I
2017 Illinois Agricultural Education ReportAUTHENTIC LEARNING
AUTHENTICLEARNING2017 Illinois Agricultural Education Report
II
ILLINOIS STATE BOARD
OF EDUCATION
(217) 524-4832
Harley Hepner Principal Consultant
Agricultural Education
FACILITATING COORDINATION
IN AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION
(217) 893-0091
Jess Smithers FCAE Coordinator
DISTRICT PROGRAM ADVISORS
Kevin Larsen District 1 Program Advisor
Lucas Allen District 2 Program Advisor
Jennifer Waters District 3 Program Advisor
Megan Coy District 4 Program Advisor
Dean Dittmar District 5 Program Advisor
ILLINOIS AGRICULTURE IN
THE CLASSROOM
(309) 557-3334
Kevin Daugherty Education Director
ILLINOIS FFA CENTER &
ILLINOIS FOUNDATION FFA
(217) 753-3328
Mindy Bunselmeyer Executive Director
John Edgar Assistant Director
ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION OF VOCATIONAL AGRICULTURE TEACHERS
(618) 253-7637
Nick James President
ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE AGRICULTURE INSTRUCTORS
(217) 234-5360
Ryan Orrick President
ILLINOIS FFA ALUMNI
(217) 753-3328
Steve Yandell President
Agricultural Teacher Education
ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY
(309) 438-8084
Dr. Dick Steffen
Dr. Lucas Maxwell
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS
UNIVERSITY
(618) 453-2467
Dr. Seb Pense
Howard Heavner
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
(217) 244-3863
Dr. Erica Thieman
Dr. Debra Korte
Gary Ochs
WESTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
(309) 298-1080
Dr. Andrew Baker
Agricultural Education Program Three - Circle Model
Classroom/Laboratory Instruction
Contextual inquiry-based instruction
on Agriculture, Food, and Natural
Resources topics is delivered in an
interactive classroom and laboratory.
Student Organizations (FFA/PAS)
Students develop their potential
for premier leadership, personal
growth, and career success through
engagement in activities and
programs of the FFA and PAS
student organizations.
Work-based Learning (SAE)
A Supervised Agricultural Experience
(SAE) project provides students
with an opportunity to apply
knowledge and explore careers
through internships, employment,
entrepreneurship, and/or conducting
agriscience research.
AGRICULTURALEDUCATION.ORG
AGEDUCATION
Classroom/Laboratory Instruction
Work-based Learning (SAE)
Student Organizations
(FFA/PAS)
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2017 Illinois Agricultural Education ReportAUTHENTIC LEARNING
The percentage of secondary agricultural programs that offer courses that fulfill academic credit in science, math, social studies, language arts, and/or consumer economics.
CLASSROOM AND LABORATORY INSTRUCTION:
78%
Agricultural Education has been providing authentic learning opportunities for many years and
continues to focus on giving students real-world experiences both inside and outside of the classroom.
Agricultural Education programs are based on a three circle model that develops the whole
student through classroom and laboratory instruction, student leadership organizations (FFA/PAS),
and work-based learning experiences known as Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects.
Illinois offers five STEM related career pathways at the secondary level encompassing over 300
different agricultural careers in which students may engage in learning about agriculture, food,
and natural resources. Each career pathway - Agricultural Science, Agricultural Business and
Management, Agricultural Mechanization and Technology, Horticultural Management, and Natural
Resources and Conservation Management – offers more specific courses in the related content in
which students may follow an interest in a program of study leading to postsecondary education or
training and finally to their chosen career.
The Illinois Agricultural Education curriculum, developed with teacher and industry involvement,
includes more than one-thousand lesson plans aligned with the new Illinois Learning Standards, the
Next Generation Science Standards, as well as the National Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
Content Standards. This curriculum includes academic extension activities, performance-based
assessments, and E-Units (online student text) in each of the agricultural programs of study.
Agricultural Education An Authentic Learning ExperienceHarley Hepner, Principal Consultant, Illinois State Board of Education
2
Total net earnings that were generated by agricultural education students through their work-based learning activities known as Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects.
WORK-BASED LEARNING (SAE):
$11,672,184
The number of FFA members in Illinois for the 2016-2017 school year (653,359 nationally).
STUDENT LEADERSHIP ORGANIZATION (FFA):
17,535FFA is an intra-curricular student organization that engages students in authentic STEM
related activities which equip them with academic, technical, and employability skills. Career
Development Events (CDEs), Leadership Development Events (LDEs), and other experiences in
FFA apply the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom in real-life scenarios. FFA, one of
Illinois’ officially recognized Career & Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs), develops students’
potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through community service
projects, public speaking training and experience, team building, parliamentary procedure CDEs,
and numerous other events and activities.
Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs) are student-led, instructor supervised, work-
based learning experiences outside of the classroom and beyond the school day that
provide students with individualized opportunities to learn and develop real-world skills.
Students may have the following types of SAEs – job placement/internship; ownership/
entrepreneurship; research: experimental, analysis or invention; school-based enterprise;
or service learning. Through SAEs, students learn to apply related concepts gained in the
agricultural classroom, develop record keeping and financial management skills, connect to
STEM careers and mentors, develop entrepreneurial skills, and learn responsibility. These
work-based experiences can also generate dollars in local communities and, in some cases,
lead to the start of a new small business.
The college and career preparation and opportunities agricultural education programs can provide
to students are unsurpassed. Employers notice when FFA appears on a résumé because of the
leadership opportunities as well as the skill building and growth experiences to which those
students may have been exposed. Students who take advantage of this training become more
valuable to potential employers as they compete with other candidates in their career field.
Building the capacity to supply the agriculture, food, and natural resource industry with
quality, potential employees through our agricultural education programs is a team effort.
With enthusiasm and passion at the grassroots level, and both industry and government
leadership at all organizational levels, constituents and legislative leaders alike voice their
support for agricultural education. The partnerships supporting our mission include:
ILCAE – The Illinois Leadership Council for Agricultural Education is a
voluntary, grassroots agricultural industry group focused on the expansion
and improvement of agricultural education programs at all levels.
