2018 - 2019
Florida Department of Education
Curriculum Framework 

Program Title:	Horticulture Specialist
Career Cluster:	Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources

CCC	
CIP Number	0101010102	
Program Type	College Credit Certificate (CCC)	
Program Length	15 credit hours	
CTSO	Collegiate FFA	
SOC Codes (all applicable) 	37-1012 - First-Line Supervisors/Managers of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Grounds keeping Workers	
CTE Program Resources 	http://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-tech-edu/program-resources.stml	

Purpose

This certificate program is part of the Agribusiness Management AS degree program (1101010100).

A College Credit Certificate consists of a program of instruction of less than sixty (60) credits of college-level courses, which is part of an AS or AAS degree program and prepares students for entry into employment (Rule 6A-14.030, F.A.C.).

This program offers a sequence of courses that provides coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources career cluster; provides technical skill proficiency, and includes competency-based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills, and knowledge of all aspects of the agribusiness management sector within the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources career cluster. 

The content includes but is not limited to instruction that prepares individuals to apply the economic and business principles involved in the organization, operation and management of farms and agricultural business.  Subject matter includes finance, laws, labor, machinery, facilities, and marketing, as well as leadership, communication, employability and human relations skills.

Additional Information relevant to this Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is provided at the end of this document.

Standards

After successfully completing this program, the student will be able to perform the following:

01.0	Demonstrate an understanding of plant physiology and growth.
02.0	Classify plants. 
03.0	Manage a pest-control program. 
04.0	Prepare growing media and seedbeds. 
05.0	Grow plants. 
06.0	Design, install, and maintain nursery irrigation systems. 

2018 – 2019
Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Program Title:	Horticulture Specialist   
CIP Numbers:	0101010102
Program Length:	15 credit hours
SOC Code(s):	11-9011

This certificate program is part of the Agribusiness Management AS degree program (1101010100). At the completion of this program, the student will be able to:
	
01.0	Demonstrate an understanding of plant physiology and growth--The student will be able to:	
01.01	Describe the process of photosynthesis. 	
01.02	Identify and describe the functions of all parts of the plant. 	
01.03	Describe an asexual reproduction process. 	
01.04	Explain the differences between angiosperms and gymnosperms. 	
01.05	Identify the differences between woody and herbaceous plants.	
02.0	Classify plants--The student will be able to:	
02.01	Identify and group shade and flowering trees. 	
02.02	Identify and group fruit trees and plants. 	
02.03	Identify and group annuals, vegetables, and herbs. 	
02.04	Identify and group woody ornamentals, vines, and ground covers. 	
02.05	Identify and group tropical foliage plants. 	
02.06	Identify and group turf and ornamental grasses.	
03.0	Manage a pest-control program--The student will be able to:	
03.01	Develop an integrated pest management program or schedule. 	
03.02	Train employees in the safe use of pesticides. 	
03.03	Obtain a pesticide license.	
04.0	Prepare growing media and seedbeds--The student will be able to:	
04.01	Identify media materials. 	
04.02	Mix rooting and growing media according to plant requirements. 	
04.03	Sterilize rooting, potting, and growing media. 	
04.04	Collect and test a soil sample from field and potting media. 	
04.05	Adjust pH and nutritional levels of media. 	
04.06	Prepare planting beds and sites. 	
04.07	Fill and level benches and pots with media. 	
04.08	Demonstrate sanitation practices when handling and storing plant media materials.	
05.0	 Grow plants--The student will be able to:	
05.01	Prepare media for containers. 	
05.02	Prepare field site for transplants. 	
05.03	Select plant containers. 	
05.04	Determine plant spacing in the field and on container beds. 	
05.05	Transplant propagated materials to various containers and to the field. 	
05.06	 Determine and provide light requirements of various plant types.	
06.0	Design, install, and maintain nursery irrigation systems--The student will be able to: 	
06.01	Determine irrigation requirements. 	
06.02	Assess quality of irrigation water.	
06.03	Operate and service various types of irrigation systems. 	

Additional Information

Laboratory Activities

Laboratory investigations that include scientific inquiry, research, measurement, problem solving, emerging technologies, tools and equipment, as well as, experimental, quality, and safety procedures are an integral part of this career and technical program/course. Laboratory investigations benefit all students by developing an understanding of the complexity and ambiguity of empirical work, as well as the skills required to manage, operate, calibrate and troubleshoot equipment/tools used to make observations. Students understand measurement error; and have the skills to aggregate, interpret, and present the resulting data. Equipment and supplies should be provided to enhance hands-on experiences for students.

Special Notes

Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO)

Collegiate FFA is the appropriate career and technical student organization for providing leadership training and reinforcing specific career and technical skills.  Career and Technical Student Organizations provide activities for students as an integral part of the instruction offered.  

Accommodations

Federal and state legislation requires the provision of accommodations for students with disabilities to meet individual needs and ensure equal access. Postsecondary students with disabilities must self-identify, present documentation, request accommodations if needed, and develop a plan with their counselor and/or instructors. Accommodations received in postsecondary education may differ from those received in secondary education. Accommodations change the way the student is instructed. Students with disabilities may need accommodations in such areas as instructional methods and materials, assignments and assessments, time demands and schedules, learning environment, assistive technology and special communication systems. Documentation of the accommodations requested and provided should be maintained in a confidential file.

Additional Resources

For additional information regarding articulation agreements, Bright Futures Scholarships, Fine Arts/Practical Arts Credit and Equivalent Mathematics and Equally Rigorous Science Courses please refer to:
http://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-tech-edu/program-resources.stml