Vocational Education Commons^™

Perceptions Of Georgia Elementary School Administrators Toward Elementary Agricultural Education, Addie Tucker

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Elementary agricultural education (EAE) is a growing component of K-12 agricultural education, yet limited research exists on how school leaders perceive its value. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of Georgia elementary school administrators regarding the implementation and value of EAE programs. Specifically, this study examined elementary principals’ and district superintendents’ views on the benefits, effectiveness, and value of EAE. A descriptive research design was used. Georgia elementary principals and district superintendents with active EAE programs during the 2025-2026 academic year were surveyed in the fall of 2025. The sample consisted of 18 principals and 18 …

Utilizing Cte Programs To Bridge The Expectations Gap Between Academia And Entrance Into The Global Workforce, Jose M. Gaspar

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine whether completing high school Career and Technical Education (CTE) coursework, completing foreign language coursework, or participating in community college CTE programs predicted higher levels of postsecondary degree attainment. The study was designed to better understand how academic and technical pathways function within the P–20 system and how these pathways shape student perceptions and long-term educational outcomes. Participants in the study included individuals who had completed some level of postsecondary education and provided information on their high school and community college coursework experiences. Findings indicated that students who participated in both academic and …

The Relationship Between Program Staffing And State-Level Student Outcomes In Georgia School-Based Agricultural Education Programs, Taylor Ogle

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the number of agriculture teachers employed in Georgia high school agricultural education programs and selected indicators of program success. Specifically, the study investigated the relationship between the number of agriculture teachers and first-place state-level competitive success in Career Development Events (CDEs), Leadership Development Events (LDEs), proficiency awards, Georgia State FFA Degrees earned, and student participation in state-level FFA leadership positions. A quantitative, correlational research design was utilized for this study. Data was collected from Georgia FFA records. Agricultural education programs within the state of Georgia served as the unit …

Exploring Pedagogical Content Knowledge Of Experienced Teachers In Agricultural Animal Reproduction: A Grounded Theory, Amanda Wooditch

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Teaching agricultural animal reproduction requires a specialized integration of scientific content knowledge and instructional strategies, conceptualized as Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK). While PCK has been widely studied in other disciplines, research on its development and application in agricultural education has been limited. This qualitative study utilized grounded theory methodology to explore the PCK of experienced high school agriculture teachers in Georgia as they taught animal reproduction.

Twenty educators, each with a minimum of eight years of classroom experience, participated in the study through semi-structured interviews, lesson artifacts, and memos. Analysis, guided by Gess-Newsome’s (2015) Model of Teacher Professional Knowledge and …

Transforming Workforce Pipelines: Equity, Credentialing, And Drone-Integrated Apprenticeships In Missouri, Linda S. Stinson

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This study examines how Missouri integrates drone technology into Registered Youth Apprenticeship and Career and Technical Education programs to develop equitable, credentialed pathways into high-skill careers. Grounded in Human Capital Theory, Credential Signaling Theory, and Transformational Leadership Theory, the research explores how emerging technologies intersect with labor market demands, credential access, and instructional leadership. The literature review highlights both national and international models of scalable apprenticeship systems, emphasizing the role of intermediaries, credential alignment, and early STEM exposure. Missouri’s initiatives, including the Top Drone Academy, serve as a case model for workforce-aligned innovation, yet challenges persist in infrastructure, teacher certification, …

Bridging Classroom And Competition: How Students With Intellectual Disabilities Learn And Apply Ffa-Related Skills, Skyler Lempert

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Though people often hear about inclusion and differentiation in education and their classroom settings there are questions about the capability and effectiveness of students with moderate to severe disabilities to participate in intra-curricular activities such as the National FFA Organization. Often teachers are tasked with trying to find ways for students to be a part of these experiences with little education on this aspect. This research begins by examining the historical progress of special education, particularly in relation to students with moderate to severe disabilities. It then explores the complex educational needs of this population and how schools have worked …

Examining Kentucky Agriculture Teachers’ Use Of Student Credentialing In Agricultural Education Programming, Kaycee J. Palmeri, Kevin T. Wells

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore Kentucky agriculture teachers’ perceptions regarding current industry credential offerings, how they operationalize the curricula, knowledge, and skills necessary to prepare for industry credential offerings, and the perceived benefits for students who earn such credentials. The current study was undergirded by human capital theory. Using random sampling across the 12 Kentucky FFA service regions, the researcher collected data from nine current Kentucky agriculture teachers via semi-structured interviews. Further, the researcher used a Qualtrics-based instrument to collect participant demographics data. The analysis of the interview data revealed eight distinct emerging themes. The researcher …

An Examination Of The Current Status Of Middle School Agricultural Education And Perceptions Amongst State Ffa Leaders, Alex Holman, Timothy Alexander Holman Jr.