ICAE – The Illinois Committee for Agricultural Education is a 13-member
committee established by Public Act 84-1452 and appointed by the
Governor to advise both the governor and state education agencies
concerning Agricultural Education.
ISBE – The Illinois State Board of Education is the state agency responsible
for preK-12 education, including Career and Technical Education. The
principal consultant serves in a supervisory, administrative capacity
related to program approval, funding and regulatory requirements.
FCAE – The Facilitating Coordination in Agricultural Education project is
supported with funds from an identified Agricultural Education line item
within the ISBE budget. The FCAE staff is tasked with improving education
in and about agriculture, prekindergarten through adult levels.
Illinois Foundation FFA – The Illinois Foundation FFA’s purpose is to
receive and disburse funds to support quality Agricultural Education / FFA
programs in Illinois. Those interested in supporting the foundation can visit
www.illinoisffafoundation.org.
Illinois FFA Alumni Association – The Illinois FFA Alumni Association
supports and promotes the FFA organization and its activities at every level.
FFA – The Illinois FFA Association is a career and technical student
organization for students enrolled in agricultural education programs at
the junior and senior high levels. Through its activities, this organization
promotes premier leadership, personal growth, and career success for all
agricultural education student members.
IllinoisFoundationFFA
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2017 Illinois Agricultural Education ReportAUTHENTIC LEARNING
IAVAT – The Illinois Association of Vocational Agriculture Teachers is a
professional organization for agricultural education teachers at all levels.
IACCAI – The Illinois Association of Community College Agriculture
Instructors is a professional organization for postsecondary agricultural
education teachers.
PAS – The Illinois Postsecondary Agricultural Student (PAS) organization
is a career and technical student organization for students enrolled in
agricultural education programs at the postsecondary level.
Illinois FFA Center – The Illinois FFA Center is a non-governmental, state-level administrative
office that serves secondary and postsecondary agricultural education organizations and
support organizations. Those directly served are the Illinois FFA Association, Illinois Foundation
FFA, Illinois FFA Alumni Association, Illinois Association of Vocational Agricultural Teachers,
Illinois Association of Community College Agricultural Instructors, and Illinois Postsecondary
Agricultural Student (PAS) Organization.
Illinois Ag In The Classroom – Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom is
a partnership of the Illinois Farm Bureau, FCAE, University of Illinois
Extension, soil and water conservation districts, various Illinois
commodity organizations, and others to improve agricultural literacy –
awareness, knowledge, and appreciation – among Pre-K through 12th
grade teachers and their students.
Team Ag Ed – Illinois Team Ag Ed consists of partners within Agricultural
Education that are tasked with addressing state issues and longer term
planning. This team includes professional staff, officers, and board
members from ILCAE, ICAE, ISBE, FCAE, AITC, IAVAT, FFA, FFA Foundation,
FFA Alumni, IACCAI, PAS, University Council Agriculture Teacher Educators
and Deans, IL Department of Agriculture, and Illinois Farm Bureau.
To learn more about teaching agriculture, go to www.TeachAg.net or www.ilaged.org.
If you are interested in starting an agriculture education program, please contact the FCAE
Program Advisor in your area.
VOCATIONAL AGRICULTURE
ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION
TEACHERS
VISIT FCAE ONLINE AT WWW.AGRICULTURALEDUCATION.ORG
4
ILLINOIS LEADERSHIP COUNCIL FOR AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION MEMBERS
Doug Hanson, Chair
ProHarvest Seeds
Danforth
Alison Jefferson, Vice-Chair
Illinois Agriculture Leadership
Foundation
Macomb
Karen Jones, Secretary
Growmark
Bloomington
Dave Cattron
Educator, Retired
Geneseo
AJ Clapp
Tate and Lyle
Wapella
Chad Colby
Central IL Ag
Atlanta
Allen Dietz
Educator, Retired
Clare
Karen Fraase
SIU School of Medicine
Springfield
Landon Frye
Granular
Urbana
Warren Graeff
PNC Bank
St. Louis
Jay Harris
J.O. Harris Sales
Alexander
Kenny Hartman
Farmer
Waterloo
Bill Johnson
Joliet Junior College
Joliet
Chris KendallPeoria Educational Region for Employment and Career
Training
Peoria
Mindy McDermott
The Climate Corporation
Waterloo
Vern McGinnis
Growmark, Retired
Bloomington
Tammy MillerJoliet Junior College
Joliet
Don Moffitt
IL Department of Agriculture
Galesburg
David MouserTri-Valley Schools,
Superintendent
Downs
Aimee Poskin
Farm Credit of Illinois
Mahomet
Jarret Randoll
Syngenta
Swansea
Becky Ropp
Growmark
Normal
Gordon Ropp
Normal
Karen Schieler
Compeer Financial
Normal
Kay Shipman
Farm Week
Bloomington
Representative
Dan Swanson
State Representative
Woodhull
Greg Webb
ADM
Decatur
Kaitlin WeitekampJohn Deere
Moline
The Illinois Leadership Council for Agricultural Education (ILCAE) was formed in 1984 and continues today as a voluntary, grassroots organization that is composed of agricultural industry leaders who are focused to establish and maintain a secure agricultural workforce. ILCAE is an advocacy group committed to the expansion and improvement of agricultural education programs at all levels through legislation, funding, and promotion.
The recent achievements in Illinois Agricultural Education are made possible through the
combined efforts of ILCAE, ICAE, IAVAT, ISBE, FFA Center and affiliate organizations.
In 2017, the efforts resulted in the establishment of the Three-circle (FFA/SAE) grant. This
grant partners with districts to pay for half of an instructor’s personal services costs of
400 additional hours outside of their regular teaching duties. Successfully advocating
for an increase in Agricultural Education funding to $5.0 million has allowed for the
implementation of the Three-circle (FFA/SAE) grant for the 2017-2018 school-year.
