Search

A four-round Delphi study of secondary agriculture teachers (17, 17, 22, and 21 responses) identified and rated student retention problems. Consensus was reached on these items: scheduling difficulties, lack of counselor support, image, increased graduation requirements, college entrance requirements, competition from other activities, block scheduling, and instructor quality. (Contains 19 references.) (SK)

In a four-round Delphi study, 18 secondary agriculture teachers identified and rated student recruitment problems. Consensus was reached on these items: scheduling difficulties, finding time to recruit, student involvement in other activities, access to students, competition from other programs, lack of counselor support, increased graduation requirements, image, lack of interest, and block scheduling. (Contains 26 references.) (SK)

The most frequent student recruitment strategies reported by 275 secondary agriculture teachers were (in order of effectiveness) feeder schools, personal contacts, FFA, publications, strong curriculum, support groups, and special events. Specific activities for each strategy were identified. (Contains 34 references.) (SK)

College freshmen in agriculture (n=401) agreed that high school agriculture is good preparation for college; 97% who had high school agriculture courses planned on degrees in agriculture. Those who had high school agriculture experience had more positive attitudes of agricultural education and agricultural careers. High school agriculture teachers were the most significant enrollment influence. (SK)