The Status of Integration of Academic and Agricultural Education in North Carolina

As we enter the 21st century, education is becoming more and more technologically advanced. As a result, effective education cannot be either liberal/academic or technical/vocational. According toKearns and Doyle (1988), liberal education teaches both traditional academic subjects, such as science and history, and critical thinking and problem-solving skills.Figler (1989)outlined some skills taught in a liberal or academic curriculum that are needed in the workplace, including communications, thinking, valuing, and interviewing skills. Technical or vocational education, on the other hand, teaches skills required for many occupations(Roegge, 1994).Rankin (1993)stated that 97% of all high school students enroll in a vocational course during their high school career, and many students consider vocational goals most important to their future. Vocational and academic integration is a marriage of both types of curricula in order to teach the many skills necessary for students' future successes.