Reflections on Reform: A Historical Narrative of the Relocation of the Louisiana FFA Office

Abstract

Formal agricultural education first appeared in Louisiana in 1909 under the supervision of the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE). The LDOE and Louisiana State University (LSU) jointly employed the first state director of agricultural education. Then, by the late 20thCentury, the evolving philosophy of vocational education and state budget cuts led to the end of career and technical student organization supervision within the LDOE. Needing a new home, Louisiana’s agricultural education leaders employed their personal and political influence to secure office space at the LSU AgCenter. This move came with challenges and struggles as the nature of FFA supervision and the relationship between agriscience teachers, the LDOE, and the LSU AgCenter evolved into its current arrangement. Louisiana is now one of 16 states and territories to have no LDOE employees directly supervising the FFA or agricultural education programs. The experiences of those involved in this historical narrative and the lessons learned provide valuable knowledge for current and future state agricultural education leadership in adapting to political and cultural changes that influence career and technical education.