Private School Agriculture Programs

PURPOSE: The State Board of Education is charged by section 178.530, RSMo, to establish standards for agricultural education programs that may be adopted by a private school. In meeting these standards, a private school will be able to demonstrate that an agricultural education program provides quality vocational programming and qualify for approval of local chapters of a federally chartered national agricultural education association. (1) The following standards are adopted for the approval of agricultural education programs provided by a private school pursuant to section 178.530, RSMo: (A) The private school shall be accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education; and (B) The private school shall provide evidence of quality vocational programming consistent with standards by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (department) and consistent with the following standards for agricultural education programs: 1. A written curriculum for all agriculture courses has been developed with input from the community, students, and administration and includes the identification of specific goals and objectives, Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) supervision, and leadership instruction; 2. The agriculture program has the resources necessary to implement and deliver the curriculum and to adapt to the needs of students; 3. Each instructor is qualified and participates in professional development activities; 4. All students will have the opportunity to enroll in the agriculture education program; 5. Year-round student leadership development activities are integrated into the agriculture program and are supervised by the local agriculture instructor(s); 6. A SAE Program is an essential part of the agriculture program; 7. Clean, attractive, and safe facilities and equipment are provided to support the curriculum and meet the needs of students; 8. Safety is incorporated into all phases of the agriculture program; 9. Community support and involvement are facilitated through a comprehensive program targeted to all program stakeholders; 10. A record of student enrollment, placement, and follow-up activities is maintained and used in program planning and development; and 11. Input from students, parents, staff members, and community representatives is used to develop and implement the agriculture program’s goals and objectives. (2) Any student who is regularly enrolled in a secondary (grades 9-12) agricultural education program approved under these standards shall be entitled to become an active member of a chartered Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter. AUTHORITY: sections 161.092 and 178.530, RSMo Supp. 2012.* Original rule filed Oct. 25, 2012, effective May 30, 2013. *Original authority: 161.092, RSMo 1963, amended 1973, 2002, 2003 and 178.530, RSMo 1963, amended 1977, 1991, 1995, 2012.