FFA Degrees

Common Core/Next Generation Standards Addressed! SL.11 ‐ 12.5 Make strategic use of digital media (e.g., RST.11 ‐ 12.1 Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts, attending to important distinctions the author makes and to any gaps or inconsistencies in the account. (HS ‐ LS1 ‐ 1) WHST.9 ‐ 12.5 Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on addressing what is most significant for a specific purpose and audience. (HS ‐ LS1 ‐ 6),(HS ‐ LS2 ‐ 3)

Agriculture, Food and Natural Resource Standards Addressed! CRP Evaluate and consider the near-term and long-term impacts of personal and professional decisions on employers and community before taking action. Sample Measurement: The following sample measurement strands are provided to guide the development of measurable activities (at different levels of proficiency) to assess students’ attainment of knowledge and skills related to the above performance indicator. The topics represented by each strand are not all- encompassing. CRP a. Classify the near- and long term impacts of personal decisions on self and others (e.g., decisions involving health, relationships, money, perceptions, education, etc.).

Bell Work What degree do you plan to attain in the FFA organization? What are your plans for an SAE? Which SAE division is the most appealling to you? Why?

What are the five FFA degree areas?

The National FFA organization has five degree areas for active members.

The Discovery Degree The Discovery degree may be awarded to FFA member enrolled in Agriculture Education classes at the junior high level.

Discovery Degree Requirements Enrolled in an Agriculture Class for at least a portion of the year. Must be a dues paying member. Must have participated in at least one activity during the school year. Have knowledge of agriculture careers, ownership and entrepreneurial opportunities. Be familiar with the local chapters program of activities.

First year members at the ninth grade level are called greenhands.

Requirements of a greenhand include the following: Be enrolled in an agriculture class and plan an Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE). Know the creed, motto, salute, and FFA mission. Explain the FFA emblem and colors. Demonstrate a knowledge of the FFA code of ethics and the proper use of the FFA jacket.

Requirements - Cont. Know the history of the FFA. Have access to an FFA Official Manual and the FFA Student Handbook. Submit a written application for the greenhand degree.

Greenhands receive the Greenhand pin, which is a bronze emblem of the FFA.

Each year a Greenhand is selected to receive the Star Greenhand Award. The requirements are: a. Must be an active first year member. b. Must demonstrate leadership skills. c. Must have an SAE program.

After completing at least two semesters of an agriculture course, members can earn the Chapter FFA Degree.

This is the highest degree a chapter can bestow on its members.

This is usually awarded during the second or third year of membership.

Other requirements for the Chapter FFA Degree include: Must have received the Greenhand degree. Having an SAE program. Earning and productively investing $150, at work or at least 45 hours outside of class time in a SAE program. Effectively leading a group discussion for 15 minutes.

Chapter FFA degree requirements - Cont. Demonstrating five procedures of parliamentary law. Showing progress toward individual achievements in the FFA award program. Having a satisfactory scholastic record. Have participated in at least 10 hours of community service.

The Chapter FFA degree pin replaces the greenhand pin on the FFA jacket. It is a silver emblem of the FFA.

Chapter FFA Degree recipients may be chosen as stars. The Chapter Star in Agribusiness has an outstanding agribusiness SAE. The Chapter Star Farmer has an outstanding production agriculture SAE. The Chapter Star in Placement has an outstanding agriculture employment station. The Chapter Star in Agri Science has developed an outstanding agriculture science based research program.

The State FFA Degree is granted by the state association.

2. Requirements for the State FFA Degree include: Must hold the Chapter FFA Degree. Must be an active member for at least 2 years. Complete at least 2 years of agriculture courses.

State FFA Degree requirements - cont. Earn and productively invest at least $1000, or work at least 300 hours outside of class time in an SAE program. Must have completed 360 hours of classroom instruction. Be able to demonstrate leadership ability by:

Performing 10 procedures of parliamentary law.

Giving a six-minute speech on FFA or an agriculture topic.

Serving as an officer, committee chairperson or participating committee member.

Having a satisfactory scholastic record.

Participating in the POA.

Participating in at least five FFA activities above the chapter level.

Participated in 25 hours of community service.

Members receiving the State FFA Degree are presented with a gold emblem charm during a ceremony at their state FFA convention.

The State FFA Degree charm replaces the silver Chapter FFA Degree pin on their jacket.

The state association selects a State Star Farmer, Star in Agribusiness, a Star In Agriculture Placement and a Star winner in Agri-Science. These winners receive a plaque and cash awards.

The American FFA Degree is the highest degree in the FFA.

This degree is awarded to members by the National FFA Organization.

Obtaining this degree requires a solid commitment to the FFA and agriculture.

In order to receive the American FFA Degree, a member must: Hold the State FFA Degree. Be an active member for at least 3 years or complete the program of agricultural education offered at the school last attended. Complete at least 3 years of agriculture courses. Graduate from high school at least 12 months prior to receiving the degree.

American FFA Degree Requirements - cont. Have an operation and records to substantiate an outstanding SAE program. Earn and productively invest at least $7,500, or earn and productively invest at least $1,500 and work at least 2,250 unpaid hours outside class time in an SAE.

American FFA Degree Requirements - cont. Have a record of outstanding leadership abilities and community involvement. Verify 50 hours of community service.

American FFA Degree recipients receive the gold key during a ceremony at the National FFA Convention.

The American FFA Degree key replaces the State FFA Degree charm. It should be worn either pinned on the jacket or on the standard key chain.

The National FFA selects four national finalists for the titles of Star in Production Agriculture, Star in Ag. Placement, Star in Ag. Business and Star in Agri-Science. The National FFA Organization selects a top American FFA Degree recipient in production agriculture as the American Star Farmer, and in an outstanding agribusiness SAE as the American Star in Agribusiness. b. Each recipient receives cash awards, plaques, and medals.

American Stars - cont. All sixteen finalists receive part of their travel expenses to the National FFA Convention and a European agriculture tour. d. These are the highest honors the FFA bestows to a member.

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