The Historical Development of Agricultural Magnet Schools in the Alamo City

Abstract

This historical study focused on agricultural science magnet programs in Bexar County, TX. The agricultural magnet school is relatively a new program model that is increasing in popularity. Focus of this study was on the changes that have taken place within these programs and how they have become successful through the agricultural science magnet program model. Some factors that are shared by these programs include the offering of multiple agricultural science classes, including animal science, horticulture, aquaculture, and agricultural mechanics. All schools had animal project centers and livestock supervised agriculture experience (SAE) programs. Each school employs an interview application and interview process to enter the program. Most students were found to be from an urban area with little or no agriculture background.  Educators cited increased public perceptions and school board support as catalyst to the program’s success. Future agricultural science programs may benefit from such school models as they establish their own successful programs.