Defining Fidelity in the Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education (CASE)

The purpose of the study was to explore the definition of fidelity in the delivery of the Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education (CASE). The conceptual framework utilized in this study was the key domains affecting curriculum fidelity. This framework has four parts focusing on (1) school context, (2) curriculum implementation systems, (3) curriculum implementers, and (4) audiences targeted. To address the research objectives of this study, a basic qualitative approach was used. Each participant represented a different state and were made up of teacher educators, high school educators, and state leaders for agricultural education. The participants were or previously had been high school agricultural educators. Several benefits of the CASE curriculum were identified by the participants of this study. The benefits identified included inquiry-based learning, resources for educators, and assistance for beginning or novice educators. Participants believed the curriculum was beneficial to agricultural educators no matter if they were beginning their careers or are established professionals. Future research should focus on how the lead teachers view the delivery of the CASE curriculum and to what level the curriculum needs to be delivered to reach teaching it with fidelity.