Review Agenda Item
Meeting Date: 1/16/2019 - 3:30 PM
Category: Consent Calendar
Type: Action
Subject: 11.15 CURRICULUM: Revised High School Course: Agriculture/Science – Environmental Horticulture Science (meets A-G requirements)
Strategic Plan:
Enclosure
File Attachment:
Env.Horticulture Sci.Course of Study.Rev.pdf
Summary: The Environmental Horticulture Science Course of Study has been revised from its previous subject area of College Prep Elective to Laboratory Science.

Students in the agriculture and natural resources industry sector are engaged in an instructional program that integrates academic and technical preparation, with a focus on career awareness, career exploration, and skill preparation. The pathways emphasize real-world, occupationally relevant experiences of scope and depth. Components of classroom and laboratory instruction, supervised agricultural experiences projects, and leadership and interpersonal skill development prepare students for continued training, advanced educational opportunities, and entry into a career.

Environmental Horticulture Science is a new course that will provide the students with theories and principles related to environmental and ornamental horticulture. This is a college preparatory course, designed to successfully expose students to both the environmental and botanical nature of horticulture. This course is intended to develop an appreciation of horticulture, incorporate Scientific methods and biological principles within the environment, to help students understand plant functions and uses, and recognize the diversity of life and the interrelationships among organisms in nature. This course is designed to develop knowledge and skills in the following areas: basic botany; classification and identifying horticultural plants; using soil and other plant-growing media; propagating horticultural plants; basics of growing horticultural plants in greenhouse and landscape settings; and landscape maintenance. Improving workplace skills will be a focus. Participation in FFA student organization activities is required.

The purpose of Environmental Horticulture Science is to equip students as a part of our Ornamental Horticulture pathway. The goal is to create a foundation in the area of plant science, biochemistry, and horticulture, as students continue to build their skills in the areas of science. It is also our hope that students will further their education in science to support the agricultural industry in feeding, clothing, housing, and protecting the natural resources of the world. This course would enhance the technical science knowledge and skills needed to carry out the applied science of horticulture. Due to the emerging Common Core State Standards in writing and literacy, students will be required to enhance their literacy skills in researching and reading comprehension of informational text. Students will express themselves through technical scientific writing as they complete research papers and an agriscience fair project. Environmental Horticulture is designed to provide students with the theories and principles related to environmental horticulture science. Emphasis is placed on horticultural terminology, plant identification, plant physiology, and entomology. This course will prepare those students planning on majoring in agricultural sciences at a 2-year and/or 4-year college or university.

Environmental Horticulture Science course meets A-G requirements and has been approved by the Director of Curriculum and Instruction and the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services.
Funding:
Recommendation: It is recommended that the Board of Trustees approve the revised Agriculture/Science Course: Environmental Horticulture Science.
Approvals:
Recommended By:
Signed By:
Julie Zierold - Director - Curriculum and Instruction
Signed By:
Charles Newman - Assistant Superintendent
Signed By:
Grant Bennett - Superintendent
Vote Results:

Original Motion
Member Dr. Randall Freeman Moved, Member Dr. Jose Luis Araux seconded to approve the Original motion 'It is recommended that the Board of Trustees approve the revised Agriculture/Science Course: Environmental Horticulture Science.'. Upon a Roll-Call Vote being taken, the vote was: Aye: 5 Nay: 0.
The motion Carried 5 - 0
   
Dr. Randall Freeman     Yes
Anthony T. Stafford, Sr.     Yes
Edward Garcia, Jr.     Yes
Dr. Jose Luis Araux     Yes
David Nelissen     Yes