The purpose of this document is to inform agricultural educators, program administrators, and community stakeholders by previewing the quality indicators for the upcoming FY2023 Agricultural Education Incentive Funding Grant application. This form could be used by educators as a way to gather the information needed to complete the application before the release of the official electronically accessible application portal. While changes are not anticipated, this document does not prohibit the ISBE adjusting application components based on program needs. Please refer the directions below prior to viewing the remainder of the document. While application procedure will align with prior years, some small changes have been made to the quality indicators and this application preview is in a different format than prior versions. Questions can be addressed to FCAE or ISBE.
The purpose of this application is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the agricultural education program based on eight program goals outlined in the Agricultural Education Administrative Rules. These rules provide the basic framework for the administration of the agricultural education line item, and provisions for the Incentive Funding Grant are outlined in Sections 75.200 through 75.260. Each of the nine goals has an established minimum standard and subsequent set of quality indicators. If a program meets the minimum standard for an identified goal, they are eligible to receive credit for quality indicators within that particular goal. A total program score determines the annual allocation for each district. Proceed through each portion of the application by assessing the minimum standard, reviewing each quality indicator, and determining a total score for each goal. Make note of the following items as you proceed through the grant:
- The quality indicators within each goal are broken down into smaller sections (i.e. 1.1 Professional Memberships, 1.2 Length of Teacher Employment), and these sections each have maximum point values. The maximum points possible in each section is annotated in the heading of each section. See Figure 1 below.
- While this application is used for calculating Incentive Funding Grant allocations, it is also a crucial means of collecting statewide data on agricultural education programs. Therefore, it is essential that you indicate all quality indicators applicable to your school or program - regardless if additional points will be accrued. For example, if you have competed in more than seven career development events, please indicate all of them despite seven being the maximum number of points allowed in that section.
- Some quality indicators are listed in a series of options with an "OR" at the conclusion to indicate that only one of the indicators in that particular series should be selected. This will make sense as you review each indicator.
- In an effort to improve data quality and expand opportunities for funding middle school AFNR opportunities, some quality indicators have been revised to be specific to High School (9th-12th Grade) students or Middle School (5th-8th Grade) students. Those indicators have been emphasized in either red or blue font as seen above. Please note that all middle school quality indicators have been moved to a new goal area - Goal 9. Middle School AFNR.
- While this program was developed as a way to assess program quality, it can also serve as a helpful tool in incentivizing the improvement of program components. All programs should annually conduct a self-assessment against the goals of this program and make plans to improve weaknesses, sustain strengths and share best practices with fellow teachers. ISBE recommends using strategies described in our IFG Planning Guide
Before completing the application, please watch this brief informational webinar.
The agricultural education teacher is licensed by the State Board of Education for agricultural education.
Minimum Standard 1
Choose one of the following:
| Answer |
Your Score |
Points Possible |
Quality Indicator Descriptions |
| 1.1 Professional Memberships and Affiliations -- 4 Points Maximum |
|
03 |
3 |
The agricultural education teacher holds an active membership in the Illinois Association of Vocational Agricultural Teachers (IAVAT) and affiliated professional organizations with membership dues paid by October 31st. |
|
01 |
1 |
The agricultural education teacher holds an active membership in other organization relevant for agricultural educators or career and technical educators.
|
| 1.2 Length of Teacher Employment -- 5 Points Maximum |
| Agricultural education teacher(s) is employed to maintain year-round instructional programs and supervise students at activities, conferences, and fairs beyond the 185 day (9 month) legal school day or year. Choose one of the following options (the other options will be automatically marked "No"): |
|
0 |
0 |
Teacher not employed beyond 185-day legal school year. |
|
01 |
1 |
1-15 days beyond 185-day legal school year |
|
02 |
2 |
16-30 days beyond 185-day legal school year |
|
03 |
3 |
31-45 days beyond 185-day legal school year |
|
04 |
4 |
46-60 days beyond 185-day legal school year |
|
05 |
5 |
School employs two or more full-time equivalent agricultural education teachers with at least two teachers employed beyond the 185-day legal school year. |
| 1.3 Teacher Leadership Activities -- 2 Points Maximum |
| For novice teachers (1-4 years of service as an agricultural education teacher), choose from the options below: |
|
01 |
1 |
Illinois Beginning Agriculture Teacher's Course |
|
01 |
1 |
Illinois 2nd Year Agriculture Teacher's Course |
|
01 |
1 |
Two FCAE Program Advisor visits completed (virtual or on-site) |
|
01 |
1 |
Attended two IAVAT Committee meetings (virtual or on-site) |
|
01 |
1 |
Other.
