An Analysis of the Barriers and Benefits to Diversity Inclusion in North Carolina Secondary Agricultural Education Curricula

The purpose of this study was to analyze the attitudes of North Carolina secondary agricultural education teachers toward increasing diversity inclusion in North Carolina secondary agricultural education programs. Overall North Carolina agricultural educators found diversity to be of great value, additionally it was perceived that it aided agricultural education students in character and leadership skill development. Respondents perceived that diversity in agricultural education could improve the critical thinking skills of agricultural students. Guidance counselors and the perception of agriculture itself were seen as major influences upon diversity inclusion in agricultural education. Recommendations included preservice multicultural training, reflective diversity teaching practices, establishing collaborative relationships with guidance counselors, and the creation of diversity evaluation plans