Illinois Leadership Council for Agricultural Education
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2017 Illinois Agricultural Education ReportAUTHENTIC LEARNING
ILLINOIS COMMITTEE FOR AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION MEMBERS
Becky Ropp, Chair
ILCAE
Normal
Dr. Richard Steffen,
Vice-ChairUniversity Agriculture
Instructor
Bloomington
Rylan Rusk, SecretarySecondary Agriculture
Teacher
Olney
Parker BaneSecondary Agriculture
Teacher
Pontiac
Kevin DaughertyAgriculture Literacy
Representative
LeRoy
Karen Fraase
ILCAE
Springfield
Doug Hanson
ILCAE
Danforth
Bill HarmonCommunity College
Agriculture Instructor
Morrisonville
Jay Harris
ILCAE
Alexander
Vern McGinnis
ILCAE
Bloomington
Brad Pilcher
FFA Representative
Roberts
Amy Leman, NomineeAdult Education
Representative
Decatur
Aimee Poskin, Nominee
ILCAE
Mahomet
The Illinois Committee for Agricultural Education (ICAE) is a 13-member committee established by Public Act 84-1452 and appointed by the Governor to advise both the governor and the state education agencies concerning Agricultural Education.
In 2017, ICAE not only advocated for adequate funding for agricultural education within
the Illinois State Board of Education, but also assessed curricular and teacher professional
development needs, recommended funding priorities, and worked to address challenges
related to agriculture teacher recruitment and retention.
The Agricultural Education line item in the Illinois State Board of Education budget
supports and impacts agriculture programs at every level in Illinois through the initiatives
described. As members of the ICAE, we are pleased that these projects enhanced local
programs and increased opportunities for ALL Illinois students to experience agricultural
education, FFA, and PAS.
Illinois Committee for Agricultural Education (ICAE) Annual Report
6
ILLINOIS STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
PRE-KINDERGARTEN THROUGH 6TH GRADE STUDENTS
Impact: 40,639 Teachers / 661,797 Students
Projects:
1. Agricultural Literacy County Coalition Grants: Grants to Illinois Agriculture in the
Classroom (AITC) county partnerships to conduct classroom presentations on Illinois’
largest industry – Agriculture.
2. Curriculum Resources for Pre-K through 6th Grade Teachers: The development
and revision of standards-aligned curriculum and instructional resources which are
designed to not only inform students about agriculture, but to also teach and reinforce
academic concepts.
3. On-Site Technical Assistance: The field-based FCAE staff members conduct regular
on-site technical assistance to Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom county coordinators.
INCENTIVE FUNDING AND GAST GRANTS - $720,000 (40%)
34% = Incentive Funding - $620,000
Local high schools with an approved agricultural program receive an incentive funding
grant allocation based on their achievement of quality indicators.
6% = Growing Agriculture Science Teachers (GAST) Grants - $100,000
Grants to postsecondary agricultural programs for the recruitment and development
of agricultural science teachers.
FACILITATING COORDINATION IN AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION (FCAE)
36.5% = Teacher & Program Services - $658,000
Teacher and program on-site technical assistance provided by FCAE staff.
15.5% = Professional Development, Curriculum & Instructional Resources - $282,000
Pre-service and in-service teacher professional development; curriculum and
instructional resources.
8% = Administrative Costs - $140,000
Administration of FCAE Project.
The total dollars generated by the Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom county coalitions to match the $77,000 in Agricultural Education line item funds invested in the statewide partnership.
$2,236,587
FY2017 AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION LINE ITEM APPROPRIATION - $1,800,000
40%
60%
$720,000
$1,080,000
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2017 Illinois Agricultural Education ReportAUTHENTIC LEARNING
7TH - 12TH GRADE STUDENTS
POSTSECONDARY
Impact: 327 secondary agricultural education programs; 31,655 students
Projects:
1. Incentive Funding Grant: School districts with approved agriculture programs earn an
average yearly grant allocation of $1,747. A school district’s allocation amount is based on
their achievement of quality indicators, thus the grant rewards excellence.
2. Agriculture Teacher Professional Development: Several professional development
workshops including IAVAT Conference, 212 Conference, district workshops, and others,
are offered for high school agriculture teachers designed to improve their technical
knowledge and teaching effectiveness.
3. Ag Ed 499 - Beginning Agriculture Teacher Course: Graduate courses for inexperienced
teachers with 0-5 years of experience are offered to supply young teachers with skills
necessary to be effectual teachers.
4. Curriculum and Instructional Resources: Development and revision of high school
agricultural curriculum and instructional resources that are aligned with the Common
Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards. The curriculum provides
students with technical content necessary to prepare for a career in agriculture and it also
teaches and reinforces academic skills.
5. Elite Conference: A conference for high school students to encourage them to pursue a
career in the agriculture teaching profession.
6. Student Teaching Grants: Mini-grants to student teachers in agricultural education who
intend to accept agriculture teaching positions in Illinois.
7. Improving Agricultural Education Programs Grant: Competitive mini-grants to school
districts to improve their agriscience laboratory, agricultural mechanics laboratory, or to
upgrade the agricultural program’s use of technology.
8. On-Site Technical Assistance: The field-based FCAE staff members conduct regular
on-site technical assistance to high school agriculture teachers and administrators.
Impact: 4 Universities and 27 community colleges
Projects:
1. Incentive Funding Grant: Universities with an Agricultural Education Teacher
Training Program receive a yearly grant allocation based on their achievement of
quality indicators.
2. Growing Agriculture Science Teachers Grant: Grants are provided to postsecondary
institutions to conduct initiatives which recruit quality students into agricultural
education degree programs and retain quality agriculture teachers as well.
3. FCAE On-Site Technical Assistance: The field-based FCAE staff members conduct regular
on-site technical assistance to community college agriculture instructors and university
agriculture teacher educators.
Total net earnings generated by agricultural education students through entrepreneurial/ownership, job placement/internship, or agriscience research Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects.
$11,698,214
8
In the 2017-2018 school year, 74 Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom (IAITC) coalitions
representing 79 counties conducted programs that reached 661,797 students across the
state with an agricultural literacy message.
The coalitions were awarded $625,000 in grant dollars from IAITC and there is an active Agriculture
in the Classroom effort in all 102 counties in Illinois. In addition to the $625,000 in IAITC funding,
counties reported spending over $2.2 million on local agricultural literacy efforts.
