A study of the needs for an agricultural education program in the Salem junior high schools

Graduation date: 1968The purpose of this study was to determine the agricultural interests of students and needs for expansion of the agricultural education program in the Salem school district. Three basic areas were included in the study: (1) the self-expressed interests of students for agricultural instruction in agricultural careers, forestry, greenhouse and nursery management, work experience programs and a basic agriculture program for the junior high schools; (2) the opportunities for employment in agricultural occupations both on-farm and off-farm; and (3) using an agriculture advisory committee in reviewing the results prior to making recommendations to the board of directors. A review of related literature points out the importance of utilizing student interests in the educational process and in the guidance programs for today's world of work. The continual decline in farm labor due to rapid changes in agricultural technology is forcing rural youth to find employment in off-farm agri-business. Work experience programs can play a vital role in providing necessary experience for decision making and preparation. for employment in these occupations. Findings of this study disclosed interest in all agricultural areas considered. Most popular career interests were in wildlife and forestry conservation and recreation occupations. Livestock and crops careers were second. Forty seven per cent of the boys were interested in a work experience program. Least interest was shown in greenhouse and nursery management. Census data for Marion and Polk counties show an increase in commercial size farms and a corresponding increase of farm managers. Manpower studies show a need for personnel in technical occupations arid agricultural service occupations. The advisory committee indicates a program should be developed which includes all areas of agricultural instruction with emphasis in power mechanics, and agriculture sciences with a work experience program. Eighty per cent of these adults are willing to recommend to the board of directors that additional staff be hired and that additional facilities be developed. A proposed agricultural education course of study utilizing the "principles approach" for a junior high, ninth grade program is included. It is recommended that a work experience program be developed in cooperation with the model work experience program under study at Judson Junior High School