Identification of prerequisite competencies needed by handicapped students for successful entry into a vocational agriculture program

Abstract

Accessibility to vocational programs, such as Production Agriculture I, is an essential element in the preparation of handicapped individuals for productive lives. It is upon this premise that this study is based. Purpose: The dual purpose of this research was to identify the competencies needed by students to successfully enter Production Agriculture I and to determine if these competencies could be attained by students with certain handicapping conditions. The handicapping conditions considered for use in this study were: a) educable mentally retarded, b) specific learning disabled, c) orthopedically impaired, and d) seriously emotionally disturbed. Procedure: The Delphi technique was identified as the method to be used to determine the competencies that were considered prerequisite for successful entry into Production Agriculture I. Following the guidelines that accompany this method, an advisory committee was established to assist the investigator with decisions throughout the study. Through a nominating procedure, utilizing the area supervisors in agricultural education at the Texas Education Agency, 10 exemplary Production Agriculture I teachers were selected. This panel included a cross section of membership representing the 10 geographical agricultural areas in the State of Texas. With the assistance of the panel of experts, the advisory committee, and an extensive review of the Production Agriculture I curriculum, Round I of the Delphi study was completed and administered. Respondents were asked to respond as to how frequently each competency was used within Production Agriculture I classes and to give examples of that use..