Comparing Texas Principal and Agricultural Education Teacher Perceptions of the Importance of Teaching Activities in Agricultural Education Programs

Abstract

The relationship between school administrators and agricultural education teachers has historically been considered to be important. Past studies have indicated mixed results when comparing principal and teacher perceptions of the importance of agricultural education teaching activities. Agreement between both parties and support from the principal is important to overall student achievement according to educational leadership theory. With the gap in time since previous research on the topic, a comparison of principal and teacher perceptions of teaching activities in agricultural education was conducted. Findings included significant differences in principal and teacher opinions of the importance of lesson planning, filing local reports and keeping records, conducting parent/teacher conferences, and teaching agribusiness courses. Recommendations included continued communication on topics of disagreement and inclusion of administrators in agricultural program activities that highlight student achievement.