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Middle school agricultural education programs were first officially recognized within the National FFA Organization in 1988 when 7th and 8th grade students were granted FFA membership. This study was conducted to examine the current status of middle school agricultural education programs and the perceptions of state FFA leaders across the United States, especially with the recent addition of 5th and 6th grade students being granted membership. Using a mixed-methods survey distributed to 52 state FFA leaders in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the study gathered enrollment data, participation opportunities, and perceived advantages and disadvantages associated …

An Examination Of Middle School Enrollment And Participation In The National Ffa Organization, Melanie Dorminey

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Middle school agricultural education programs and opportunities for middle school students to be members of the National FFA Organization were first made available in 1988. The Perkins V Act of 2018 provided the first federal funding to support middle school career and technical education programs. In conjunction with the federal funding provided by the Perkins V Act of 2018, the National FFA Organization adopted a national middle school membership affiliation program where middle school FFA chapters could pay a flat fee for all students enrolled in middle school agricultural education courses over the traditional membership of paying per individual student. …

The Link Between Poor Student Reading Proficiency And College And Career Readiness, James D. Kirkland Iii

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The ability to read proficiently is a skill often considered necessary for the success of an individual while in school and after graduating from high school. Although reading proficiency plays a large role in an individual's success, many students in our nation’s schools struggle to read and comprehend the texts they are presented with in their academic courses. The purpose of this research study was to determine whether a link existed between the reading proficiency and college and career readiness of high school agriculture students. The study used a mixed methods approach that collected both qualitative and quantitative data to …

Factors Influencing Former State Ffa Officers To Forego Careers In Agriculture: A Qualitative Study, Shelby R. Atwood

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study explores the factors influencing former State FFA Officers' decisions to pursue careers outside agricultural education and the broader agricultural industry. Despite their deep engagement with the National FFA Organization and exposure to numerous agricultural career opportunities, many former officers do not transition into related professions. Guided by the expectancy-value theory, this research investigates the personal experiences, perceptions, and external factors that shape their career choices. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with former Kentucky State FFA Officers, focusing on their motivations, barriers, and overall perspectives on agricultural careers. Key findings revealed that practical considerations, personal growth, leadership …

Teachers Stay And Go: The Impacts Of Agriculture Education Teacher Retention In Georgia, Alisha Richardson, Kristie Guffey

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Agricultural education teachers are vital in shaping students' academic and social development while supporting Georgia’s largest economic sector. Despite their importance, the retention of qualified agriculture teachers has remained a persistent challenge since the 1970s (Camp, 1995). This study examined the factors influencing teacher retention in Georgia’s agricultural education programs, to identify actionable strategies to reduce attrition. Findings revealed that supportive workplace environments, strong student relationships, professional learning communities, and mentorship opportunities are key motivators for teacher longevity. Financial incentives and targeted professional development emerged as effective retention tools (Guffey & Young, 2020). In contrast, high levels of stress, particularly …

Early-Career Georgia Agriculture Teachers' Agricultural Mechanics Professional Development Needs, Christopher Crump

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Agricultural mechanics is a prominent topic in Georgia Agricultural Education, as it is the agricultural subject matter area with the second-largest enrollment across all school systems in the state. However, with Georgia agricultural teacher preparation programs only requiring three credit hours in the subject matter area, questions arise as to whether Georgia agriculture teachers are properly prepared to teach this subject matter area, especially if those teachers did not complete a traditional teacher preparation program. This nonexperimental, quantitative study assessed early-career Georgia agriculture teachers’ professional developmental (PD) needs in agricultural mechanics. Qualtrics was utilized to collect responses to a research …

Factors That Influence Males To Teach Agricultural Education, Ashley Thoron

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The need for more males entering the teaching profession is linked to the idea of the gender gap in school with females outperforming males, and the need for young men to have strong role models. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine factors that influence males to teach agricultural education. This study utilized an adapted version of the Ag-Ed FIT Choice Instrument to collect data through a modified version of Dillman’s Tailored Design Method, with three contacts of a pre-notice letter, emailed instrument, and a thank you/reminder. The population consisted of male agricultural education students enrolled in teacher …

A Statewide Examination Of Racial Equity, Culturally Responsive Teaching, And Career Technical Education Outcomes In Kentucky, Reginald L. Mcdaniel Jr.

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the implementation of Racial Equity Policies (REP) and Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT) practices in Career and Technical Education (CTE) across the Commonwealth of Kentucky's public school districts. This quantitative research incorporates perspectives from district leaders, educators, and administrators, exploring the interplay between racial equity policies and teaching practices. The study highlighted the influential role of district leaders in shaping positive perceptions and awareness of the tools available to support equity work. The study also revealed disparities among districts, with urban areas leading integration, while rural districts express confidence in their commitment to racial equity.