|
| For experienced teachers (5+ years of service as an agricultural education teacher), choose from the options below: |
|
01 |
1 |
IAVAT Board Member |
|
01 |
1 |
FFA Board Member |
|
01 |
1 |
IAVAT Section Officer |
|
01 |
1 |
IAVAT Committee Member |
|
01 |
1 |
Host or organized a CDE/LDE or Proficiency Awards Event |
|
01 |
1 |
IACTE or NAAE Leadership Position or Committee |
| 1.4 Professional Development Activities -- 5 Points Maximum |
| List up to three professional development activities completed by the teacher in the past calendar year. If teacher has earned an industry-recognized credential that is taught and utilized in the program's curriculum (i.e. OSHA 10, Pesticide Applicator, etc.), please list that credential in the space provided. |
|
01 |
1 |
PD Activity #1
|
|
01 |
1 |
PD Activity #2
|
|
01 |
1 |
PD Activity #3
|
|
02 |
2 |
Industry-Recognized Credential
|
| 1.5 Continuing Education Activities -- 3 Points Maximum |
| If the agricultural education teacher(s) has completed or is currently pursuing an advanced degree, choose the option that best fits. |
|
02 |
2 |
Teacher has already received an advanced degree in agriculture, agricultural education, or education-related field. |
|
01 |
1 |
Teacher is currently enrolled in a postsecondary credit-earning course (not to include Beginning or 2nd-Year Agriculture Teachers Course).
|
| 1.6 College-Level Teaching -- 2 Points Maximum |
|
01 |
1 |
Teacher is currently offering dual credit courses as a part of the agricultural education program.
|
|
01 |
1 |
Teacher is currently offering advanced placement as a part of the agricultural education program.
|
| 1.7 Mentoring Future Agricultural Education Teachers -- 7 Points Maximum |
|
05 |
5 |
Served as cooperating teacher for a student teaching experience in the last calendar year |
|
02 |
2 |
Served as mentor for state-sponsored mentorship program |
|
02 |
2 |
Hosted preservice teacher for early field experience or preservice observation |
|
02 |
2 |
Hosted a Growing Agricultural Science Teacher (GAST) Grant Intern |
| TOTAL POINTS for Goal 1. Qualified Agricultural Education Teacher -- 28 Points Maximum |
|
{{Request2.Goal1Total}} |
28 |
Sum all points accumulated under Goal 1 and record total in far-left cell. Total sum of all points from Goal 1 cannot exceed 30% of the total points in this application. |
Support services are available to all students in agricultural education programs.
Minimum Standard 2
On an at least an annual basis, the agricultural education teacher shall:
The instructional programs in agriculture are competency-based and include skills, knowledge and attitudes required for gainful employment in the occupations identified in the career pathways and are sequentially structured.
Minimum Standard 3
The following items are minimum standards for Goal 3. Instruction Programs:
Each agricultural education teacher incorporates an ongoing Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program as part of the instructional program. SAE experiences are incorporated into agricultural education courses or awarded as a separate SAE Workplace Experience course for credit.
