Nov. 20, 2017
HARRISBURG – A provision sponsored by Rep. Mark Keller (R-Perry/Cumberland) included in the Public School Code with the recently finalized 2017-18 state budget is designed to improve agricultural education in Pennsylvania’s classrooms.
“The future of the industry depends on the young people who are choosing agriculture as a career,” said Keller. “My provision will ensure the learning programs are in place to teach those students the skills they need to succeed on the farm, in a research lab or at an ag-related business.”
Keller’s provision amended the Public School Code to create the Commission of Agricultural Education Excellence, which will assist in the development and implementation of agricultural education programming for K-12 schools. Previously, the departments of Education and Agriculture worked in collaboration to provide such resources with the input of stakeholders from the agriculture and education communities.
The stakeholder group will now be replaced by the commission, and have dual oversight by both agencies. The 15-member commission will be made up of educators, farmers, business people and government representatives with knowledge of agriculture and agricultural education.
Housed within the Department of Agriculture and provided with a six-person support staff from both agencies, the commission will develop state-approved agricultural curriculum, assist with agricultural experience programs, coordinate local and statewide FFA activities, and submit an annual report to the governor and General Assembly on the status of agricultural education in the Commonwealth.
“The ultimate goal is to provide students with the best education possible in our public schools and give them the skills they need for a successful career in agriculture,” added Keller.
The legislation will take effect in early January.
Representative Mark Keller
86th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Andy Briggs
717.260.6474
abriggs@pahousegop.com
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