Changes In Vo-Ag Programs (ContlniMd from Pago Al) Sciences, recommended agricul tural education must become more than vocational agriculture and that major revisions are needed within vo-ag. Farmers and other agri-business people, school administrators, educators and legislators met in Harrisburg on Tuesday to view Videoconference ‘BB, The Nation al Forum on Agricultural Educa tion in (he United States. The for um included a panel of educators and representatives of the agricul tural industry from across the country who were brought together to discuss the conclusions of the NAS study and its impact on education. The video was telecast from USDA’s televideo center in Washington, D.C. Over 100 people gathered at the department of education to witness the view and to take part in the dis cussion led by panelists: Larry Redding, Program Specialist Agri culture Education; Representative Samuel Hayes, Jr.; Dr. Donald CHORE-TIME t -. t- ViK" y • Simple • Long-Lasting Your Choice Of 2 Styles mm “Best Systems Ever Devised To Deliver Feed” y / / FLEX-AUGER >r-u. / / /✓ Is Available '’”*P Jr\ In 5 Capacities - lncluding High y '*y * . Moisture Corn ‘ * • •“ Models Your Authorized Distributor best in design price and experience Evans, Asst. Dean of College of Agriculture at Penn State; Jackie Cullen, Bureau of Adult Vocation al Education; Samuel Curtis, head of agriculture and extension department at PSU; and James Kerr, Principal at Walter Biddle Saul School, Philadelphia. The NAS study committee found that agricultural education in America’s high schools usually does not extend beyond the offer ing of a vo-ag program and that few students have access to those programs and and as a result, few students enroll. As a result of low enrollment the nation’s ag industry and economy will from an Ameri can public being agriculturally illiterate. “Agriculture is too impor tant a topic to be taught only to the relatively small percentage of stu dents considering careers in agri culture and pursuing vocational agriculture studies. The commit tee developed the idea of ‘agricul tural literacy ’ -the goal of educa tion about agriculture. feed delivery systems * V: & MULTIFLO m Swine & Poultry Systems Specialists FARMER BOY AG. 410 E LINCOLN AVE MYERSTOWN PA 17067 Achieving the goal of agri cultural literacy will produce informed citizens able io partici pate in establishing the policies that win support a competitive agricultural industry in this coun try and abroad .” from the NAS study. Panelists and audience members agreed the de-emphasis on agricul tural education over the past few years jeopardizes the future vitali ty of agriculture in this country and threatens to dull the competitive edge for American agri-businesses in the global market The discussion was scheduled to devise a plan of action. Although the conference went beyond its time limits more time was spent pointing out the shortcomings of the present system and concuring with the conclusions of the NAS study than spent planning a change of course for the future. “The discussion does not end here, but I was hoping we would leave here today with some con crete direction,” said Redding at the close of the conference. “And I was hoping for someone to ask the • Energy-Efficient and 6 Capacities MULTIFLO uses the same steel auger and quiet PVC tube as FLEX-AUGER does. (Drive gear shown here). INC. PH 717-866-7565 Lancaster Farming, Saturday, Octobar 29, 1988-A37 department of agriculture to pro- are down school administrators vide that direction,” begin cutting funds. Even in agri- Redding said he is willing to cultural areas the validity of vo-ag take a leadership role, but says the programs are being questioned department will not change its while some have already been priorities until pressure is put upon terminated, them to do so. “Not since the end of World The study concluded that agri culture is too important to the U.S. economy to be familiar to so little of the population. To attract more to this field much has to be done. Agricultural education needs to reflect the changing needs of soci ety. It must go beyond vo-ag and it should become a part of curricu lum from kindergarten through twelfth grade. For many years vo ag has trad a positive effect on stu dents, but many agreed that is no longer true in many instances and it is time for major changes. Much of the focus of vo-ag programs is on production agricul ture, but this no longer prepares student for the majority of jobs available in the ag industry today. Also, Vo-ag programs were found to be uneven in quality. Some programs are exemplary, but far too many others do not meet basic educational needs of students and must be upgraded or phased out And many do not prepare students for study at postsecondary schools and colleges. Enrollment in programs is main ly white males with a small potion of females and very few students of minorities. And when numbers FISHER’S PAINTING Specializing In Farm Buildings And Roof Coating With Aerial Equipment WE SELL DISCONTINUED COLORS AND MISMATCHES IN OUR PAINT STORE PRICED FROM $l.OO TO $lO.OO PER GALLON 900 Gallons Of Int./Ext. Latex (Light Tan) From Factory Special $6.50/Gallon FISHER’S PAINTING 4056 A Newport Road, Kinzers, PA 17535 (Across From Pequea Valley High School) . (717) 768-3239 insure against the jl unexpected Kids and farm animals, both unpredictable. And both can cause accidents on or off your property. That’s why you need the protection of an Old Guard farm insurance policy. 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Adams Farmers Meet ABBOTTSTOWN (Adams) The Adams County Beef Produc ers will hold a Club Calf Sale on Saturday, November S, in their new ag-sbow arena at the South Mountain Fair Grounds, Arendts ville. Pa. Local beef breeders will offer 28 steers and two registered beef heifers for sale beginning at 7:00 p.m. The calves have been selected with 4-H and FFA youth projects in mind. All calves will be weaned, vaccinated, wormed, halter broken and on feed. For more information, call 717/642-5077 or 717/259-0006.
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