Section 160. Career and technical education – agricultural education

The program in agricultural education shall ensure that the candidate has demonstrated the following competencies:

1. Understanding of the importance and relationship of agriculture to the economy of the community, the state, and the nation, including:

a. An awareness and appreciation for agriculture;

b. Knowledge of the occupational opportunities in agriculture and related fields;

c. Knowledge of the U.S. food and fiber system; and

d. Knowledge of the contributions of agriculture to the economy of the state and nation.

2. Understanding of the knowledge, skills, and processes involved in plant and soil sciences, including:

a. Production, use, and marketing of row crops, specialty crops, forage crops, fruits, small grains, vegetables, and cereal crops; and

b. Soil and water management.

3. Understanding of the knowledge, skills, and processes involved in the production, management, and marketing of animals, including:

a. Production of cattle, swine, poultry, dairy cows, sheep, aquaculture species, goats, and horses; and

b. Care and management of small companion animals.

4. Understanding of the knowledge, skills, and processes involved in agricultural mechanics, including:

a. Safe operation, repair, and maintenance of equipment, tools, and machinery used in agriculture;

b. Setting up and adjusting agriculture machinery;

c. Basic knowledge of a set of hand tools, measuring devices, and testing equipment used in agriculture;

d. Basic knowledge of energy transfer systems used in agriculture; and

e. Properties of metals used in tools and equipment.

5. Understanding of agricultural economics, including the various markets, international trade, government policies, and the operation and management of various agricultural businesses.

6. Understanding of the knowledge, skills, and processes involved in natural resources, including:

a. Care, management, and conservation of soil, air, water, and wildlife; and

b. Production and management of the forest.

7. Understanding of the importance and processes necessary for community resource development, including:

a. Fundamentals of the community development process;

b. Knowledge of public and private programs and resources available;

c. Knowledge of the promotion of community development; and

d. Knowledge of civic organizations and their purposes.

8. Knowledge of and the ability to teach:

a. How the biological, physical, and applied sciences relate to practical solutions of agricultural problems;

b. Leadership development skills; and

c. Agricultural competencies needed by secondary students to be successful in continuing their education and entering a related occupation.

9. Knowledge and skills necessary to teach leadership skills, organize and manage an effective co-curricular student organization (FFA) and implement the organization's activities as an integral part of instruction.

10. Understanding of and proficiency in grammar, usage, and mechanics and their integration in writing.

11. Understanding of and proficiency in instructional technology and microcomputer applications.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 23, Issue 25, eff. September 21, 2007.

Statutory Authority

§ 22.1-298.2 of the Code of Virginia.