Agricultural Education 2009-2010

Section Overview

This section presents course information applicable to the Agricultural Education program area: course descriptions and durations, suggested grade levels, prerequisites, course concentration sequences, career clusters, career pathways, and applicable credentials. Refer to the APG Users Guide (at left) for additional information and key terminology.

Supervised Agricultural Experience

Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) is an essential component of a quality Agricultural Education program. Along with classroom instruction, laboratory experiences, and participation in FFA activities, SAE provides students with experiences that will benefit them in future education and careers. Students have an opportunity to keep records on real-life, hands-on activities that will help prepare them for further education or future careers. In addition, SAE addresses many of the Virginia Standards of Learning. All students enrolled in agricultural education should have an SAE. The SAE may be Cooperative Education, research projects, entrepreneurship, production enterprises, or placement in an agribusiness. Local credit may be given for an SAE that meets the following criteria

  • Training Plan for each student
  • Training Agreement for each student
  • A minimum of 396 hours of documented experience outside of regular Agricultural Education class (recordkeeping required)
  • Teacher coordination detailed in training plan and agreement
  • Assessment(s) based on work experience.

CTE Cooperative Education

All courses, except middle school courses, are eligible for the cooperative method of instruction. Students combine classroom instruction and supervised on-the-job training in an approved position with continuing supervision throughout the school year.

Additional information on the Career and Technical Education Cooperative Education Handbook and other required cooperative education documents may be found at:http://www.doe.virginia.gov/instruction/career_technical/cooperative_education/index.shtml

Also, visit www.cteresource.org/verso2/search

Select “Across the Board” to access other work experience methods of instruction:

  • Learning through Internship
  • Learning through Job Shadowing
  • Learning through Mentorship
  • Learning through Service

Middle School Courses

High School Credit in Middle School

Course Offerings