Illinois Agriculture in the ClassroomKevin Daugherty, Education Director for Illinois Agriculture In The Classroom
2017 NEW MATERIALS
Available at www.agintheclassroom.org
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2017 Illinois Agricultural Education ReportAUTHENTIC LEARNING
1 ,1 4 4
1 ,4 3 0 1 1 , 2 1 2
The number of pre-service teachers that received training and materials.
The number of teacher professional development hours provided by county
AITC programs.
The number of local donors who supported county AITC efforts.
The number of volunteers utilized by county AITC programs.
5,41 0
NUMBER OF STUDENTS REACHED, PRE-K – 8TH
NUMBER OF TEACHERS REACHED
PROGRAM FUNDING
A D A M S
A L E X A N D E R
B O N D
W I N N E B A G O
B R O W N
B U R E A U
C A L H O U N
C A R R O L L
C A S S
C H A M P A I G N
C H R I S T I A N
C L A R K
C L A Y
C L I N T O N
C O L E S
C O O K
C R A W F O R D
C U M B E R L A N D
D E K A L B
D E W I T T
D O U G L A S
D UP A G E
E D G A R
E D W A R D S
E F F I N G H A MF A Y E T T E
F O R D
F R A N K L I N
F U L T O N
G A L L A T I N
G R E E N E
G R U N D Y
H A M I L T O N
H A N C O C K
H A R D I N
H E N D E R S O N
H E N R Y
I R O Q U O I S
J A C K S O N
J A S P E R
J E F F E R S O N
J E R S E Y
L A K E
J O H N S O N
K A N E
K A N K A K E E
K E N D A L L
K N O X
J OD A V I E S S
L A S A L L E
L A W R E N C E
L E E
L I V I N G S T O N
L O G A N
M C D O N O U G H
S T E P H E N S O N
M C L E A N
M A C O N
M A C O U P I N
M A D I S O N
M A R I O N
M A R S H A L L
M A S O N
MASSAC
M E N A R D
M E R C E R
M O N R O E
M O N T G O M E R Y
M O R G A N
M O U L T R I E
O G L E
P E O R I A
P E R R Y
P I A T T
P I K E
P O P E
P U L A S K I
PU T N AM
R A N D O L P H
R I C H L A N D
R O C K I S L A N D
S T . C L A I R
S A L I N E
S A N G A M O N
S C H U Y L E R
S C O T T
S H E L B Y
S T A R K
M C H E N R Y
T A Z E W E L L
U N I O N
V E R M I L I O N
W A B A S H
W A R R E N
W A S H I N G T O NW A Y N E
W H I T E
W H I T E S I D E
W I L L
W I L L I A M S O N
B O O N E
W O O D F O R D
Counties Funded by the IAITC Partnership
Counties Funded by County Money
Counties with active Ag Literacy Programs
coordinated by volunteers
500,000
450,000
600,000
550,000
400,000
350,000
650,000
700,000
201720162015201420132012
32,500
30,000
37,500
35,000
27,500
25,000
40,000
42,500
201720162015201420132012
10
Programs in 2015/2016
in 2015/2016
Programs in 2016/2017
in 2016/2017
Programs in 2017/2018
in 2017/2018
TOTAL NUMBER OF AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMS:
TOTAL # OF STUDENT TEACHERS IN AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION:
3 2 1
2 1
3 2 7
2 0
3 3 3
3 6
Percentage of secondary agricultural programs that have an agricultural mechanics laboratory.
Percentage of agriculture teachers that utilize the curriculum available at MyCAERT.com
The number of high school and college students who were able to participate in an exploration of the opportunities to be an agriculture teacher in the past year.
Percentage of secondary agricultural programs that have a greenhouse.
79%
91%
325+72%
Authentic learning occurs when students are able to collaboratively work to understand real
world issues and develop solutions to address those problems. In Illinois, this idea is put into
practice, day in and day out, in agriculture classrooms across the state. Agricultural education has
been at the forefront of giving students opportunities to take science, math & technology concepts
and use those in relevant ways. From understanding and utilizing GPS technology in agricultural
mechanics to researching, developing and practicing ways to more efficiently run an agribusiness,
agricultural education students are growing through these hands-on, authentic experiences.
CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCES:
Illinois agriculture teachers are provided access to over 1,000 standards-based lessons through
MyCAERT, an online instructional system. Teachers are able to plan, deliver and assess students
using this valuable resource.
TEACHER RECRUITMENT & RETENTION:
In order to create an authentic learning space, a highly qualified, passionate teachers is a top
requirement. As is the trend in many areas of education, Illinois has experienced a shortage of
agriculture teachers. This has been identified as a high priority initiative by the various partners
represented in this report, along with many business and industry supporters. This year’s
recruitment and retention efforts have been more expansive than ever before and positive
results are evident in the growing number of agricultural education student teachers.
STAR PROGRAM:
State Teach Ag Results program, a project of the National Teach Ag Campaign, provides funds for
states to develop sustainable programs to increase the number of agriculture teachers.
