Supervised Agricultural Experience
A Supervised Agricultural Experience or SAE is the hands on, independent component to a balanced education in agriculture. Through development of an SAE, a student can focus in depth on any agricultural topic that they have a strong interest in. Progress is documented through record keeping by the student in hours invested as well as monetary investments and returns. Approximately once per year the Bruce School Ag Instructor will visit the student to review progress on the SAE. The SAE also shall be supervised on a more regular basis by an employer, parent, or mentor. SAE’s fall into two main categories: entrepreneurship and placement. Entrepreneurship SAE’s are formed and carried out by the student, without the structure of a business or organization serving as the framework for the experience. Examples may include starting a small Ag. Business, or other not for profit endeavor. Placement SAE’s include employment in an Ag. Business, or volunteering for a previously existing organization.
SAE’s importance to classroom Ag.:
The implementation or development of an SAE will count as 10 percent of an agriculture students class grade in any agriculture classes they are enrolled in for that semester. Only one SAE is needed and will count for as many classes as the student is enrolled in that semester. Progress must be demonstrated through record keeping to count for the semester SAE grade. SAE progress must occur within the same semester which the student is enrolled in the Ag. class.
SAE’s importance to FFA:
Through FFA, students can expand their knowledge of SAE areas, as well as gain recognition and support for their accomplishments. At the national and state level grants to expand SAE’s are available annually, and recognition is available through SAE proficiency awards.
SAE’s importance to classroom Ag.:
The implementation or development of an SAE will count as 10 percent of an agriculture students class grade in any agriculture classes they are enrolled in for that semester. Only one SAE is needed and will count for as many classes as the student is enrolled in that semester. Progress must be demonstrated through record keeping to count for the semester SAE grade. SAE progress must occur within the same semester which the student is enrolled in the Ag. class.
SAE’s importance to FFA:
Through FFA, students can expand their knowledge of SAE areas, as well as gain recognition and support for their accomplishments. At the national and state level grants to expand SAE’s are available annually, and recognition is available through SAE proficiency awards.