Laws, 1988, ch. 487, Section 14; Laws, 1991, ch. 423, Section 1; Laws, 1992, ch. 519, Section 4 effective from and after July 1, 1992; Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act III, 1998; and No Child Left Behind Act of 2001). Agriculture and Natural Resources is a program to introduce the student to the broad field of agriculture and natural resources, including the production of plants and animals and the management of natural resources. The program includes instruction in the applied sciences related to plant and animal production and natural resource conservation and management, as well as introducing the student to agribusiness management practices and maintenance of facilities and equipment. Students in the program will participate in active learning exercises including integral activities of the FFA organization and supervised experiences. Students who successfully complete the competencies in this program will possess fundamental knowledge and skills that can be used to secure entry level employment or as a foundation for continuing their education. Appended are: (1) Proposed Standards for Mississippi Agriculture Education Programs; (2) Academic Standards; (3) Workplace Skills for the 21st Century; (4) National Educational Technology Standards for Students; and (5) Sample Rubrics and Checklists for Assessment Activities. A list of suggested references is provided for each unit. (Contains 7 footnotes.)