Initiatives to increase student interest at the high school level:
Initiatives to sustain interest at the collegiate level:
Initiatives to retain teachers:
nd/3rd Year Agriculture Teacher Workshop
eligible for Federal Loan Forgiveness
Authentic Classroom Experience
11
2017 Illinois Agricultural Education ReportAUTHENTIC LEARNING
PROGRAM
GENDER OF TEACHERS
ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION OF VOCATIONAL AGRICULTURE TEACHERS (IAVAT)
EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AWARD PROGAM
43% 57%
District 1: Ed Curry, River Ridge
District 2: Paul Widhalm, Belvidere
District 3: Doug Falk, Cuba (State Winner)
District 4: Betsy Burgener, Central A & M
District 5: Julie Bond-Ledford, Nashville
FEMALE MALE
CHANGE FROM 2016
+2
-1
-1%
+4%
+4%
-4%
-1%
no change
-1
-2%
-3%
-2%
+6
-6
no change
-$68
327 Total Programs
18 Students average per class
97 Students average per school
54 Students average per FFA chapter
17% Employ 2 or more teachers
32% Agriculture articulation agreement with colleges
28% Dual credit agriculture courses
91% MyCAERT curriculum used by teacher
42% MyCAERT curriculum used by students
51% Schools that have an Advisory Council
63% Schools that have an FFA Alumni
64 Average Quality Indicators per school out of 121 possible indicators
$1,747 Average Incentive Funding Grant allocation per school
53% Annual Report Submitted
33% Junior High Ag Courses Taught
14% Coordinated/Taught Adult Workshop
12
FACILITIES PROVIDED BY SCHOOL 6-12 AGRICULTURE TEACHERS
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FULFILLED BY AGRICULTURAL COURSES
CHANGE FROM 2016
CHANGE FROM 2016
CHANGE FROM 2016
-2%
-4%
-1%
-1%
-3%
-2%
-5%
-$791
-1%
+2%
+12
+3%
+7%
+2%
+1%
+1%
+1%
+4%
+4%
+5%
+6%
+2%
+2%
+2%
no change
no change
no change
no change
no change
no change
no change
no change
no change
no change
no change
no change
no change
79% Mechanics Lab
72% Greenhouse
70% Computer Lab
62% iPads/Tablets
61% Department or FFA Chapter Website
59% Interactive Whiteboard
55% Land/Plant Lab
47% Landscaping
40% Clickers/Smartphones
40% Blog, Wiki, Edmodo, Edline
30% Garden Lab
24% Agriscience Lab
21% Aquaculture
17% Small Animal Lab
6% Podcast or Streaming Media
5% Nursery Lab
3% Large Animal Lab
71% Science
26% Consumer Education
2% Math
1% Social Studies
1% Language Arts
403 Total Teachers
10 month Average contract length
57% Male
43% Female
30% 30 years of age or younger
22% Over age 50
39 Average age
34% 5 years of experience or less
16% 25+ years of experience
12 Average years of experience
35% Have a Masters Degree
85% Member of IAVAT (professional organization)
26% Provisionally certified
$50,972 Average salary
68% Attended IAVAT Conference
9 months (18%)
9 ½ months (19%)
10 months (25%)
10 ½ months (18%)
11 months (15%)
11 ½ months (2%)
12 months (3%)
CONTRACT LENGTHS
13
2017 Illinois Agricultural Education ReportAUTHENTIC LEARNING
NUMBER OF FFA MEMBERS IN ILLINOIS
NUMBER OF FFA MEMBERS NATIONALLY
17,535
653,359
2017 NATIONAL CHAPTER AWARD RESULTSThe FFA Mission: FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing
their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through
agricultural education.
to incorporate over 300 careers in the agriculture industry and beyond. FFA, an intra-curricular
student organization, not only prepares students for opportunities within agriculture, but also helps
to develop leadership, communication, and teamwork traits within its members, which are critical
in all aspects of life. From local community service activities to competitive and challenging Career
Development Events, students are applying what they learn within the agricultural classroom and
FFA chapter to real world scenarios.
NATIONAL CHAPTER AWARDS
As part of the National Chapter Award, FFA chapters compete based on their work and achievements
in these three areas - Growing Leaders, Building Communities, and Strengthening Agriculture.
Section and state winning chapters in each of these areas are selected based on their planning and
preparation of events, execution of their plan, and evaluating the results of their work. This year,
thirty-two chapters advanced to national competition.
Authentic Leadership and Career Development Events in FFA
GROWING LEADERS
BUILDING COMMUNITIES
STRENGTHENING AGRICULTURE
Section 1
Section 2
Section 3
Section 4
Section 5
Section 6
Section 7
Section 8
Section 9
Section 10
Section 11
Section 12
Section 13
Section 14
Section 15
Section 16
Section 17
Section 18
Section 19
Section 20
Section 21
Section 22
Section 23
Section 24
Section 25
State Winner
West Carroll
Rochelle
Orion
Knoxville
Midland
Marengo
Seneca
Chicago High School for Ag Sciences
Normal Community
Tri-Point
Unity-Mendon
Midwest Central
Pittsfield
PORTA
Lincolnwood
Sullivan
Paxton-Buckley- Loda
Hoopeston Area
Greenville
Cumberland
Nashville
Waterloo
Olney
Marion
Harrisburg
Seneca
Scales Mound
Rochelle
Cambridge
West Central
Eureka
Marengo
Seneca
Chicago High School for Ag Sciences
Pontiac
Cissna Park
Payson-Seymour
Farmington
Pittsfield
PORTA
Highland
Sullivan
Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley
Hoopeston Area
Greenville
Stewardson-Strasburg
Mt. Vernon
Waterloo
Olney
Goreville
Eldorado
Goreville
Scales Mound
Chadwick-Milledgeville
Cambridge
Knoxville
Midland
Marengo
Seneca
Chicago High School for Ag Sciences
Pontiac
Cissna Park
Liberty
Midwest Central
Pittsfield
PORTA
Lincolnwood
Sullivan
Paxton-Buckley- Loda
Hoopeston Area
Greenville
Stewardson-Strasburg
Mt. Vernon
Waterloo
Olney
Goreville
Harrisburg
Olney
STATE BANKER’S PLAQUE WINNER – WATERLOO
14
2017 LEADERSHIP AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT EVENT RESULTSNATIONAL CHAPTER - BUILDING COMMUNITIES WINNER – PITTSFIELD FFA CHAPTER
The Pittsfield FFA Chapter, like chapters throughout the state, is very active in the community. At the
National FFA Convention in October, 2017 the chapter was named the national winner in the Building
duty military members. FFA members then work with the city to have permanent street signs hung.
Upon completion of their service, the military service personnel will receive the sign as a token of
the City of Pittsfield to plant more than 150 trees within the city. As part of the project, members
are responsible for the planting and initial care of the trees. As a result of the project, Pittsfield has
involved members working with local legislators to pass legislation naming corn the State Grain.
