2007 Mississippi Curriculum Framework: Secondary Introduction to Agriscience. (Program CIP: 01.0001 - Introduction to Agriscience)

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). Introduction to Agriscience serves as an introduction to the science of agriculture and will provide a solid foundation for advanced agriscience classes or for additional agriculture/science classes. Students will be introduced to agricultural science topics including biotechnology, animal science, mechanical technology, food science, plant science, environmental and natural resources, and entomology. These concepts are taught through classroom and laboratory instruction and applications such as the Supervised Agricultural Experience Program (SAE) and FFA Career Development Activities. This program will utilize the problem solving method of instruction and will rely upon the agricultural information systems, including the Internet. Leadership, citizenship, and cooperation skills are taught through participation in FFA activities. The FFA is an intra-curricular vocational student organization designed to provide a learning laboratory for the implementation of this curriculum. Introduction to Agriscience is intended to be a one-year course of study. Students completing the course will receive one Carnegie unit for science and an additional 0.5 Carnegie unit for completion of the Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE). Appended are: (1) Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Standards; (2) Academic Standards; (3) 21st Century Skills; and (4) Rubrics. A list of suggested references is provided for each unit. (Contains 6 footnotes.)