Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

Elementary agricultural education (EAE) is a growing component of K-12 agricultural education, yet limited research exists on how school leaders perceive its value. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of Georgia elementary school administrators regarding the implementation and value of EAE programs. Specifically, this study examined elementary principals’ and district superintendents’ views on the benefits, effectiveness, and value of EAE. A descriptive research design was used. Georgia elementary principals and district superintendents with active EAE programs during the 2025-2026 academic year were surveyed in the fall of 2025. The sample consisted of 18 principals and 18 superintendents. The survey measured perceptions across six constructs: perceived value of EAE to students, perceived student interest in agriculture, perceived academic value, perceived community value, perceptions of elementary agriculture teachers, and perceptions of EAE as not valuable. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize responses, and independent samples t- tests were conducted to compare principal and superintendent perceptions. Results indicated that both principals and superintendents reported positive perceptions across all positive constructs, with mean scores above 4.00 on a 5-point Likert-type scale. No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups across any of the six constructs (p > .05). Findings suggest strong, unified administrative support for EAE at both the school and district levels. These results provide support for the continued growth, sustainability, and expansion of EAE programs in Georgia. Implications for practice, policy, leadership, and future research are discussed, including the role of EAE as an entry point within the P-20 agricultural education pipeline.

Year manuscript completed

2026

Year degree awarded

2026

Author's Keywords

administrator perceptions; elementary agricultural education; Georgia agriculture education; principal; superintendent; agricultural education value

Degree Awarded

Doctor of Education

Department

Agriculture

College/School

Hutson School of Agriculture

Dissertation Committee Chair

Kristie Guffey

Committee Chair

Kristie Guffey

Committee Member

Alyx Shultz

Committee Member

Meredith Arrington

Document Type

Dissertation

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