Week 5 As the Intern - Teaching Includes Planning for Next Year

Could Ag Teachers Be Required to Submit Annual Curriculum Plans to School Admin?

Yes. 

Why?

Time = Money With Good Curriculum (At least in Agricultural Education)

Now I'm no professional educator. I'm a teacher candidate with 5 weeks of student teaching internship experience under my belt, so I'm only getting greased up. 
But here's what I know:

The Federal Government Has Allocated Money to Vocational Education (Such as Ag Ed)

In 1917, U.S. Congress passed the Smith Hughes Act, formally know as the National Vocational Education Act. This act allocated funding to public vocational instruction, which would in turn educate and foster the next generation of America's workforce. Additionally, agricultural education was now freely provided in the public school system. I am proud to live in a country that values future generations.

In 2006, the Smith Hughes act became known as Perkins V (Title I Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act) and continues to fund public agricultural and vocational education. 

Through the act, funding is allocated via the United States Department of Education (USDE) to every state by considering the Census Bureau's estimated number of individuals aged 5-17, and the estimated number of individuals aged 5-17 living under the poverty threshold. 

That Funding Comes With Conditions

In Pennsylvania, Perkins V funding is distributed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) amongst schools. School districts receiving this funding must complete what is known as a Chapter 339 Evaluation. The criteria of this evaluation can be found within the lines of Pennsylvania Title 22, 339.4. These evaluations are done "at intervals of no more than 5 years" and consist of various assessments, including proof of adequate CTE teacher certification, materials to accomplish curriculum goals, and evidence of correspondence with industry standards. 

Here's What I Think

I think when a school administrator can provide PDE with at least a year of curriculum, course, and unit plans, it will be obvious that the program fulfilled Chapter 339 Evaluation requirements. Does it seem overreaching to require that teachers to supply next year's lesson plans for school administrators? Yes. Lessons are the day to day classes that are variable because life is variable.

However, I do believe that school administrators have valid reason for asking teachers to provide next year's curriculum, course, and unit outlines. 

It Won't Be Easy, But It's Worth It

Last semester I was privileged to create only a sample of these curriculum, course, and unit outlines that I am currently utilizing in my student teaching internship. I'm grateful that I planned ahead because having a plan of action pays off in the end. The end result may be different from the plan, but you'll be ahead of the game when that time comes. At least, that's what I Believe. 

Ask your school administrators how you can help them with the Chapter 339 Evaluation. Prior planning may be beneficial for you and admin.