The study's practical …

Georgia Elementary Agriculture Education Pilot Program: An Extensive Look Into The History, Development, And Success, Christa Steinkamp

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Georgia Elementary Agricultural Education (EAE) was formally introduced through the 2018 Senate Bill 330 (SB33); a two-part bill passed with unanimous support in both the House & the Senate. The first part of the bill included the three-component model of school-based agricultural education for high schools and middle schools which includes classroom/laboratory instruction, supervised agricultural experience, and leadership development through the National FFA Organization. The second part of SB330 introduced an elementary agricultural education (EAE) pilot program. The three-year pilot program started in the 2019-2020 school year with twenty-five schools; and concluded with thirty-one schools at the end of the …

Does Taking Cte Courses Affect High School Graduation Rates?, Jimmy Artrip

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the impact of Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses on high school graduation rates. As educational institutions look for ways to increase graduation rates and student engagement, CTE has emerged as a viable strategy. CTE aims to equip students with practical skills and post-secondary career and technical education while improving attitudes toward the educational environment. This study uses a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of graduation rates from the school district with qualitative data gained through interviews with graduating students. Results indicate a statistically significant increase in graduation rates and improved outlooks and attitudes among students enrolled …

Perceptions Of Benefits From Middle School Agricultural Education Programs, Michael Hunter

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

As agriculture education continues to evolve across the state of Georgia and the country, leaders need to understand the dynamic vision and the importance of this industry. Utilizing P-20 education initiatives and new concepts, leaders can implement agriculture education in more schools to increase diversity and provide students with opportunities to participate in the three-component model of agriculture education. This research aimed to explore the perceived benefits that high school principals, CTAE directors, and agriculture teachers have on middle school agriculture education programs. This research was confined to the Georgia FFA North Region. Findings indicated no significant evidence that middle …

The Role And Position Of Dual Credit In P-20 Education, Aaron Heinzmann

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

The trend in dual credit enrollment and deployment in secondary and postsecondary institutions has been steadily increasing over the last few decades. All 50 states have some form of dual credit that provides opportunity for secondary students to accelerate through their postsecondary pathways by earning college credits while still in high school. Students in dual credit can expect to achieve higher grade point averages in college, finish their degrees or certificates sooner, and realize postsecondary cost savings. As dual credit continues to permeate the P-20 landscape, educational leaders consider and continue to realize the benefits and drawbacks of accelerated collegiate …

Examining The Role That Agricultural Education Programs Play In Student Choice Of Production Agriculture Careers, Wesley Estes

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation explores the influence that Agriculture Education programs, at all levels, have on student choice of careers in production agriculture. The average age of a farmer in the United States is increasing, and the shortage of young people returning to family farming operations (or beginning operations of their own) becomes more apparent each year. This study utilizes focus groups of professionals to gather information about the factors that influence student choice in agriculture careers, and the ability of agriculture education programs to either enhance or mitigate those factors. For the purposes of this study, Agriculture Education programs of all …

Exploring Teachers’ Perspectives On Integrating Gaming Into Agriculture Education Through Nasef Farmcraft, Carrie Settles Livers

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

With a growing population and a decrease in arable land, it is vital to prepare the next generation of agriculturalists. However, enrollment in agricultural education programs has been on the decline. Incorporating digital games into the classroom could serve to engage future students and encourage careers in agriculture. This study explored how Georgia agriculture teachers' technological and pedagogical knowledge influences their willingness to adopt digital games, specifically Georgia Farmcraft and Minecraft for Education, in their teaching. Additionally, it sought to identify demographic factors that might impact adoption and to determine effective professional development strategies to support teachers in using these …

Administrator Perceptions Of Factors Distinguishing School-Based Agricultural Education Programs As Successful, Mckinley Hunter

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Agricultural education is a vital component of the Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) framework that encompasses classroom instruction, supervised agricultural experience (SAE), and involvement in the National FFA Organization. This study gathered Georgia high school administrators’ perceptions of factors distinguishing school-based agricultural education (SBAE) programs as successful. Administrators identified various components important to program success for each are of the agricultural three-component model. Administrators in this study, prioritized involvement in the National FFA Organization over the other constructs, indicating that the traditional view of the three-component model can be dependent upon local needs and priorities. This research can be …

What Factors Keep Late-Career Agriculture Teachers In Georgia Motivated To Continue In The Profession?, Catherine I. Davis

