ERIC Number: EJ1467457
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: EISSN-2325-5226
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Barriers to Becoming CASE Certified as Seen by Agriculture Educators
Kristin Witte; Nathan W. Conner; Bryan A. Reiling; Mark A. Balschweid; Christopher T. Stripling
Journal of Human Sciences & Extension, v9 n3 p165-177 2021
There is a need to improve science comprehension in the United States. Incorporating scientific principles into the study of food production provides context to engage youth in STEM education. The Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education (CASE) is an inquiry-based program that stimulates scientific engagement. While agriscience teachers believe in the concept, less than 20% are certified in Nebraska to teach CASE. Twenty-five active agriscience teachers, who were not CASE certified, individually discussed their reluctance to become CASE certified. Most research participants had a positive view of CASE but were concerned about the apparent stringent program structure. They questioned individualizing the CASE model for different teaching styles and programs. Three primary barriers to CASE certification were identified: cost, time, and administrative support. Although scholarships were available to cover certification costs ($2,500-$3,000) in Nebraska, participants questioned funding needed equipment and supplies to implement the program. Traditional CASE certifications require 50-100 hours of intense training, and participants opposed trainings that exceeded five days due to personal and professional obligations. Teachers also believe school administrators lack knowledge of CASE benefits. For the widespread implementation of CASE, certification trainings need to be more concise, implementation costs minimized, and school administrators informed of benefits.
Descriptors: Agricultural Education, Agriculture Teachers, STEM Education, Science Instruction, Scientific Principles, Scientific Literacy, Food Processing Occupations, Active Learning, Inquiry, Curriculum Development, Science Interests, Learner Engagement, Individualized Instruction, Teaching Styles, Instructional Design, Cost Effectiveness, Time Management, Teacher Administrator Relationship, Teacher Certification, Scholarships, Inservice Teacher Education, Barriers, Teacher Attitudes
School of Human Sciences, Mississippi State University. PO Box 9745, Mississippi State, MS 39762. Tel: 662-325-6861; Fax: 662-325-8188; e-mail: jhse@ext.msstate.edu; Web site: https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/jhse/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Nebraska
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A