Program Coordinator/Contact
Mary Christensen, Coordinator
Agricultural Leadership, Education, Communication and Science (ALECS)
Berg Agricultural Hall 156
605-688-5133
E-mail: mary.christensen@sdstate.edu
www.sdstate.edu/agriculture-biological-sciences
P. Troy White, Assistant Professor
Department of Teaching, Learning, and Leadership
Wenona Hall 106
605-688-4546
E-mail: peter.white@sdstate.edu
Click here for additional information.
Program Information
The Agricultural Education, Communication and Leadership Major is a multidisciplinary program that provides a strong foundation in agricultural sciences. The major allows students the flexibility to select a plan of study based on their interests and skills by choosing one of three specializations: Education, Communication, or Leadership. Students in the Agricultural Education specialization will complete a professional education curriculum, as well as supportive instruction in technical agriculture, basic science, and other competencies. Graduates of the Education Specialization will qualify for a secondary teaching certificate, and will also be prepared for a variety of careers in the agricultural industry.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Agricultural Education Specialization of the Agricultural Education, Communication, and Leadership Major, students will:
- Demonstrate knowledge and skill across the broad field of the Agricultural, Food, and Natural Resources industries.
- Demonstrate and apply educational content knowledge related to effective teaching and learning of diverse groups of secondary students.
- Explain the importance of and show evidence of ethical and professional behaviors.
- Locate and evaluate information to solve real world problems.
- Evaluate core competencies and create plans for effective lifetime learning.
- Demonstrate effective written and oral communications skills.
- Evaluate a diverse spectrum of agriculturally related global challenges to communicate culturally responsible solutions to a variety of audiences.
Accreditation, Certification, and Licensure
Accreditation
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education Programs (NCATE)
South Dakota Department of Education
Certification and Licensure
With this major and the accompanying teacher education coursework required for teaching licensure, candidates are eligible to take the Praxis content tests, and apply for a teaching license in South Dakota. Students are required to take the agricultural content test, as well as the PRAXIS II Principles of Learning and Teaching test. The minimum score for the content and Praxis II PLT must be obtained for teaching licensure and varies by state.
Course Delivery Format
Most courses are delivered by traditional lecture/format, and some are offered by online delivery.
