The Academy of Natural R esources at Island Coast High School in Cape Coral, Florida celebrated its twelve-year anniversary last year. Over that time instructors have delivered lessons in aquaculture, hydroponics, aquaponics, and sustainability to over one thousand students. These students had the opportunity to learn in the classroom over a four-year program with a course sequence of Agriscience Foundations, Aquaculture I, Aquaculture II and Aquaculture III. The students put their skills to the test running a commercial level facility that has grown to feature two indoor vaults systems, various aquaponic systems, and multiple fiberglass finfish tanks.
Traditionally this unique program has been funded by sponsors, the school district, federal Perkins funds, and fundraising. However, in Florida, education funding is shifting, bringing chang es to the classroom and funding . In 2007, the Florida Career and Professional Education Act (CAPE) was created to provide a statewide partnership between the business and education communities in order to attract, expand, and retain targeted, high-value industry and to sustain a strong, knowledge-based economy and is part of Section 1003.491 Florida State Statutes. The main objectives of this program are to create rigorous middle and high school programs that articulate to post-secondary coursework and industry certification, support economic development, respond to critical workforce needs, and provide state residents with access to high-wage and high-demand careers. There are significant financial incentives tied to this program to ensure success.
With industry certifications already in place from large companies like Adobe, Microsoft and Cisco Systems, Digital Information Technology classes have enjoyed certifications and the advantage of CAPE funds for years. In 2016, the Aquaculture Technician Certification offered by the Florida Aquaculture Association (FAA) was added and carries a 0.1 weight. The FAA utilized the Aquaculture Science , 3rd Edition by Rick Parker, PhD. and publications from both University of Florida Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory and the Southern Regional Aquaculture Center to develop the one hundred question test which requires a 60% for a passing score. To qualify to take the exam, individuals must have completed 75% of Aquaculture II or worked over 300 hours at a certified aquaculture facility. The initial cost is $95 with a $50 retake fee and three attempts allowed. With the recent introduction of the certification, high cost of administration, and few study materials, the school district required each student to pass three pretests with a score of 85% or higher before sitting for the exam. With these high stakes high quality study materials were necessary and I developed 5 different pretests and multiple quizlets covering each standard of the certification test. We experienced a 100% pass rate on the certification exam with sixteen students earning the certification.