Lesson 5



	The Agriculture Curriculum

	What is taught in schools? ...in career and technical education? ...in agricultural education? The answer, especially to the last part of the question, varies greatly. It all depends in which state you teach. Some states have detailed curriculum guides for what is to be taught while other states allow the local teacher considerable latitude in determining what is taught. By the time you finish this lesson, you will have a better understanding of school curriculum in general and career and technical education and agricultural education specifically

	1. Define curriculum. 2. Identify trends and issues in the public school curriculum. 3. Explain how the public school curriculum has evolved in America. 4. Identify the different program areas in vocational education and determine what is taught in each area. 5. Describe the types of courses taught in agricultural education. 6. Identify sources of curriculum materials for agricultural education.


	1. What types of courses are taught in agricultural education. Let's visit several states to see what courses are taught in agricultural education. Florida North Carolina - you will need Adobe Acrobat to view this document Michigan Texas - you will need Adobe Acrobat to view this document Georgia - lots of excellent information on this site - you may want to add this site to your "favorites" Oklahoma Wisconsin 2. Several states have curriculum materials centers. Not only do they handle curriculum they produce, but curriculum materials from other states. Visit the various centers to see what curriculum aids are available. As a beginning teacher, you don't have to reinvent the wheel. Curriculum Materials Service (Ohio) Instructional Materials Service (Texas) Curriculum and Instruction Materials Center (Oklahoma) Multi-state Academic and Vocational Curriculum Consortium (Oklahoma) Instructional Materials Laboratory 3. Many agricultural educators are willing to share the curriculum materials they have developed. John Jones of the Glen Rose High School in Arkansas hosts a collection of lesson plans and PowerPoint presentations.

	After looking at the wide range of agriculture courses (units) taught in Florida, North Carolina, Michigan, Texas, Georgia, Oklahoma and Wisconsin: (1) Identify the four agricultural courses/units that you would enjoy teaching the most (2) Explain why you would like to teach these courses/units? (Note: email your response to the instructor.)


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