State supervisors roles in agricultural education curriculum: A national study

The purpose of this study was to examine state supervisors roles in agricultural education curriculum. A census survey, plus Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands were used to collect data for this study. The population included all head state supervisors employed during the spring of 2009. Of the 52 surveys sent out 36 were returned (69%). The study found that responsibility for developing and communicating career development events (CDE) and information varied by state, with the head state supervisor, executive secretary, state supervisor with FFA responsibilities or university faculty managing the events. State supervisors identified email, listserv (group email), telephone calls, websites and teacher conferences as their top five methods of communication. The courses most frequently taught as stand alone classes were identified as agriculture and natural resources, agriculture mechanics, floriculture, aquaculture and renewable energy (all programs in one state). State supervisors indicated that the most common subject matter incorporated into existing courses was soil science, plant science, agribusiness management, anatomy and physiology, and environmental science.