Minimum Standard 4
Each program includes a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program that requires students to apply lessons from classroom and laboratory instruction to activities in projects beyond the classroom, as evident by:
| Answer |
Your Score |
Points Possible |
Quality Indicator Descriptions |
| 4.1 Instruction on Supervised Agricultural Experience Programs -- 7 Points Maximum |
| If instruction on conducting SAEs and maintaining records is an integral component of instruction for all students as verified in written plans, please select the provisions from the list below that are applicable to your school or program. |
|
02 |
2 |
SAEs are incorporated into the related agricultural education course grade. |
|
02 |
2 |
SAEs are awarded as a separate course for credit (i.e. .25, .5, or 1 unit of credit) with a grade given that appears on the student report card. Cooperative Education courses, Work-based Learning Experience courses, and related local courses would qualify for this provision. |
|
03 |
3 |
All students have an up-to-date program of study file or plan that includes updated plans for Supervised Agricultural Experiences as well as alternative project ideas. |
| 4.2 Student Participation -- 11 Points Maximum |
| If student participation in Supervised Agricultural Experiences exceeds the minimum standard, indicate level of participation below. |
|
03 |
3 |
51-75% of students enrolled participated in a Foundational SAE Program; OR |
|
05 |
5 |
76-100% of students enrolled participated in a Foundational SAE Program. |
|
04 |
4 |
15-30% of students enrolled participated in an Immersion SAE Program; OR |
|
06 |
6 |
31-100% of students enrolled participated in an Immersion SAE Program. |
| 4.3 Teacher Supervision of SAE Programs -- 3 Points Maximum |
| If teacher(s) conduct visits and/or actively supervise student SAE programs with written documentation, indicate level below. |
|
01 |
1 |
10-45% of agricultural education students are actively supervised. |
|
02 |
2 |
46-75% of agricultural education students are actively supervised. |
|
03 |
3 |
76-100% of agricultural education students are actively supervised. |
| 4.4 Proficiency Award Participation above the Chapter Level -- 4 Points Maximum |
|
01 |
1 |
1-5 students participated at the Section level; OR |
|
02 |
2 |
6+ students participated at the Section level. |
|
01 |
1 |
Student(s) participated at the District level. |
|
01 |
1 |
Student(s) participated at the State level. |
|
01 |
1 |
Student(s) participated at the National level. |
| 4.5 Section Agricultural Education Fair -- 1 Point Maximum |
| If agricultural education students participated at the Section Agricultural Education Fair--sponsored by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, sanctioned by ISBE, and coordinated by the respective Section IAVAT - and the teacher(s) supervised students while cooperating in the conducting of the Section Fair, please indicate the level of student participation below. |
|
0 |
0 |
1 or 2 students exhibited SAE programs in the Section Agricultural Education Fair. |
|
01 |
1 |
3 or more students exhibited SAE programs in the Section Agricultural Education Fair. |
| 4.6 Achievement of Degrees in the FFA Organization -- 8 Points Maximum |
|
04 |
4 |
One or more student(s) earned the State FFA Degree |
|
04 |
4 |
One or more student(s) earned the American FFA Degree |
| TOTAL POINTS for Goal 4. Supervised Agricultural Experience Programs -- 34 Points Maximum |
|
{{Request2.Goal4Total}} |
34 |
Sum all points accumulated under Goal 4 and record total in far-left cell. Total sum of all points from Goal 4 cannot exceed 25% of the total points in this application. |
The National FFA Organization is an integral part of the instructional program in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources education.
Minimum Standard 5
The program shall incorporate into the curriculum opportunities to develop leadership skills through local, state and national FFA chapters in the agricultural education program. These opportunities are made evident through:
Each school conducting an agricultural education program provides adequate facilities, learning laboratories, equipment and supplies for effective operation of the program.
Minimum Standard 6
The facilities, equipment and supplies available to students shall enable them to have hands-on experiences that replicate up-to-date, realistic situations similar to what is occurring in the agriculture careers for which training is provided. Facilities are suitable for the purposes described as made evident by:
| Answer |
Your Score |
Points Possible |
Quality Indicator Descriptions |
| 6.1 Program Facilities -- 5 Points Possible |
| From the list below, select those aspects that apply to your school or program's classroom and laboratory facilities used for high school instruction. Check all aspects that apply and were designed specifically for the identified instructional purpose. Note that while all aspects may be checked, a maximum of five points is allowed for this section. |
|
01 |
1 |
Agricultural Education classroom space is at least 600 square feet in area size. |
|
01 |
1 |
Dedicated office space to be used by teacher(s) or student leaders |
|
01 |
1 |
Dedicated storage space (room, closet, cabinetry, etc.) for supplies, materials, equipment, etc. |
|
01 |
1 |
Large Animal |
|
01 |
1 |
Mechanics |
|
01 |
1 |
Greenhouse |
|
01 |
1 |
Aquaculture |
|
01 |
1 |
Landscape |
|
01 |
1 |
Land Laboratory |
|
01 |
1 |
Agriscience |
|
01 |
1 |
Computers and/or Tablets (at least 10 devices) |
|
01 |
1 |
Plant Nursery |
|
01 |
1 |
Garden |
|
01 |
1 |
Veterinary Technology and/or Small Animal Care |
|
01 |
1 |
1-to-1 School Technology Ratio |
|
01 |
1 |
Food Science |
|
01 |
1 |
Other
|
| 6.2 Inventory -- 2 Points Maximum |
|
02 |
2 |
A current inventory of tools, equipment and other pertinent material is on file and accessible for program visitors. The inventory specifically identifies items purchased with agricultural education incentive funds. |
| 6.3 Financial Records -- 2 Points Maximum |
|
02 |
2 |
A departmental budget is prepared by the agricultural teacher(s) and is submitted to administration for approval. The budget request identifies needs for equipment, facilities, supplies, travel and other needs. The budget also notes any grant income outside of agricultural education incentive funds. |
| TOTAL POINTS for Goal 6. Facilities, Equipment, and Supplies -- 9 Points Maximum |
|
{{Request2.Goal6Total}} |
9 |
Sum all points accumulated under Goal 6 and record total in far-left cell. Total sum of all points from Goal 6 cannot exceed 15% of the total points in this application. |
The program is advised by a committee that is representative of all agricultural interests of the community.
