Byron's Babbles

Yesterday during a workshop I was doing at the National FFA Convention the superintendent, John Niehues of a Kansas school district made the comment that what he was trying to create at USD 200 Greeley County Schools and what we were doing in agriculture education and FFA was “value-added education.” This is so true! It was so great to have him in this session where I was working with teachers to help them develop relationships and learn how to best work with their administrators. His insights were invaluable to all, including myself, in attendance. I love that we have so many administrators attending convention. Value-added education refers to an approach in which the education system focuses not only on providing knowledge and skills but also on adding value to students’ overall growth and development.

Value-added education goes beyond traditional academic subjects and aims to cultivate a range of qualities in students, such as critical thinking, problem-solving skills, creativity, empathy, communication skills, and a sense of responsibility. It emphasizes holistic learning and aims to prepare students for real-world challenges and success in various aspects of life.

In value-added education, the focus is on developing well-rounded individuals who are not only academically competent but also possess essential life skills and values. This approach recognizes that education is not just about acquiring information but also about fostering personal, social, and emotional development. It’s about applying what is learned. That is why work-based learning and apprenticeships are so important. In our agriculture programs we use Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) For All to give students the opportunity to explore passions and career interests. SAE For All is broken into two components:

1. Foundational SAE: career exploration and planning, employability skills, personal finance management, workplace safety, and agricultural literacy.

2. Immersion SAE: this is where students gain real-world, hands-on experience within their chosen career path. Students will enhance their agriculture industry knowledge, gain financial independence and management skills, and determine whether the career choice aligns with their interests and abilities. They do this in either placement/internship, entrepreneurship, research, school-based enterprise, or service learning.

Value-added education encourages active learning, student engagement, and the application of knowledge in practical settings. It promotes lifelong learning, self-reflection, and continuous improvement. By providing opportunities for students to explore their interests, develop their talents, and engage in real-world experiences, value-added education aims to prepare individuals for future success and contribute positively to society.