ILLINOIS’ BANKER’S PLAQUE AWARD WINNER – WATERLOO FFA CHAPTER
The Waterloo FFA chapter, located in Waterloo, Illinois, is advised by Mrs. Carrie Koester and
Mr. Tim McDermott.
Growing Leaders: Leadership training is a key component of the Waterloo FFA Chapter, which
consists of 186 members. For example, their annual leadership training event involves not only the
chapter officers, but other FFA members, school administration, and teachers.
Building Communities: The Waterloo FFA Chapter strives to help those in need in their community which
teaches families how to make meals with items they normally receive from the local food pantry.
Strengthening Agriculture:
their members on the impact of social economics in our community. The program was developed
to help students to grow in making proactive personal financial decisions and understanding how
economic status and financial decisions impact their future growth and lifestyles. The Waterloo
FFA works to provide opportunities for our members that will help make them well rounded
students and citizens.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT EVENTS
FFA members have the opportunity to apply the skills they’ve gained in real-world scenarios through
the twenty-six Career Development Events (CDE’s) and Leadership Development Events (LDE’s).
These CDE and LDE contests are either individual or group events. The participation in these contests
help the FFA members discover their skills and passions, thus leading them to successful careers.
Ag Business Management
Ag Communications
Ag Issues
Agronomy
Ag Mechanics
Ag Sales
Conduct of Chapter Meeting
FFA Creed Speaking
Dairy Foods
Dairy Cattle Evaluation
Dairy Handlers
Envirothon
Extemporaneous Public Speaking
Floriculture
Food Science
Forestry
Horse Evaluation
Horticulture
Job Interview
Land Use
Livestock Evaluation
Marketing Plan
Meats Evaluation
Nursery & Landscape Management
Parliamentary Procedure
Poultry
Prepared Public Speaking
Veterinary Science
Prairie Central
Midland
Pittsfield
Iroquois West
Prairie Central
Cambridge
Olney
Paige VanDyke, North Clay FFA Chapter
Prairie Central
Eastland
Lane Heinzmann, Carlyle FFA Chapter
Midland
Maddie Fugate, Mahomet-Seymour FFA Chapter
Wesclin
Rochelle
Olney
Mt. Vernon
Wesclin
Abby Forlines, Central A & M FFA Chapter
United
El Paso-Gridley
Olney
Prairie Central
Glenbrook South
Olney
Paxton-Buckley-Loda
Amy Christ, Elmwood FFA Chapter
Central-Clifton
CAREER DEVELOPMENT EVENT ORLEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT EVENT
STATE-WINNING FFA CHAPTEROR STUDENT
15
2017 Illinois Agricultural Education ReportAUTHENTIC LEARNING
FFA LEADERSHIP AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT EVENTS ATTENDED BY SCHOOL
STUDENTS
ENROLLMENT/FFA MEMBERSHIP GRADES 6-12
83% State/National FFA Conventions
65% Livestock
65% Public Speaking
64% Land-Use
61% Agronomy
58% Horse
50% Farm Bureau Youth Conference
50% 212 Leadership Conference
48% Milk Products
46% Mechanics
43% Quiz Bowl
42% Section Agricultural Education Fair
38% Poultry
37% Job Interview
37% Leadership Camp
36% Horticulture
36% Section Team Activities and Responsibilities (STAR) Conference
35% Parliamentary Procedure
34% Dairy Cattle
29% Agricultural Sales
29% Meat Science
27% Forestry
27% Government Awareness Day
25% Agribusiness Management
23% Food Science
23% Envirothon
17% Washington Leadership Conference
16% Agriscience Fair
8% Veterinary Science
4% Agricultural Issues
4% Dairy Handlers
2% Landscape/Floral Design
2% Communications
CHANGE FROM 2016
CHANGE FROM 2016
-1%
-1%
-1%
-1%
-1%
-1%
-2%
-1%
-1%
-3%
-3%
-1%
-2%
-2%
-2%
-4%
-4%
-4%
-4%
-3%
-7%
-3%
-3%
-3%
-4%
+1%
+1%
+1%
+1%
+1%
+2%
+3%
+3%
+2%
+2%
+3%
+4%
no change
no change
no change
no change
no change
no change
no change
no change
81% 9-12th grade students
19% 6-8th grade students
62% Male
38% Female
8% Minority
11% Living on a family farm
17% Urban Students (living in a city of 20,000+)
55% Are FFA members
65% Senior graduates went on to a postsecondary institution
35% Senior graduates entering the workforce or military
69% Senior graduates entering community college
31% Senior graduates entering a university
DUPLICATED
40,027
38,817
36,306
37,023
UNDUPLICATED
29,463
29,615
30,562
31,655
FFA MEMBERSHIP
17,529
17,410
17,679
17,535
2013-2014
2014-2015
2015-2016
2016-2017
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000FFA
Membership
Unduplicated*
Students
Duplicated*
Students
2013-2014 2014-2015 2015-2016 2016-2017
* Unduplicated = Enrollment count only includes a student once.
* Duplicated = Enrollment count includes a student multiple times when enrolled in multiple courses.
16
Total dollars earned by Illinois Agricultural Education students via their SAE’s from paid work income and/or sales of products.
$11 M i lli on +
TYPES OF SAE’S COMPLETED BY STUDENTS
ILLINOIS FFA DISCOVERY DEGREE
Star in Agricultural Placement: Bobby Werden, 8th grade member at the Edwardsville Lincoln Middle School, was named the first
ever Illinois Discovery Degree Star in Agricultural Placement after documenting his work for his dad on their family farm raising
crops and livestock.
Star Farmer: Renee Gehrke, 8th grade member at Byron who raises and shows purebred Angus and commercial beef cattle, was named the first
Illinois Discovery Degree Star Farmer.
SAE STUDENTS
CHANGE FROM 2016
-1%
+$26,030
+$9
“Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) is a student-led, instructor supervised, work-based
learning experience that results in measurable outcomes within a predefined, agreed upon set of
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (AFNR) Technical Standards and Career Ready Practices
aligned to a career plan of study. SAE’s provide students with individualized opportunities to learn
and develop real-world skills outside of the classroom beyond the school day.”
