An effective way to learn most practical skills is through first-hand experience. Nowhere has this principle been applied to a greater extent than in vocational agriculture. Supervised agricultural experience (SAE) programs have long satisfied the practical aspect of agricultural education by providing students with a wide variety of learning experiences. These programs continue to enjoy broad support from students, parents, and educators. Sutphin and Newcomb (1983) reported that 98% of respondents to a national survey of agricultural educators and administrators believe that SAE should be required of all high school vocational agriculture students. A recent national study of agricultural education recommended that all students participate in worthwhile SAEs while enrolled in vocational agriculture (National Research Council, 1988). Arrington and McGhee (1988) reported that over 50% of the 1983 vocational agriculture program completers in Florida believe there should be more emphasis on SAE in the program.

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