Recipient Organization
NORFOLK COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SCHOOL
400 MAIN STREET
WAPOLE,MA 02081
Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
The school formed a school-wide Visioning Team, comprised of representatives of business, industry, higher education, faculty, staff, students, parents and alumni to examine the status of the school's programs and create a strategic plan for the future. The Team was asked examine each vocational department's history, evaluate the current status of the program and facilities, and make recommendations for improvement and change. By reviewing the recommendations of the Visioning Team and through discussions with the school's Plant, Environmental and Mechanical Technologies Vocational Advisory Boards, it was determined that the plant and agricultural mechanics programs were in need of improvement. Over the next decade the school anticipates the maturation and expansion of additional solid career paths in each of these three areas in the state and region's economy. In response, the school has identified the need to update the curriculum, improve student and teacher competencies, and incorporate more embedded academics in the STEM subject fields into the agricultural curriculum. In Agricultural Mechanics, the current agricultural mechanics curriculum needed to be updated and the program lacks the availability of the needed technology and equipment to meet increasingly more scientific, technical and professional workforce needs. It was recommended that the instructors obtain industry-relevant professional development, and that improved motors be obtained for the diesel program. Student placement in quality cooperative work sites was becoming more difficult. In Plant Science, it was determined that the curriculum needed to have a stronger focus on STEM subjects, with a broader application of technology and embedded academics. As other vocational departments at NCAHS have expanded their course offerings to reflect growing trends in their respective industries and improved academic rigor, the NCAHS Plant Science Department still focuses on traditional, entry level careers, with an emphasis on entrepreneurship. It was recommended that both a curriculum review be conducted, professional development be offered for the current faculty and opportunities for improved student experiential learning be offered. In 2006, the school applied for and was granted a CSREES Secondary and Two-Year Postsecondary Agriculture Education Challenge Grant to enhance the Animal Science Program, by piloting an internship model to enhance student learning in the fields of wildlife rehabilitation, animal biotechnology and laboratory research for Grade 11 students. This program, which ran from 2006-2008 served as a springboard for greater career opportunities, curriculum enhancement and improved competencies for students and faculty. This internship was continued by the NCAHS after the grant period was complete. However, the instructors and industry professionals recommended expanding the existing program by offering an advanced training session with veterinary professionals to Grade 12 students, focusing on agricultural bioterrorism, public/animal health and biotechnology. This suggestion was endorsed by the Animal Science Advisory Board and the Board of Trustees.
Animal Health Component
100%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
100%
Developmental
(N/A)
Goals / Objectives
a) To enhance agricultural education by improving and updating the plant science, agricultural mechanics and animal science programs, by expanding and enhancing the curricula b) To develop structured internships at three sites for 2010 and 2011 c) To increase faculty teaching competencies d) Expose teachers to new and emerging fields within their industries so they may better understand staffing needs and work environments of local employers in this sector e) To expand career opportunities for students at NCAHS and place students in new and emerging fields f) To facilitate linkages with other academic institutions g) Identify career paths in these new fields to enable NCAHS to assist and guide students towards employment and/or postsecondary study. h) To create a formal partnership between the four collaborators.
Project Methods
a) New curricula will be developed in plant science, agricultural mechanics and animal science Additional course materials will be available for use by teachers, reinforce STEM subjects and embedded academics in the agricultural curriculum. New curricula will be created and aligned to the Mass. State Vocational Technical Curriculum Frameworks. b) The project will create a year-long program culminating in three structured internships for a team of ten students and one teacher during 2010 and 2011 at three sites(Total of 10 students x 3 sites=30 students per year x 2 years = 60 student participants and six teachers). New opportunities will be available for 60 students and six teachers to explore alternative careers in a structured work environment and obtain new skills/competencies. c) The grant will provide professional development for high school teachers in structured work environments and college courses. Improved instructor competencies, enhance the carry-over of skills from the workplace to the classroom. Full implementation of the school's new diesel technology program with fully aligned curriculum. d) Teachers will be trained alongside students in the structured internship model. Teachers will complete internship training, network with professionals in industry, create linkages between the school, businesses and higher education through their participation in the program. Teachers will receive up to 40 Professional Development Points (PDPs) for curriculum development and competencies attained through the development of a demonstrable product. e)The project will provide educational preparation and dual enrollment college credit 30 hours (2 credits) in both 2010 and 2011.A formal articulation agreements with MBCC and MCC,completion of the dual enrollment courses for all students. Students who complete program will be eligible for advanced standing through the use of articulated credit and will have 2 credits on a college transcript. g) The project will result in the development of Career Pathway Grids for use by Guidance and Student Services in the advisement of students. h) Resulting in improved awareness of career opportunities by students, staff and Guidance Department 10% increase in the number of students involved in Agricultural Mechanics, increase female enrollment in the program. h) Project will include collaborators as members of NCAHS Vocational Advisory Boards, assist in the development of new classroom/lab spaces in the school's upcoming building project. Completed partnership agreement. The project will continue after the grant expires.