David E. Lawver, Texas Tech University
John Barton, Texas Tech University
Cindy Akers, Texas Tech University
James H. Smith, Texas Tech University
Steve Fraze, Texas Tech University
This study identified topics and competencies in Agricultural Mechanics that should be included in the teacher certification curriculum for agricultural science teachers. Identification of the topics and competencies came from secondary agricultural science teachers. These teachers where nominated as experts by the State Director of Agricultural Education. A three-round Delphi technique was the procedure used to conduct the study with a total of 30 experts being asked to participate in round one. In the first round, the panel identified 4 topic areas that should be included in a teacher certification curriculum for secondary agricultural science teachers: (1) Metal Fabrication; (2) Agricultural Structures; (3) Agricultural Power and Machinery; and (4) Soil and Water Management. Subsequent rounds produced 99 competencies within the 4 topic areas that were identified for potential inclusion in the agricultural mechanics portion of the agricultural science teacher certification program. Of the 99 competencies, two were eliminated due to lack of agreement by the panel. The 97 competencies will be validated with future studies from industry and teacher educators to determine the agricultural mechanics curriculum for teacher certification.