Examining the Implementation of Plant Pathology Curricula in School-Based Agricultural Education: A Pilot Study

With increasing emphasis on post-secondary readiness in core subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Science, educators in Career and Technical Education face significant challenges, including declining enrollment and the integration of updated curricula. This study aimed to address these issues within agricultural education by piloting a new plant pathology curriculum designed for secondary School-Based Agricultural Education classrooms. The curriculum, which focuses on the ice nucleator properties of Pseudomonas syringae, aimed to enhance student engagement and critical thinking through an interactive, hands-on laboratory experience. Using a multi-case study research design, three high school agriculture teachers piloted the curriculum, and the study analyzed its effectiveness in promoting student comprehension and laboratory success rates. Data were collected through classroom observations, interviews, and student engagement metrics. Findings highlight the importance of content knowledge for teachers, the challenges in laboratory implementation, and the need for professional development to increase confidence in teaching complex scientific concepts. The study concluded with recommendations for refining curriculum development processes and further research on teacher perceptions and curriculum efficacy in agricultural education.