Horticulture.

This curriculum guide is intended to assist vocational instructors in preparing students for entry-level employment in the field of horticulture and getting them ready for advanced training in the workplace. The package contains a validated competency/skill and task list, an instructor's guide, and an annotated bibliography. The following competencies are covered: understanding the basic principles of plant growth and development; propagating, growing, and maintaining nursery stock; mixing and applying horticultural chemicals; drafting landscape and irrigation plans; designing and installing irrigation systems; operating and maintaining sprinkler systems; designing, installing, and maintaining landscapes; constructing hardscape features; installing and maintaining residential and commercial turf areas and golf courses; operating and maintaining horticultural equipment; designing and preparing floral arrangements; selling and merchandising; managing a horticultural concern; developing desirable personal habits and leadership skills; and applying for a job. The instructor's guide consists of a series of task sheets, each of which includes some or all of the following: competency/skill statement; task statement; performance objectives (including conditions in which the task is to be performed, evaluation criteria, and an evaluation standard); suggested student learning experiences; recommended instructional techniques; instructional equipment, materials, and supplies needed to complete the lesson; and recommended resources. (MN)