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Most agriculture teachers leave the profession by the time they reach their mid-career phase. While there is significant research indicating factors why agriculture teachers choose to leave the career there is a void in the knowledge as to why late career agriculture teachers have persevered and are still choosing to stay in the classroom. This qualitative study identifies factors as to why agriculture teachers have chosen to stay in the profession. The researcher interviewed late career agriculture teachers in Georgia with 20 or more years in the classroom and are currently still teaching today. These interviews lead to common themes …

Sequencing Of Extended Reality Welder Training, Monica Donohue

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

This study used a quasi-experimental design to evaluate the efficacy of integrating XR welding simulations into traditional training programs. The performance outcomes of participants were assessed by an independent American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Instructor (CWI). Participants were evaluated using the NCCER Performance Accreditation Tasks evaluation. After 20 hours of training, the participants used a traditional welder to perform a vertical 3F weld on a steel weld coupon. Three treatment groups were used to evaluate the sequence of extended reality welding simulators in a traditional welding program. Results indicate that sequencing XR practice before live welding did not …

Factors Contributing To The Attrition Of Female Agriculture Education Teachers, Kellie Daniel

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Agricultural education is a multifaceted program comprising the three-ring agricultural model encompassing classroom/laboratory instruction, FFA, and Supervised Agricultural Experiences (National FFA Organization, 2021). Each of these components requires dedicated time and, therefore, additional stress. Agricultural educator attrition is a problem that is experienced nationwide, with fewer teachers to fill open positions (Foster et al., 2021a). The current study aims to identify factors that lead to female educators’ loss and burnout. The study is rooted in the Job Demands-Resource Theory, where job demand can contribute to burnout while job resources provide relief from these symptoms. Female educators in Georgia were asked …

Women Pursuing An Agricultural Systems Technology Degree, Tanya Milam

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

This phenomenological research study examined the factors influencing women to pursue an Agricultural Systems Technology (AST) degree and their self-efficacy in that field of study. Two research questions guided this study and data was analyzed from interviewing women enrolled in an Agricultural Systems Technology (AST) program at a mid-western university. The resulting four categories of Agricultural Experiences, Aptitude, Support, and Motivation were broken down into themes. The results were also applied to the theoretical framework of self-efficacy associated with career choice theories. Limitations of scope and generalizability indicate that further investigation of this topic is highly recommended.

Keywords: …

Teacher Perceptions Of The Georgia Agricultural Education Elementary Standards Of Excellence: A Qualitative Study, James Judson

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examines teacher perceptions of the Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSEs) in elementary agricultural education. The study involved a qualitative research design with a sample of 10 elementary agriculture education teachers across multiple schools in Georgia. The research aimed to explore teachers' perceptions of the GSEs, their implementation, and the impact of the standards on their teaching practices and student outcomes. The findings indicate that while teachers generally have positive perceptions of the GSEs, there are also concerns related to the standards' flow from year to year, the use of hard-to-understand vocabulary, and the inclusion of FFA-related content. Additionally, …

Georgia End Of Pathway Assessments, Lindsey Garner

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Georgia End of Pathway Assessments (EOPAs) are given to students by every Career, Technical, and Agriculture Education (CTAE) teacher across the state yearly. CTAE programs are awarded federal funding based on the results of the EOPAs. EOPA’s are designed to provide students with an assessment after they complete a CTAE pathway and provide the student with an industry certification. This qualitative study was designed to determine if the current EOPA’s for Georgia Agriculture Education pathways are in alignment with the current state standards for those courses. Six high school agriculture teachers from across the state of Georgia participated in this …

Can Middle School Students Learn Agriculture From Behind A Computer Screen? A Comparative Analysis Case Study Of Online Vs Traditional Middle School Agricultural Courses In Rural Georgia, Roseanna Volz

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Online education is growing in popularity. Traditional schooling is losing the monopoly of being the only teaching method available to students (Nguyen, 2015). Online learning has evolved throughout the development of online education (Sun & Chen, 2016). Many schools focus on the core content classes for online education like math, science, social studies, and English language arts, but school systems are starting to grow their curricula (Bedard & Knox-Pipes, 2006). This quantitative study was a comparative analysis of an online and traditionally taught agricultural education course. Middle school students completed 12 assignments throughout six weeks. The grades from the assignments …

Kentucky Public Charter Schools, Pamela Manning-Hamilton

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Kentucky public charter school law was introduced in 2017, the purpose of the new innovative schools were to close the achievement gap among the education system within the state. Charter schools are new-age schools that have a smaller class size, use differentiated instructional strategies that integrate technology to promote engagement, which in turn increases student growth and success. Advantages of charter schools within other states include differentiated environment, culture, and performance. Disadvantages of charter schools involve taking resources from traditional schools, higher resource costs, and demands. The study was approached using a basic qualitative research method. The purpose of the …