SAE is a…
(SAE for All Teacher Guide, 2017, pp. 1-3)
In 2017, 10,654 Illinois agricultural students utilized the online Agricultural Experience Tracker (AET)
platform to record and track their SAE’s thanks to the generous sponsorship from Farm Credit Illinois
and Compeer Financial. According to the data within AET, SAE’s had an economic impact value of
$40.8 million in Illinois, leading to job creation, business support and building stronger communities.
Supervised Agricultural Experience: Authentic Work-Based Learning
45% Completed a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE)
$1,010 Average SAE net income per student
$11,698,214 Total Earnings of Students with an SAE
40% Schools having all students with an SAE
Job Placement/ Internship (47%)
Research (4%)
Entrepreneurship/ Ownership (37%)
Exploratory (12%)
+3%
17
2017 Illinois Agricultural Education ReportAUTHENTIC LEARNING
ILLINOIS FFA - PROFICIENCY WINNERS
Agricultural Communications: Kayla Adams, Clifton Central
Agricultural Education: Hannah Klingele, Payson-Seymour
Agricultural Mechanics - Design & Fabrication: Phillip Eisenmann, Cissna Park
Agricultural Mechanics - Repair & Maintenance - E: Levi Brown, Sandoval
Agricultural Mechanics - Repair & Maintenance - P: Colin Tebbe, Central Breese
Agricultural Processing: Tracy Lynn, Olney
Agricultural Sales - E: Josh Kindred, Olympia
Agricultural Sales - P: Madeline Jones, Mt. Carmel
Agricultural Services: Logan Loverkamp, Massac County
Agriscience Research - Animal Systems: Mikayla Jones, Paxton-Buckley-Loda
Agriscience Research - Plant Systems: Garrett Williams, Flora
Agriscience Research - Integrated Systems: Anna Rever, Taylorville
Beef Production - E: Dalton Lemenager, Clifton Central
Beef Production - P: William Kuhl, Central Breese
Dairy Production - E: Mason Niedbalski, Nashville
Dairy Production - P: Jared Dickman, Eastland (NATIONAL WINNER)
Diversified Ag Production: Kendall Nelson, Newark
Diversified Crop Production - E: Nicholas Close, Mercer County
Diversified Crop Production - P: Devin Warren, Sullivan
Diversified Horticulture: Joseph Birrittier, Waterloo
Diversified Livestock Production: Jonathan Timm, Cisne
Electrical Technology: Alec Wetzell, Prophetstown
Environmental Science & Natural Resources Management: Daniel Hartman, West Carroll
Equine Science - E: Sydney Riden, West Prairie (NATIONAL FINALIST)
Equine Science - P: Jessica Shilling, Olney
Fiber &/or Oil Crop Production: Andrew Hunsinger, Carmi
Food Science & Technology: Brooke Tindall, Southeastern
Food Service: Rebekah Peterson, Monticello
Forage Production: Dustin Schleef, Cissna Park
Forest Management & Products: John Jones, Fairfield
Fruit Production: Amy Christ, Elmwood
Goat Production: Kaylyn Williams, Bushnell Prairie City
Grain Production - E: Jacob Calhoon, Goreville
Grain Production - P: Jack Curtin, Taylorville
Home &/or Community Development: Mitchell Lanz, Prairie Central
Landscape Management: Summer Albright, Goreville
Nursery Operations: Tyler Dambman, Eastland
Outdoor Recreation: Paul Oelkers, Princeville
Poultry Production: Victoria Medernach, LeRoy
Safety: Erin Winter, Scales Mound
Sheep Production: Austin Brockmann, Belvidere
Small Animal Production & Care: Abby Becherer, Wesclin
Specialty Animal Production: Claire Eggerman, Carlyle
Specialty Crop Production: Cole Herrmann, Nashville
Swine Production - E: Maddie Fugate, Mahomet-Seymour
Swine Production - P: Loretta Knapp, Prairie Central
Turf Grass Management: Jenna Cowan, Indian Creek
Vegetable Production: Devin Liable, Lexington
Veterinary Science: Alyssa Moore, Taylorville
Wildlife Production & Management: Paige Adams, Stillman Valley
10,392 students were evaluated and recognized for their SAE’s at proficiency awards at or above the chapter level. This list recognizes the Illinois winners in each of the proficiency award areas.
E= Entrepreneurship P= Job Placement
18
ILLINOIS FFA STATE DEGREE:
AMERICAN FFA DEGREE:
471 state degree recipients were recognized at the 89th Illinois FFA Convention in June
2017. Top candidates included:
Star Farmer: Austin Brockmann, Belvidere
Star AgriBusiness: Logan Loverkamp, Massac County
Star AgriScience: Maddie Fugate, Mahomet-Seymour
Star Placement: Devin McGinnis, Farmington
Illinois nominated 124 members who earned their American FFA Degree at the 2017
National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, IN. These members demonstrated the highest
levels of performance in the organization. The top candidates included:
Star Farmer: Marty Bauer, Cissna Park
Star Ag Placement: Tanner Scherer, Olney
Star AgriBusiness: Noah Boulds, Eldorado
Star AgriScience: Aaron Slack, Paxton-Buckley-Loda
SAE INVOLVEMENT BY INTEREST AREA
Animal Science (39%)
Plant (16%)
Leadership Education & Communication (14%)
Agribusiness (10%)
Power, Structure & Technology (8%)
Food Products & Processing (6%)
Environmental (4%)
Natural Resources (2%)
Biotechnology (1%)
19
2017 Illinois Agricultural Education ReportAUTHENTIC LEARNING
THE PAS MISSION:
The National Postsecondary Agricultural Student (PAS) Organization provides opportunities for individual growth, leadership, and career preparation.
Illinois community colleges continue to recognize the importance of agriculture in their regions by investing in new majors and instructors at their programs. In 2017, Sauk Valley College administration responded to their community need for more skilled workforce candidates by re-opening their agricultural program which had been shuttered since the mid-1990s.
“Agriculture is one of the healthiest and most stable professions in the state of Illinois.
