Sacramento Scene: CATA's Advocacy Efforts Part of the Action at California's State Capitol
By Matt Patton
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May is a busy time in the state’s Capitol. The “May Revise,” a modified proposed budget based upon the latest economic forecasts, will be released by the governor on or before May 14. Legislative subcommittees have approximately two weeks to consider the proposed changes to the budget and negotiate its contents. Additionally, the movement of bills increases in the legislature as the June deadline for passage looms closer.
Below are several bills CATA is tracking regarding agricultural and career technical education. As these bills move, CATA supports those beneficial to the profession and opposes those deemed detrimental. These actions of support and opposition take the form of meetings with legislative members and staff, written and oral testimonies at hearings, and working with other like-minded advocates toward a shared outcome.
AB 377 (Muratsuchi and McCarty) – This bill would consolidate the K12-Strong Work Force grant program and the Career Technical Education Incentive (CTEIG) grant program if passed. If consolidated, $450 million would be allocated to CTEIG annually.
AB 1189 (Gibson) – If passed, beginning in 2024-25, a school district with grades 7 to 12 would be required to offer career technical education to all pupils in those grades. This bill has moved to a two-year bill, putting it on the 23-24 legislative calendar.
AB 938 (Muratsuchi) – If passed, it would raise public school teacher pay by 50% by 2030. In addition, districts would receive an increase in Prop 98 money to cover salaries.
AB 984 (McCarty) – If enacted, this bill would require high school students to complete a semester-long personal finance class as a requirement for 2028-29 graduation.
AB 554 (Gabriel) - This bill if enacted would allow for civil litigation against any individual or organization relating to or affecting animals. Particularly harmful to fairs and school farms this bill would allow for groups to sue for any interpreted mistreatment of animals.
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Using Virtual Reality To Improve Agricultural Safety Training Effectiveness in Ag Education
By Dr. Justin Pulley & Dr. Dee Jepsen
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Agriculture is a vital industry that provides food, fiber, and other essential products for the world’s population. However, it is also a high-risk industry, with many potential dangers and hazards that can result in serious injury or death. To minimize these risks, it is essential for students to receive proper safety training. In recent years, virtual reality (VR) technology has emerged as a powerful tool for improving the effectiveness of safety training in a range of industries, including agriculture.
One of the key benefits of using virtual reality in agricultural safety training is its ability to create immersive and interactive training scenarios that allow students to experience a range of potential hazards in a controlled and safe environment. For example, VR simulations can provide a realistic representation of working with heavy machinery, such as tractors, combines, and other equipment. This allows students to understand the potential dangers of these machines and learn how to avoid them. Additionally, VR simulations allow students to practice operating the equipment in a safe and controlled environment, increasing their confidence and competence in performing their work.
Another benefit of using VR technology in agricultural safety training is its ability to provide real-time feedback. VR simulations can highlight areas where students are not following proper procedures or are at risk of injury. This allows trainers to provide immediate feedback and guidance to students, helping them to improve their safety practices.
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Social Development is Professional Development
By Dr. Sam Rodriquez, Fresno State
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I recently attended a spring regional meeting, and as I scanned the room, I noticed that people’s hair got a little more salt and pepper as I looked from the back toward the front. Then it hit me that most people in my age bracket were the salt and pepper crew in the front of the meeting room. I thought to myself, when did this happen? I remember the front of the room was for the veteran teachers; when did I move into that category? Let me tell you, the past 24 years have gone by in a flash. I remember attending meetings with veterans like Dr. Larry Dutto, Frank Tebeau, and Max Corbett leading the discussion on CATA business. Back then, I sat in the back, feeling uncertain about my place in this group. As a new member, I wondered if I belonged in this meeting at all. I'm sure younger members today can relate to these same feelings.
At the meeting I attended, it was reported that 70% of our membership is in the first ten years of their careers. I asked myself, “Coming out of the COVID pandemic and not having in-person meetings, have we lost touch with our younger members? Don’t we need to develop socially as well as professionally?” As a community, we must ensure that all members, regardless of their experience, feel included and valued.
