Recipient Organization
LIVINGSTON CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
PO BOX 369, 750 US. 60W
SMITHLAND,KY 42081
Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
There is a need for agriculture students to use more technology and have more opportunities for different careers in horticulture. This project places a technology program within the agriculture department of the school to increase the opportunities for agriculture students to expand their knowledge of how technology can be integrated into a variety of agriculture careers, especially the area of landscape design and turf management.
Animal Health Component
100%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
100%
Developmental
(N/A)
Goals / Objectives
1. During the 2006-2007 academic year, 24 students will enroll in and successfully complete the LD/TM program with 85% of those students receiving a grade of B or higher. 2. The LD/TM instructor will, with the assistance of his advisory council, create a student survey to be administered upon the completion of the LD/TM course. 90% of the students surveyed will indicate that the course had successfully met their needs and would recommend the course to fellow students. 3. 100% of the students enrolled in the LD/TM course will complete an individual or small group landscape design project and enter into a competition to be judged by landscape design professionals from the surrounding area. The Project Director will attempt to find an actual landscape project in the area to be used for this competition. 4. Beginning in 2006-2007, a longitudinal study will be completed by Mr. Schmitt over a course of five years. This study will gather data on the LD/TM students
post-secondary experiences and career choices in an effort to determine if the LD/TM course had an impact on their experiences and actual career placement. The Product obtained through the use of the grant funds will be the course, previously unavailable to students at Livingston Central High School, Landscape Design and Turf Management. This course will be founded in solid agricultural practices and supported by state-of-the-art technology as a means for content delivery. This course offering will expand the overall agricultural curriculum at the school and increase the students knowledge and awareness of career opportunities. The Results of this grant opportunity will be an expansion of opportunities for students. Adding an additional course, LD/TM, to the horticulture program will provide quality instruction in this field, increase the students awareness of this field, train students in the skills needed to work in this field, and open doors in terms of employment opportunities,
post-secondary education, and career/business endeavors. The Outcomes/Impacts gained through the opportunity provided through this grant have been previously stated in the Objectives section of this application. Students will: (1) complete and succeed in the course, (2) report that their experience was positive, (3) design and complete a LD/TM project for competition, and (4) indicate, through long-term data gathering, that this course had an impact on their employment, post-secondary educational choices, and career and/or business opportunities.
Project Methods
The Management Plan below provides a detailed outline of each of the steps necessary to successfully implement the activities of this grant. 1. In March and April of 2006, advertise and disseminate course information using local materials in conjunction with the guidance counselor and project director. 2. In April of 2006, pre-enroll students in LD/TM course for the Fall of 2006. 3. In June 2006, re-organize the Ag Advisory Council to include TM/LD professionals. 4. In June and July 2006, evaluate and select LD/TM curriculum and materials. 5. In July 2006, attend training on curriculum materials and computer programs. 6. In July 2006, purchase the tools of technology needed. 7. In July and August 2006, install equipment and network connections and load software by district technology coordinator. 8. During the 2006-07 school year, implement course curriculum and implement cooperative arrangements. During this same time, we shall implement expansion and inclusion of
Horticulture program. 9. In April and May 2007, conduct a student design competition 10. In June 2007, conduct evaluation and gather data for objective measurements and close-out of grant project and evaluate the curriculum and make necessary changes for the next year.