There is a huge demand for a new generation of agriculturalists that we are struggling
to fill in the Sauk Valley region. We need to prepare students who can work in the
agricultural finance and agribusiness world, just as much as we need operators who
can run, maintain, and repair the agricultural equipment that continues to evolve. We
also need to continue working with consumers to develop a better understanding of
the food and fiber industry- where their food comes from, how it is grown, and how it
is prepared.” Dr. Ryan Anderson, Agriculture Instructor
Sauk Valley Community College is not alone in their investment in agricultural education.
Last year, Illinois Valley Community College restarted their program, and next year
Heartland College will hire a full time instructor to build their new program. To provide
career skill development and help students prepare for the workforce, all of these colleges
are implementing PAS (Postsecondary Agricultural Student Organization) chapters.
The Postsecondary Agricultural Student (PAS) organization is dedicated to the development
of student career interests and abilities in the areas of agriculture, agribusiness, and natural
resources at approved postsecondary institutions which offer baccalaureate degrees,
associate degrees, and/or certificates. Through its motto, “Dedicated to uniting education
and industry in agriculture,” PAS strives to develop ties between a student’s postsecondary
education and his or her future career in agriculture.
In Illinois, there are 15 PAS Chapters and 471 student members cultivating their futures in agriculture through participation in fall and spring conferences at the state and national level.
Community Colleges / PAS
20
FACULTY ENROLLMENT BY GENDER DEMOGRAPHICS
ENROLLMENT BY DEGREE
CHANGE FROM 2016
CHANGE FROM 2016
82 Full Time Instructors
119 Part Time Instructors
24 Average Teaching Load Contact Hours per Year
13 Average Number of Years Teaching
49 Average Age
$68,012 Full Time Salary
66% Education Level at MS or Higher
94% Instructors Indicating Previous Industry Experience
16 Average Years Pre-Teaching Industry Experience
25 Total Programs
15 Postsecondary Agricultural Student (PAS) Chapters
471 Total PAS Members
48% College Students Who Were Former High School Ag Education Students
96% Programs with Advisory Councils
13 Average Members per Advisory Council
542 High School Students Who Received Articulated Course Credit
354 High School Students Who Received Dual Credit
64% Programs Offering Online Courses
81 Total Online (online only and blended) Courses Offered
796 Students Enrolled in Online (online only & blended) Courses
36 Online (only online instruction) Courses Offered
360 Students Enrolled in Online (only online instruction) Courses
45 Online (Blended / Hybrid) Courses Offered
436 Students Enrolled in Online (Blended / Hybrid) Courses
-8
-170
-119
-6
-6
-4%
-324
-167
+5
+$1
+46
+1
+1
+15
+51
+13%
+17
+5%
+2%
+16%
no change
no change
no change
no change
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Community College
MALE NON-FARM
MALE FARM
FEMALE NON-FARM
FEMALE FARM
1,022 36% 795 28%
732 26% 313 11%
61 % 39 %MALE FEMALE
TRANSFER
536
583
+47
AAS
2005
1762
-243
NON-DEGREE
240
209
-31
TOTAL
3411
3071
-340
CERTIFICATE
630
517
-113
2016
2000
1500
1000
500
2017
CHANGE FROM 2016
2016 2016 2016 20162017 2017 2017 2017
21
2017 Illinois Agricultural Education ReportAUTHENTIC LEARNING
AGRICULTURE MAJORS
University
357
263
195
155
413
413
925
1237
Male
Female
2017 UNDERGRADUATE ENROLLMENT
INCOMING FRESHMAN
TRANSFERS
+14
620
=
350
-61
826
+142
2162
Change
Total
MALE
FEMALE
+41
103
127
118
86
91
+2
71
71
84
69
50
+14
144
105
303
252
101
+39
415
466
443
429
346
Change
2016
2017
Total
2014
2015
U OF I
U OF I
SIU
SIU
ISU
ISU
WIU
WIU
19
n/a
12,048
n/a
12,048
10
0
=
6,469
n/a
6,469
12
117
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
46
214
-273
56,385
31,709
88,094
186
Change
Ag
Non-Ag
Total
ADMITTED GRADUATE STUDENTS
NUMBER OF AGRICULTURE FACULTY
CREDIT HOURS GENERATED BY DEPARTMENT
2017 2017 2017 20172016 2016 2016 2016
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION LINE ITEM FUNDING
1987 $48,500
1988 $48,500
1989 $1,000,000
1990 $1,040,000
1991 $1,040,000
1992 $1,040,000
1993 $1,040,000
1994 $1,081,600
1995 $1,081,600
1996 $1,181,600
1997 $1,299,000
1998 $1,429,700
1999 $1,500,000
2000 $2,000,000
2001 $2,000,000
2002 $1,950,000
2003 $1,881,200
2004 $1,881,200
2005 $1,881,200
2006 $2,381,200
2007 $2,881,200
2008 $2,881,200
2009 $3,381,200
2010 $3,043,100
2011 $1,947,600
2012 $1,800,000
2013 $1,800,000
2014 $1,800,000
2015 $1,759,900
2016 $1,800,000
2017 $1,800,000
2018 $5,000,000
ILLINOIS STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
100 North First Street | Springfield, IL 62777-0001
WWW.ISBE.NET
JAMES T. MEEKS Chair
TONY SMITH, PH.D. Superintendent
authentic Learning
AGRICULTURAL STUDENT ENROLLMENT WORK-BASED LEARNING (SAE)
PUBLIC SPEAKING CAREER DEVELOPMENT EVENTS
Programs in 2015/2016 Programs in 2016/2017
MILLION
Programs in 2017/2018
3 2 1 3 2 7
$1 1+
3 3 3
Total dollars earned by Illinois Agricultural
Education students via their SAE’s from
paid work income and/or sales of products.
Students from 210 High School Agricultural
programs participated in Public Speaking
Career Development Events (CDEs). Agricultural Education non-duplicated student enrollment
continues to trend upward.
5000
10000
15000
20000
25000
30000
35000
1989-1990 1999-2000 2009-2010 2016-2017
TOTAL NUMBER OF AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMS: