Strategic Initiatives

What Do We Need to Do Next in Order to Reach Our Preferred Future?

During the next 12-36 months we will focus on:

Teacher Preparation Program
We will enhance the teacher preparation program by creating a three track licensure program. The tracks will provide the following licensure options:

• Track #1:
  5-12 teacher of agricultural education
  9-12 teacher/coordinator work-based learning
• Track #2:
  5-12 teacher of agricultural education
  9-12 teacher/coordinator work-based learning
  5-12 technology education teacher
• Track #3:
  5-12 teacher of agricultural education
  9-12 teacher/coordinator work-based learning
  5-8 general science teacher

We will also utilize an advisory committee to provide input and analysis of the program. We will establish, collect, and use data from a Unit Assessment Plan to assist in decision making related to student performance and program direction.

Agricultural Leadership Training and Development (ALTD) Program
We will enhance this degree specialization by creating a series of leadership courses placing more focus on the leader aspect.

We will establish close connections with agribusiness firms and provide them with a clear understanding of what are the distinctive characteristics of an ALTD specialization in the agricultural education major. We will seek effective summer internships. We will list agribusiness positions on the AgEd job openings Web site. We will continually follow up and analyze the graduates at 1, 3, 6 years out of the program.

Graduate Program
We will redesign the graduate studies program in agricultural education at the master of education (M.Ed.) degree level. We will create a delivery system for courses that will aid in promoting a cohort program. We will seek input and analysis from potential clients to determine needs at the graduate level. We will seek ways to find scholarships, fellowships for resident and remote graduate students. We will seek ways to develop promotional materials for our graduate programs.

Research Program
We will create a research agenda and develop a research plan involving all faculty members. Each faculty member will prepare an annual plan. We will seek input and actively participate in the research conferences at the regional and national levels. We will continually seek funding for research and development activities. We will seek to form collaborative efforts in research endeavors with the AgEd division, the department, the College, and in institutions across the country or internationally.

Continuing Initiatives

Recruitment Program
We will maintain a student recruitment program. Our goal is to employ a full-time recruiter for agricultural education seeking at least 40 new undergraduate students in the agricultural education major each year.

Cooperation and Collaborations
We will maintain a team of partners in an agricultural education network across the state of Minnesota. Our goal is to connect the AFEE program with the state through:

• 2+2 partnerships with South Central Technical College, Minnesota State University - Mankato, Central Lakes College - Brainerd, Ridgewater College - Willmar, and Minnesota West Community and Technical College - Worthington.
• 4+0 partnership with the University of Minnesota - Crookston.