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iCEV Offers Practical Support to Agriculture Teachers |
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iCEV is a dedicated supporter of the California Agricultural Teachers’ Association and has been working hard to provide a comprehensive agriculture science curriculum for teachers and students. The company is proud to be a CATA corporate member. According to Dusty Moore, the CEO and President of iCEV, "We are passionate about providing solutions to educate, serve, and inspire California agricultural science students."
Standards-Aligned Agriculture Science Curriculum
Finding an engaging and comprehensive curriculum that meets both your students' needs and instructional goals can be challenging. iCEV understands this and is dedicated to providing a solution. The company offers 24 comprehensive agriculture science courses, including nine courses specifically aligned to California state CTE standards, such as Advanced Interdisciplinary Science for Sustainable Agriculture, Agricultural Mechanics, and Animal Science.
With iCEV, teachers gain access to all 24 agriculture science courses with a single-subscription. Each course is equipped with prebuilt lesson plans, engaging video and slideshows, activities, projects, assessments, and other resources designed to fit any learning environment.
Industry Certifications
As an agriculture science instructor, it can be challenging to provide your students with a competitive edge in their careers or education. One way to do this is through industry certifications, and iCEV can help. The iCEV Testing Platform offers a variety of industry certifications that align with the California Agriculture & Natural Resources career pathway, giving your students a competitive edge. In addition to 14 industry certifications, iCEV also offers certification preparation content for other certification exams not hosted on the iCEV Testing Platform. Consider exploring the available industry certifications and preparation content hosted on the iCEV Testing Platform to discover the value certifications can add to the lives of your students!
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CATA Curricular Code Changes Guide
By Martin B. Castro, CATA Operations Secretary
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It's that time of the year! With Curricular Code changes on the horizon, we've got some tips to streamline the process and ensure a smooth experience for you. Check out our guide below to better prepare yourself when submitting a Curricular Code proposal change.
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Consult. Start by consulting with other coaches and those facilitating the contests. Allowing coaches and contest hosts to provide input on the proposed changes (and time to process how those changes will affect the contest) is important to working to consensus. Click here for CDE contest facilitator guide.
- Ensure proposed changes do not conflict with General Rules. The contest chair's responsibility is to ensure that the proposed Curricular Code changes do not conflict with General Rules. If any conflicts are found, a request to open General Rules must be made.
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Only changes submitted by June 1 will be allowed to be discussed at the Curricular Code changes meeting. No other changes will be allowed. Ensure that you have reviewed the current curricular code for the contest, and are submitting changes on the Curricular Code Change Proposal template. Note: The completed template must include signatures from the Host Contest Coordinator and the State Finals Staff Arbitrator.
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Once you have completed the Curricular Code Change proposal template, email it to cata@calagteachers.org. Make sure that you have included all necessary information and that your proposal is clear and concise. All electronically submitted Curricular Code proposal changes will be posted on the website at www.calagteachers.org.
- Attend the pre-conference governing board meeting on Tuesday, June 27 to answer any questions regarding proposed Curricular Code changes to contests that are requested to be opened out of rotation.
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2023 CDE Contests Up For Review |
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- Agricultural Communications
- Agriscience Fair
- Best Informed Greenhand
- Citrus
- Creed Recitation
- Dairy Cattle Judging
- Farm Power & Machinery
- Forestry
- Fruit Tree Judging
- Impromptu Public Speaking
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- Livestock Judging
- Marketing (Co-Op)
- Parliamentary Procedure & Debate
- Poultry Judging
- Agricultural Mechanics Fair (Trial Contest)
- California Water Issues (Trial Contest)
- El Credo de FFA (Trial Contest)
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CATA Summer Conference: Festivus for the Rest of Us! |
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Attention to all CATA members who entered the teaching profession via non-traditional pathways: For many years, Chico, Cal Poly, Fresno, and Davis alums have enjoyed lunch and reconnecting with the program that credentialed them. Now teachers who have taken unique paths to become part of the family of agricultural teachers in California will have the opportunity to connect, too. Whether you are from industry, out-of-state universities, CTE-credentialed, or another non-traditional background, we welcome you to mark "CTE Credential" under the Alumni Luncheon section on your CATA Conference Registration form and join us on Monday, June 26, 2023. Don't miss out on this opportunity to network with colleagues and celebrate your unique journey to becoming an agricultural educator.
