Teachers--
This is a collection of recordbook and application related questions that are frequently asked. We have found it very helpful to share those questions and answers and other notes with everyone.
Tom Maynard
Executive Director
Texas FFA Association
512.480.8045-ofc
512.694.4331-mobile
512.617.8219-fax
Q: Why do we have to have social security numbers on the Lone Star Degree applications if a student is only applying for the degree? And in placing this information on the application, do we risk compromising the students privacy and crack open the door to identity theft?
A: This is a great question. We have always included social security numbers on the record books and on applications. I am not sure what the history is behind that, but we do not use that data for anything. If you wish to omit that information, you may simply put zeroes (000-00-0000) in that data field.
Q: I have a student who is claiming employment hours for his state degree application. It is NOT Work Based Learning. Does he need a training plan?
A: First, examine the policy related to this:
Subsection 26.4(g)(5) The application must: ...Be accompanied by a copy of the training plan(s), if income from a Work-Based Learning program is claimed.
The language in this section is very specific to work-based learning which means that the student is enrolled in that program and his or her employment is part of that particular class.
The following subsection addresses placement SAE's:
Subsection 26.4(h)(5) Each record book must... Include a completed SAE agreement which fully explains the terms of all leases and rental agreements and which explains terms of employment and curriculum objectives for placement SAE’s.
The state required that for a short period of time a few years ago, but our current record books provide a page for an SAE Plan on which rental agreements and terms of employment are explained. Remember that a job is not part of an SAE unless it is part of a systematic plan of instruction, and thus it must be declared to be so with an explanation of the instructional objectives. Terms of employment would be a description of duties, wage arrangements, etc. If it is, in fact, part of an SAE, the employment hours and earnings should be recorded in the journal pages. If the job is not part of a work-based learning program, a training plan is not required, but it must be explain in the SAE Plan.
As we answer more questions, we will continue to update you as many of you may encounter similar issues. We hope this is helpful to you.