One of the things that we've been spending class time on lately is the students' SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experience) projects. Part of the FFA model is having the students do hands-on work in the field of agriculture. Our students have a great diversity of experiences on their family operations and we are working on setting goals for what they want to learn and accomplish in these SAE projects.
The first important step for the students is to keep a daily log of their hours worked (paid or unpaid), tasks performed, and the skills they are working on. I will be checking these records periodically to see their progress throughout the semester and then I hope to be able to visit each student at their SAE throughout the spring/summer.
The next step (which we have started on in class) is putting together a portfolio that includes a personal balance sheet, goals for their high school career, community service projects, and FFA experience. This is our first year at this, but it will be especially important for our underclassmen who can utilize this information in years to come for State FFA degrees and awards.
There is an ownership component to these SAE projects where students can own livestock or operate their own business venture. We have a couple of students interested in this route and it will require additional organization (identifying current and non-current assets,liabilities, expenses). While this type of project will be more work, the opportunities for students to learn about "real life business" are priceless.
Please let me know if you have any questions about the SAE projects. I don't know everything but I will sure work hard to find an answer and figure out a way to make something work. My hope is that the students will be working and communicating with parents to make this project worthwhile for both of you!
