Course proposal for a senior-level agriculture economics course

The purpose of this project was to establish an agriculture economics course at Westminster High School in the Huntington Beach Union High School District that will directly impact the agricultural department’s retention and membership levels. Additionally, this project sought to develop curriculum which includes a syllabus, unit plan, and course proposal for University of California/California State University economic requirements. This study utilized a case-study approach. The target population for the study included all students participating in a current agriculture course at Westminster High School from 2012 until 2013 (N = 270). Results indicated the majority of students would enlist in an agriculture economics course and enroll in agriculture courses throughout high school if this course were integrated. Findings also indicated the majority of students would have a more positive perception of enrolling in an agriculture course knowing they were able to graduate with a specialization in agriculture from Westminster High School. Over 90% of 9th grade students reported they would enlist in an agriculture economics course and take an agriculture course throughout high school. Research indicated that over 85% of 10th grade students, 90% of 11th grade students, and 100% of 12th grade students would have enrolled in an agriculture economics course. Also, high school seniors previously enrolled in an agriculture course were identified and asked the same sequence of questions, resulting in a 72% agreement that they would have enrolled in an agriculture economics course. The researcher recommends that the study be reviewed and collectively submitted to both the school site and district for finalization and curriculum implementation.