2. Issues Changes in Iowa Perceptions About Agricultural Education Opportunities Challenges

3. Source: Iowa Department of Education, Bureau of Planning, Research and Evaluation, Basic Educational Data Survey (BEDS), Free and Reduced Price Meal Eligibility Files. Iowa Demographics

7. Common Misconceptions About Iowa ’ s Agricultural Education Programs 1. Ag Ed Programs are Disappearing 2. Ag Ed Programs Do Not Provide Rigor (Not for College-Bound Students)

8. Total FFA Chapters Source: Iowa FFA Association

9. High School Ag Ed Enrollment

10. FFA Membership Source: Iowa FFA Association

11. Opportunities College of Agriculture at Iowa State University has a combined placement rate of 98.5% (highest in the university) Job opportunities in agriculture are abundant

12. Experiential learning adds relevance to classroom learning. Relevance

13. Agricultural Education does provide rigor. Science is a key component of agricultural education. Rigor

14. In FY05, FFA members exhibited more growth in science than the average of all Iowa 11 th grade students.

15. More likely to graduate from high school More likely to pursue postsecondary education. More likely to score proficient in Math, Reading and Science Interesting Facts About Iowa FFA Members

16. Challenges Facing Agricultural Education in Iowa 30 % Female Low Minority Participation Lack of Respect Only 2/3 of High Schools Offer Ag Ed Increasing Demand for Postsecondary Education Agribusinesses and industries are seeking a more diverse workforce.

17. Your Challenge: How should we adapt high school agricultural education programs to meet the needs of a changing student population, and the needs of the agriculture industry?