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FFA Scholarships for Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo Students |
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Richard and Cecile Kruse/Kruse Feed Scholarship
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo is excited to announce the establishment of a new endowed scholarship award exclusively for FFA members from the Southern Region who are enrolled in the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences. FFA members hailing from Orange, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Imperial Counties can apply for the scholarship during their second, third, and fourth years while studying at Cal Poly. Starting from Fall 2023, two annual awards of $5,500 each will be granted to deserving candidates. If you're interested in learning more about this scholarship opportunity or wish to apply, please contact Cal Poly's Office of Financial Aid.
Scholarships for State and National FFA Officers
To recognize the dedication of students to agriculture, those who have served as state or national FFA officers and are enrolled in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, are eligible for academic scholarships. Former state FFA officers can receive $15,000 per year for up to four years. For those who have previously served as national FFA officers, an award of $20,000 is available. Apply now to take advantage of this opportunity to help fund your education and honor your service to the FFA.
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Be the Change: Registration Opens Soon for FFA’s Change Makers Summit |
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The 2023 California FFA Change Makers Summit is coming up on July 19-21, 2023 at Fresno State University, and we encourage students to register as soon as possible to secure their spot.
This leadership development experience is specifically designed for incoming high school seniors who want to learn about the impact FFA can have on their lives once they’re out of the blue jackets and how they can contribute to the future of California. At the summit, students will have the opportunity to hear from experienced professionals in the agriculture industry, explore potential careers, and gain valuable insights on how to become a change maker.
The 2023 Change Makers Summit will be limited to only 150 students, so be sure to register early. Registration opens on Monday, May 22, 2023 at 7:00 AM, and it is first come, first serve. It's important to note that each participant must have an advisor registered and attending the conference as well.
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Make a Difference with a Tap: Help Us Win Target's Charitable Giving Drive |
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We are honored and excited to announce that the California FFA Foundation has been chosen to participate in a special charitable giving drive, sponsored and funded by Target. And you have the chance to help direct a portion of Target’s donation to us!
Now through June 30, vote for California FFA through the Target Circle program to help determine how Target’s donation will be divided up.
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(Don’t forget to change your “My Store” location back to the Target store near you.)
We’re asking our members and supporters to help us make the most of this incredible opportunity. Every vote counts to help us receive a portion of the available Target funds as we continue our mission to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through Agricultural Education.
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National FFA News and Updates
Compiled by Jason Ferreira, Hanford High School Ag Teacher and National FFA Teacher Ambassador
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GERMINATE Summer Ag Teacher Professional Development Conference
Join the virtual 2023 GERMINATE Summer Ag Teacher Professional Development Conference this July 10-13 and connect with talented agriculture teachers from across the U.S. This conference is an opportunity to refuel and motivate yourself for the upcoming school year by accessing more than 30 worthwhile workshop sessions, all from the comfort of your home. Registration includes invitations to live sessions, watch parties, giveaways, happy hours, and discounts on Ag Teacher swag throughout the conference.
To sweeten the deal, use the discount code JASON23 at registration to receive $5 off of your registration cost. Don't miss out on this opportunity to stay “green and growing” with some of the most talented agriculture teachers in the country. Register today to secure your spot.
New Research from National FFA
In the fall of 2022, National FFA collected information from those who recently received the American FFA Degree and an American Star Award about their career paths following their active involvement in FFA. Read the high-level findings, which shed light on the power of leadership within agriculture, as well as profiles of respondents sorted by supervised agricultural experience area.
Living to Serve Grants
This competitive grant program offers up to $3,000 to fund projects that address community needs in the areas of community safety, hunger, health and nutrition, environmental responsibility, or community engagement. The grant application deadline is June 15, 2023. To apply, FFA chapters must identify a community need and develop a service project that will span an entire school year. Don't miss out on this chance to make a difference! Visit www.ffa.org/LivingToServeGrants to learn more and submit your application before the deadline.
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Thank You Corporate Members!
The California Ag Teachers Association appreciates the commitment of our corporate members who support agricultural education.
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