[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 99 (Monday, July 14, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S7427]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY SUMMER AGRICULTURAL INSTITUTE

 Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, it is with considerable 
pride I share with you today an educational program that is bringing 
hope and insight to students in Oregon. It is characterized by 
voluntarism, authentic educational programs, and community involvement. 
The program itself, and its individual parts, serves as a model for 
educational reforms throughout our Nation.
  The Oregon State University Summer Agricultural Institute, which is 
currently in its 8th year, consists of teachers taking a week long 
course designed to enhance their understanding of agriculture in 
Oregon. After a day of initial study at the university, teachers are 
immersed in authentic, hands-on learning. They visit actual working 
farms and ranches, processing plants, forestry sites, and dairy farms. 
Additionally, each teacher spends 1 night with a family that owns and 
operates a farm or ranch. Teachers in the program also experience a day 
of role reversal as they become the students of boys and girls involved 
in Future Farmers of America. The teachers learn how relevant and 
meaningful learning takes place in the lives of these young people as 
they farm and raise animals.
  Teachers must pay a small fee for the class but the overwhelming 
majority of costs are met through donations. These gifts of money, 
time, and resources by agricultural communities in Oregon provide the 
financial backbone of the program.
  The institute ends with a dinner where teachers are given the 
opportunity to share their reflections on the week. During this evening 
it is common for teachers to share an increased sense of appreciation 
for agriculture. The advanced level of education possessed by farmers 
and ranchers, their commitment to responsible stewardship of the land, 
and their incredible work ethic leave the teachers not only impressed 
but touched. One teacher tearfully remarked, ``Oregon's land is in good 
hands. Thank you.''
  Teachers leave the week with the necessary knowledge and motivation 
to develop meaningful curricula related to agriculture in Oregon. 
Lafona Jensen, the chairwoman of the program, Karen Stephenson, the 
coordinator of the program, and Dr. Lee Cole, the instructor of record, 
are individuals making a genuine difference in the lives of young 
people in Oregon.
  I strongly encourage States with similar agricultural interests as 
Oregon to look closely at this program. The Oregon State University 
Summer Agricultural Institute is a model for communities desiring to 
design educational programs that promote authentic learning and an 
appreciation for the important role agriculture plays in our 
society.

                          ____________________