Vol. 61 No. 01 (2011)

The manuscripts in Volume 61, Issue 1 (2011) of the Journal of Southern Agricultural Education Research (JSAER) address expanding the reach of agricultural education through emerging technologies, strengthening curriculum alignment with academic standards, and building administrative support for program growth at the middle school level.

Technology and Extension Outreach

• Using Facebook to Disseminate Horticultural Lessons: A quantitative content analysis of a state Master Gardener Facebook page over one year finds that 81 educational lessons were delivered — with landscaping as the most frequent topic — and that linked websites were the most common lesson format, with landscaping also generating the most client questions, recommending that Extension programs expand their use of social media to broaden reach, reduce costs, and provide anytime, anywhere access to horticultural education for adult learners.

Curriculum Alignment and Academic Integration

• Mathematics in the Alabama FFA Agricultural Mechanics CDE: A content analysis comparing the Alabama State FFA Agricultural Mechanics Career Development Event activities against the 2009 Alabama Course of Study in Mathematics identifies 27 state mathematics curriculum standards embedded within the contest requirements, recommending that agriculture teachers collaborate with mathematics colleagues to develop a math-enhanced agricultural mechanics curriculum that could improve both academic understanding and contest performance.

Administrator Perceptions and Program Expansion

• Middle School Agricultural Education as Perceived by Georgia Principals: A quantitative study of 33 Georgia middle school principals with agricultural education programs at their schools finds that principals perceive the programs as positively impacting student performance in math and science, supporting goal setting and problem solving, and providing equal opportunities for all students, affirming the importance of cultivating administrator support as a foundation for expanding middle school agricultural education programs.
• Superintendent Awareness of Biotechnology Education in North Carolina: A quantitative study of North Carolina public school superintendents finds that respondents are generally knowledgeable about biotechnology and view it as beneficial for health, nutrition, and environmental quality, but express uncertainty about public support for biotechnology education and the adequacy of teacher preparation, recommending that biotechnology stakeholders forge partnerships with school administrators and community leaders to secure the future of biotechnology education in public schools.