National Program Benchmarks

Logo of the National Program Benchmarks featuring a compass design with blue, white, and maroon colors and the organization name.

A Framework for Excellence in Agricultural Education

The National Program Benchmarks (NPB) provide a comprehensive, user-friendly framework to support continuous improvement in secondary Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resource (AFNR) education programs.

Designed for educators, administrators, and community partners, the NPB offers a structured approach for evaluating and enhancing all aspects of a school-based Agricultural Education program. These benchmarks help programs set goals, measure progress, and align with best practices across the nation.

The NPB is organized into six key categories that reflect the foundational elements of Agricultural Education:

Icon of a person giving a presentation to three seated audience members.

Classroom and Laboratory Instruction

Line drawing of a hand holding a coin with a dollar sign, a clock, and two leaves, symbolizing eco-friendly financial savings or sustainable investments.

Experiential, Project, and Work-Based Learning (SAE)

Icon of two people helping each other climb a staircase, representing teamwork or support.

Leadership and Personal Development (FFA)

An icon of a certification ribbon with a check mark in the center.

Educator Success

Outline drawing of a cityscape with buildings inside a gear.

Facilities

Line drawing of a hand interacting with a smartphone screen displaying a list with checkmarks.

Overall Program

Each category includes clear rubrics, suggested evidence, and planning tools that guide meaningful reflection and program development. Agricultural Educators can select one or two area to focus on, up to all six, depending on their time and the support they receive during the process.

Purpose and Use

The National Program Benchmarks are intended for local agriculture programs to:

  • Assess current program strengths and areas for growth

  • Set clear goals and priorities

  • Involve stakeholders such as administrators, advisory committees, FFA supporters and community partners and identify how they can assist.

  • Support strategic planning and external program reviews

Programs are encouraged to use the NPB as an ongoing guide—not just for evaluation, but as a catalyst for innovation and excellence.

A Modernized Approach

The NPB builds upon the legacy of the former National Quality Program Standards (NQPS) and reflects input from over 60 agricultural educators and state leaders. This refined tool emphasizes clarity, accessibility, and adaptability—ensuring programs of all sizes and settings can benefit from its use.

While the benchmarks represent ideal goals, they are designed to be flexible, allowing programs to tailor their approach based on local needs and resources.

A group of people outdoors in a wooded area, with two women sitting in the foreground engaging in conversation and writing on a clipboard, while others sit on logs in the background, some wearing masks and taking notes.

Quick Links