From The Council President

So much to say, so few Mondays….
I have communicated with you 32 times this year in the MMM in an effort to increase focus, clarity, communication and transparency of Council operations. I have highlighted agriculture content and program standards, member organization websites, special projects such as National Teach Ag Day, recruitment, advocacy, investments in professional organizations, technology, STEAM, STEM, CASE, 2011 Summit, global issues, seamless transitions through postsecondary to careers, diversity, the Council strategic plan, women leaders in agricultural education, FFA, NAAE, and ACTE conventions, grants for program improvement, the National FFA Alumni and the National FFA Foundation and the promotion of an  ‘Agriculture is Cool’ campaign. 

Much thanks and appreciation go to the Council Board of Directors and Consultants, staff of FFA, NAAE, CASE and NJ Office of Agricultural Education, and representatives from our many agricultural education organizations for support, commitment and leadership as we have carried out The Council mission this year. Thanks also go to Dr. Larry Case and Dr. Steve Brown at the United States Department of Education.  Leading agricultural education at the national level with a constantly changing volunteer board would be nearly impossible if it were not for this tremendous team effort and the dedication from our federal staff who provide continuity and support to the Council Board year after year. As my opportunities to address you as NCAE President in the MMM come to a close next week, I assure you that there is still much for Agricultural Education to do to prepare people to help feed and clothe the world.

Nancy J. Trivette
Council President
nancy.trivette@ag.state.nj.us

From FFA

New Program Start Up Guide
It’s been a long time in coming and I want to make sure everyone is aware of the new web page with guidelines, example documents, and links for starting a new agricultural education program. When people call or ask about starting a new program and FFA chapter, we finally have a resource to direct them toward. It will be a link from the home page and please feel free to share it with everyone and anyone. Click here to access our new chapter startup page.

Triscuit Grants
The deadline for the Triscuit cereal grain grants has been extended to February 15, 2010. These grants are based on financial need and open to FFA members between the ages of 14-17. There are eight $1,000 grants still available. The application is short and easy to complete. To download the application visit the SAE page

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From NAAE

Professional Development Resources from NAAE Convention
We have invited everyone who presented a workshop at the recent NAAE convention to share resources from their workshop on Communities of Practice. Click here to visit the NAAE Convention Professional Development community. Also, coming soon to that community - a complete list of NAAE workshop presenters with contact information. (Will be up by tomorrow).

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From ACTE

Annual Convention and Career Tech Expo Review
5,200 educators and exhibitors attended the event in Nashville, Tennessee, November 19-21, roughly a 20 percent increase over last year’s event. During the three-day Convention, ACTE released an adolescent-literacy Issue Brief, signed an MOU with the U.S. Army Accessions Command, announced the 2010 CTE Month Public Service Announcement (PSA) video and national award winners, and held more than 250 concurrent sessions and workshops that covered topics like data collection, career academies, incorporating technology into the curriculum, and legislative and policy issues affecting CTE.  http://www.acteonline.org/

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From USDE

U.S. Secretary of Education Duncan to Visit Two Local Atlanta High Schools Monday
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will visit two Atlanta high schools on Monday, Dec. 14. At 10 a.m. EST, he will join U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson (Ga.) to convene a Listening and Learning session at Atlanta Tech High School, 1043 Memorial Drive, S.E. A press availability will follow at 11 a.m. EST. Duncan will then visit Grady High School, 929 Charles Allen Drive, N.E., for a policy discussion roundtable on the Promise Neighborhood initiative and effective violence prevention strategies as part of the National Conversation on the Future of Cities and Metropolitan Areas directed by The White House Office of Urban Affairs. At 1 p.m. EST, he will tour the school with White House Urban Affairs Director Adolfo Carrion and other officials, and a media availability will follow.

Secretary Duncan and other education department officials have held similar Listening and Learning sessions across the country in recent months as Congress plans to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the cornerstone of the government’s involvement in elementary and secondary education.  http://www.ed.gov/news/events/advisory.html#121109

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