In This Issue:

Sacramento Scene
  • Sacramento Scene: 2022 Legislative Session Ends, Fate of Bills Decided
CA Eduction Update
  • Teacher Shortage? Depends Where You Look
CATA Update
  • SWOT Analysis: Placing CATA in a Position to Thrive

News & Views
  • New Purdue-Supported Research on FFA Members
  • NAAE National #TeachAg Day is September 15
  • Updated Dates and Locations of CDE/LDE State Finals
  • Golden Owl Award Nominations
  • Wilco FFA Forever Grants 
  • Congratulations to the 2022 National Chapter, Agriscience Fair, and Proficiency Finalists
  • National FFA News and Updates
  • Special Incentives for "Selling" Cal Ag Plates
Sacramento Scene: 2022 Legislative Session Closes, Fate of Bills Decided
By: Matt Patton, CATA Executive Director
As the clock struck midnight on August 31, the 2021-22 legislative session ended. The session started eight months ago. All passed bills are now sent to the Governor’s desk for final approval. Newsom has until the end of September to sign or veto the bills. The national media will scrutinize these signings as many suspect he may run for national office in 2024 (CalMatters Staff, 2022).

The following is a list of bills related to education that impact agricultural education and their fate in the 2022 legislative session. 

AB 1705 (Irwin) – The bill limits remedial English and Math classes that could be required for transfer from a Community College. In addition, the bill outlines stricter rules on when community colleges are allowed to enroll students in remedial classes. Community colleges are expected to enroll most students in transfer-level classes if signed. 

AB 2044 (O’Donnell) – The bill would extend the option for students to fulfill state high school graduation requirements by completing a Career Technical Education (CTE) course until 2027. This bill died in the Senate for reasons unrelated to its contents. However, language from this bill was inserted into an education budget trailer bill, ensuring the continued implementation of CTE classes counting toward graduation requirements. Assembly Member O’Donnell is not seeking re-election.

AB 2273 (Wicks, Cunningham, and Petrie-Norris) – Establishes the California Age-Appropriate Design Code Act, which generally requires businesses that provide online services, products, or features likely to be accessed by children to comply with specified standards. The bill is waiting for the Governor’s signature. This could expand online accessibility for students at school.

Teacher Shortage? Depends Where You Look
By EdSource
NAAE National #TeachAg Day is September 15
NAAE National #TeachAg Day is an initiative of the National Association of Agricultural Educators as part of the National Teach Ag Campaign designed to encourage others to consider a career teaching agriculture and celebrate the positive contributions agriculture teachers make in our schools and communities.

NAAE offers a variety of resources to help you celebrate NAAE National #TeachAg Day and to also help you encourage others to consider a career teaching agriculture. To access their Dropbox folder, click here.
Updated Dates and Locations of CDE/LDE State Finals
Golden Owl Award Nominations
The Golden Owl Award Program, sponsored by Nationwide, is designed to recognize teachers who go above and beyond to provide opportunities for their students and their chapter to grow and improve. Students, fellow teachers, and other supporters can nominate their favorite agricultural teacher and summarize what makes him or her the best in their state. Nominees can win the distinction of being their state’s Agricultural Educator of the Year and the following prizes:
  • $500 and an engraved plaque to each regional finalist
  • $3,000 and the coveted Golden Owl Award trophy to each state’s grand prize winner
In conjunction with the Golden Owl Award, Nationwide is donating $5,000 to each participating state’s FFA to further support the personal and professional growth of students, teachers, and advisors alike. 

To nominate an outstanding ag teacher, visit https://form.jotform.com/CaliforniaFFA/2023-golden-owl-award. Nominations close on January 23, 2023.
Wilco FFA Forever Grants 
Congratulations to the 2022 National Chapter, Agriscience Fair, and Proficiency Finalists
National FFA News and Updates
Compiled by Jason Ferreira, Hanford High School Ag Teacher and National FFA Teacher Ambassador 
NEW! Fall 2022 FFA New Horizons Teaching Guide
The newest edition of the FFA New Horizons Teaching Guide is now available!


NEW! Student Handbook and Workbook
The latest edition of the National FFA Student Handbook and Official FFA Manual are now live and available for classroom use. New this year is a classroom workbook and poster set that accompany the student handbooks. Click here to purchase the handbook, workbook, or manual. Looking for free digital files to share with students? 


California Chapters Receive ‘Grants for Growing’
National FFA awarded more than $925,000 to FFA chapters in 42 states. This nationwide program, sponsored by Tractor Supply Company, provides grant funds to local FFA chapters to grow their classroom, grow their chapter, or grow ag awareness in their communities.

Seven California chapters were awarded funds: Brentwood-Liberty FFA, Central Catholic FFA, Firebaugh FFA, Foothill-Palo Cedro FFA, Fowler FFA, Golden Valley-Bakersfield FFA, and Turlock Christian FFA. Congratulations!