Minimum Standard 7
The school shall establish an agricultural advisory committee whose membership shall consist of representatives of the agriculture industries operating in the community. The committee shall:
The agricultural education teacher is involved in assessing the areas needed for literacy and agricultural education for the prekindergarten through adult audiences and provides or assists in providing programs to meet the needs identified in the community.
Minimum Standard 8
The agricultural education teacher assists in the coordination of agricultural education awareness and agriculture literacy activities for all of the following educational audiences. Note that all must be selected for achievement of minimum standard.
The agricultural education program is actively developing the engagement of middle school students in AFNR coursework, SAE programs, and the National FFA Organization.
Minimum Standard 9
The agricultural education program of instruction offered includes:
| Answer |
Your Score |
Points Possible |
Quality Indicator Descriptions |
| 9.1 Middle School Instructional Program -- 1 Point Maximum |
| If a licensed agricultural education teacher taught an ISBE approved middle school (5th, 6th, 7th, or 8th grade) agricultural education course(s), please select the aspects below that best apply to your program. |
|
00.5 |
0.5 |
10-25% full-time equivalent teaching time dedicated to agricultural education courses; OR |
|
00.5 |
0.5 |
26-50% full-time equivalent teaching time dedicated to agricultural education courses; OR |
|
00.5 |
0.5 |
51-75% full-time equivalent teaching time dedicated to agricultural education courses: OR |
|
00.5 |
0.5 |
75% or more full-time equivalent teaching time dedicated to agricultural education courses. |
|
00.5 |
0.5 |
A dedicated section of the Annual Program Report (See 3.8 Annual Program Report) showcases those activities and opportunities afforded to middle school students, and this information is presented to the local school board. |
| 9.2 Middle School FFA Participation -- 4 Points Maximum |
| From the list below, select each FFA activity in which middle school students participated. Note that while all completed activities should be selected, a maximum of four points is allowed for this section. |
|
01 |
1 |
The FFA Chapter offers National FFA Organization membership to 7th and 8th grade students. |
|
01 |
1 |
25-50% of 7th and 8th grade students earned their Discovery FFA Degree; OR |
|
02 |
2 |
51% or more of 7th and 8th grade students earned their Discovery FFA Degree. |
|
01 |
1 |
One or more applications were completed and submitted for Star Discovery at the Section Level. |
|
01 |
1 |
One or more applications were completed and submitted for Star Discovery at the District Level. |
|
01 |
1 |
One or more applications were completed and submitted for Star Discovery at the State Level. |
|
03 |
3 |
Middle school students actively participated in the State FFA Convention. |
|
01 |
1 |
Middle school students actively participated in the National FFA Convention. |
|
02 |
2 |
Middle school students actively participated in an FFA-sanctioned leadership conference.
|
|
02 |
2 |
Middle school FFA program has a leadership/officer team comprised of middle school students (7th-8th Grade). |
| 9.3 Middle School Leadership Development Events -- 2 Points Maximum |
| If middle school students participated in Leadership Development Events (LDEs) above the chapter level, select those respective events from the list below. Please select all events that your school or chapter participated in. Note that for scoring purposes a maximum of two points is available from this section with each event counting as one individual point. |
|
01 |
1 |
Agricultural Issues |
|
01 |
1 |
Conduct of Chapter Meetings |
|
01 |
1 |
Job Interview |
|
01 |
1 |
Parliamentary Procedure |
|
01 |
1 |
Public Speaking (Other than Creed Speaking as listed in 9.5) |
| 9.4 Middle School Career Exploration Activities -- 2 Points Maximum |
|
01 |
1 |
Middle school students participated in activities designed to expose students to agricultural careers such as but not limited to Farm Progress Show, College Open Houses, Women Changing the Face of Agriculture, etc. (Does not include activities within or during regular class time like guest speakers, worksheets, etc.)
|
|
01 |
1 |
Middle school students participated in at least three guest speakers who focused on career exploration. |
| 9.5 Middle School Career Development Events -- 3 Points Maximum |
| If middle school students participated in the middle school divisions of Career Development Events above the chapter level, select those respective events from the list below. Please select all applicable events. Note that for scoring purposes a maximum of three points is available from this section with each event counting as one individual point. |
|
01 |
1 |
Agricultural Business Management |
|
01 |
1 |
Food Science |
|
01 |
1 |
Agricultural Communications |
|
01 |
1 |
Forestry |
|
01 |
1 |
Agricultural Education |
|
01 |
1 |
Horse Judging |
|
01 |
1 |
Agricultural Mechanics |
|
01 |
1 |
Horticulture |
|
01 |
1 |
Agricultural Sales |
|
01 |
1 |
Marketing Plan |
|
01 |
1 |
Agriscience Fair |
|
01 |
1 |
Land Use |
|
01 |
1 |
Agronomy |
|
01 |
1 |
Livestock Evaluation |
|
01 |
1 |
Creed Speaking |
|
01 |
1 |
Meat Evaluation and Technology |
|
01 |
1 |
Dairy Cattle Evaluation |
|
01 |
1 |
Nursery Landscape |
|
01 |
1 |
Dairy Cattle Handlers |
|
01 |
1 |
Poultry |
|
01 |
1 |
Dairy Products |
|
01 |
1 |
Quiz Bowl |
|
01 |
1 |
Envirothon |
|
01 |
1 |
Veterinary Science |
|
01 |
1 |
Floriculture |
This space left intentionally blank. |
| 9.6 Middle School Agriscience Participation -- 3 Points Maximum |
|
01 |
1 |
1-5 middle school students (7th and 8th Grade) participated in the Section level Agriscience Fair; OR |
|
02 |
2 |
6 or more middle school students (7th and 8th Grade) participated in the Section level Agriscience Fair. |
|
01 |
1 |
One or more middle school students (7th and 8th Grade) participated above the Section level in Agriscience Fair.
|
| 9.7 Instructional Facilities for Middle School Students -- 2 Points Maximum |
|
01 |
1 |
The program has acquired new technology to use within the middle school curriculum during the current school year.
|
|
01 |
1 |
Middle School agricultural education courses use an additional classroom other than the same classroom as the high school agricultural education courses. Classroom is at least 600 square feet in area size. |
| TOTAL POINTS for Goal 9. Middle School AFNR -- 17 Points Maximum |
|
{{Request2.Goal9Total}} |
17 |
Sum all points accumulated under Goal 9 and record total in far-left cell. Total sum of all points from Goal 9 cannot exceed 10% of the total points in this application. |
| Goal Totals |
Points Possible |
Goal Summary |
| {{Request2.Goal1Total}} |
28 |
Goal 1. Qualified Agriculture Teacher |
| {{Request2.Goal2Total}} |
10 |
Goal 2. Student Support Services |
| {{Request2.Goal3Total}} |
33 |
Goal 3. Instructional Programs |
| {{Request2.Goal4Total}} |
34 |
Goal 4. Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) Programs |
| {{Request2.Goal5Total}} |
24 |
Goal 5. Agricultural Student Organizations |
| {{Request2.Goal6Total}} |
9 |
Goal 6. Facilities, Equipment, and Supplies |
| {{Request2.Goal7Total}} |
11 |
Goal 7. Agricultural Advisory Council |
| {{Request2.Goal8Total}} |
8 |
Goal 8. Agricultural Literacy |
| {{Request2.Goal9Total}} |
17 |
Goal 9. Middle School AFNR |
| {{Request2.TotalScore}} |
174 |
TOTAL APPLICATION SCORE |
Minimum standard not met on highlighted rows above. Points will not count towards the total.
By checking this box, I am confirming that all of the information entered into this application is complete and true to the best of my knowledge.
NOTE: Once you check this box and click the "Save and Submit" button, the form will be locked for data entry.
This page has been archived. The content on this page may no longer be in effect.
