An Examination of Middle School Agricultural Education Programs in the United States

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the status of middle school agricultural education programs in the Unites States and describe any changes in the past twenty-five years. This study sought to establish enrollment and FFA membership numbers, identify components of middle school agricultural education, and identify advantages and disadvantages of middle school agricultural education programs. This study was descriptive in nature and was a census of all 50 state and Puerto Rico FFA leaders (N= 51). A response rate of 84.31 % was achieved (n=43). The respondents completed an online survey using Qualtrics™. The survey was a total of 34 questions including 12 multiple choice/check all that apply questions, 16 fill in the blank questions, four Likert type questions and two question regarding the state the respondent represented.

In this study, 32 (74%) state FFA leaders reported they have middle school agricultural education programs. The results of the study showed that middle school agricultural education enrollment numbers have grown from 52, 968 to 107,856 in the past twenty-five years. However, the percentage of students who are middle school FFA members is still minimal (27%). State FFA leaders reported agricultural literacy and career exploration are still the most popular topics covered in these middle school agricultural education programs. State FFA leaders indicated these programs increase career awareness and increase self-esteem in middle school students. Lastly, the majority of state FFA leaders (77%) feel enrollment in middle school agricultural education programs can increase enrollment in high school agricultural education programs.