Agricultural Education
Agricultural education is a systematic program of instruction, preparing students for careers in the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Career Pathways.
Students have opportunities to learn about animal science, large and small animal care, agricultural mechanics and technology, biotechnology, food science, entrepreneurship, sustainable use and management of natural resources, veterinary science, and the production, processing, marketing and distribution of agricultural commodities and services. Through agricultural education, students are provided opportunities for leadership development, personal growth and career success. Instruction in agricultural education is delivered through three major components:
- Classroom and Laboratory Instruction (Contextual Learning)
- Supervised Agricultural Experience programs (High-Quality Work-Based Learning)
- Student leadership organizations (National FFA Organization)
Course Revisions
The following courses were revised for implementation during the 2023-2024 school year. All curriculum frameworks are available through the Virginia CTE Resource Center.
- Agricultural Production Technology (18301/8010)
- Applied Agricultural Concepts (18002/8702, 8703)
- Biotechnology Applications in Agriculture (18308-III/8087)
- Biotechnology Foundations in Agricultural and Environmental Science (18308-II/8085)
- Ecology and Environmental Management (18003/8045, 8046)
- Equine Science (18104/8015, 8080)
- Equine Science, Advanced (18104-II/8094)
- Small Engine Repair (20110/8021, 8082)
Safety Best Practice Guide for CTE
The Safety Best Practice Guide for CTE (docx) is a collection of best practice resources used to assist school divisions in the development of a local school safety plan.
Instructional Resources
Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO)
Virginia FFA Organization - Makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education, preparing students for careers in the food, fiber, and natural resources industries.
FFA is the premier youth organization, preparing members for leadership and careers in the science, business, and technology of agriculture. For more information, visit the CTSO web page.
Resources
- Licensure Endorsement Requirements for Agricultural Education
- Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE)
- National Association of Agricultural Educators
- Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) Program Resources
- Virginia Association for Career and Technical Education (Virginia ACTE)
- Virginia Association of Agricultural Educators
- Virginia Department of Labor and Industry
- Virginia SAE Record Book
- Virginia State University Department of Agriculture
- Virginia Tech Department of Agricultural and Extension Education
Virginia CTE Agricultural Education Listserv
If you are not on the Virginia CTE Agricultural Education Listserv, contact LaVeta Nutter to be added.