ERIC Number: EJ1463320
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025-Jan
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1042-0541
EISSN: EISSN-2162-5212
Available Date: 0000-00-00
The Benefits and Challenges of SAE for All and FFA Affiliation Adoption
Journal of Agricultural Education, v66 n1 Article 4 2025
Even with measurable benefits of all three School-Based Agricultural Education (SBAE) components, implementation of each component widely varies. Not all SBAE students experience the benefits of FFA and SAE, resulting in young adults who may not be fully prepared for their careers or to enter the workforce. FFA Affiliation and SAE for All are two approaches designed to reprioritize FFA and SAE as integral. As part of a federally funded grant, we used a descriptive case study approach and Diffusion of Innovations theory (Rogers, 2003) to explore the challenges, limitations, and benefits experienced when teachers adopted FFA Affiliation and SAE for All. We found that the stigma of agriculture, student buy-in, limited resources, SBAE jargon, and long-term financial feasibility were challenges for teachers. Teachers described many benefits including increased access, removing barriers, and increased participation. To make adoption easier, teachers wanted additional resources, networking, best practices, and time for problem-solving. Participants' primary concern was FFA Affiliation's long-term viability, given the pricing model. We recommend national organizations develop additional resources and provide professional development to support FFA Affiliation and SAE for All and that National FFA reevaluate the FFA Affiliation fee structure.
Descriptors: Agricultural Education, Career Readiness, Youth Programs, Program Effectiveness, Barriers, Social Bias, Student Attitudes, Resources, Language Usage, Costs, Networks, Best Practices, Career and Technical Education, Job Skills, Skill Development, Social Emotional Learning, Secondary Education, Secondary School Teachers
American Association for Agricultural Education. P.O. Box 7607, Department of Agricultural and Extension Education, Raleigh, NC 27695. Web site: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/index
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: 202001933
Author Affiliations: N/A