An Evaluation of Successful Collaboration among Agricultural Science Teachers and Extension Agents in Texas

The purpose of this research was to investigate collaboration between agricultural science teachers and Extension agents in Texas from the perspective of successful collaboration. Programs, leaders, and participants in both agricultural education and Extension can be impacted positively through collaboration. However, successful collaboration ultimately rests upon the commitment of individuals and the willingness of these individuals to work together and "collaborate" with one another. This study examined factors indicated in the literature as enablers of collaboration in the context of collaboration among agricultural science teachers and Extension agents in an effort to document best practices. Specific objectives included: (a) documentation of the environment in which successful collaboration was taking place, (b) description of areas of collaboration, (c) description of the impact of Internet-based technologies, and (d) identification of the major factors influencing collaboration. Findings provided insight into factors that can facilitate collaboration. (Contains 6 tables.)