Speaking Development Events (SDE)

Speaking Development Events are designed to develop the ability of all FFA members to express themselves on a given subject. Students are encouraged to develop their communication skills and learn to formulate their remarks for presentation in a variety of situations. The state finals of the speaking development events are held in conjunction with the Texas FFA Convention in July.

Extemporaneous Public Speaking:

Members learn how to think on their feet and make a case quickly and persuasively. Contestants are given 30 minutes to prepare a speech on one of three randomly selected agricultural topics. After delivering the speech, contestants may be asked questions about their speech and topic.

Senior Prepared Public Speaking:

Each contestant writes and delivers a six- to eight-minute speech about a current agricultural subject of their choice. Participants are then rated based on the written speech, speech delivery and their answers to judges’ questions.

Senior Prepared Public Speaking Divisions are as follows:
  1. Animal Science: Participants may choose any current or future subject that deals with any aspect of the industries of dairy, equine, poultry, sheep, swine, beef, specialty animals, embryo transfer, etc.
  2. Plant Science: Participants may choose any current or future subject that deals with any aspect of horticulture and/or agronomy industries. This may include such areas as floriculture, fruit and or/vegetable production, nursery operations, turf and landscape management, crop production, specialty crop production, etc.
  3. Natural Resources: Participants may choose any current or future subject that deals with topics such as soil, water, air, rural water, wildlife, forestry, aquaculture, conservation, recreation, recycling, energy, environmental issues, etc.
  4. Agribusiness: Participants may choose any current or future subject that deals with topics such as cooperatives, sales, service, entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, commodities, futures, hedging, advertising, online marketing program, etc.
  5. Agricultural Policy: Participants may choose any current or future subject that deals with topics such as domestic farm issues, international trade, rural economic development, politics, animal rights, law, subsidies, price supports, etc.
  6. Agriculture Technology and Communications: Participants may choose any current or future subject that deals with topics such as biotechnology, biogenetics, bioengineering, mechanical engineering, farm safety, use of technology, research, laser, satellites, computers, journalism, communications, social media, public relations, etc.

Junior Prepared Public Speaking:

Each contestant writes and delivers a five to eight minute speech about a current agricultural subject of their choice. Participants are then rated based on the written speech, speech delivery and their answers to judges’ questions.

Jr. Prepared Division speech should address a topic related to Agribusiness or Agriculture.

Soil Stewardship Prepared Public Speaking:

Contestants write and deliver a six- to eight-minute speech in accordance with the year’s theme selected by the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board. Prior to competition the speech must be presented to the local chapter and to at least one civic or school group if competing above the district level.

The Soil and Water Stewardship Public Speaking Contest is open to high school agricultural science students interested in conservation. The contest is aimed at broadening students' interest and knowledge of conservation and how people must depend on and take care of the world around them for survival.The contest is conducted through the Texas FFA, with contests at the local, area, and state level. To prepare for the contest, students are to consult with their agricultural science teacher and work with their local soil and water conservation district. Students are encouraged to visit with their local soil and water conservation district to find out more about conservation practices in their area.The contest is a partnership between the Texas FFA, the Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas, the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, and the Association of Texas Soil and Water Conservation Districts


Career and Technical Education Methods of Administration (MOA)Public Notification of Nondiscrimination in Career and Technical Education ProgramsLubbock-Cooper ISD offers several career and technical education programs. Admission to these programs is based on student interest and course prerequisites as listed in the Lubbock-Cooper High School Course Guide.It is the policy of Lubbock-Cooper ISD not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or handicap in its career and technical education programs, services or activities as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. Lubbock-Cooper ISD will take steps to ensure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all educational and career and technical programs.For information about your rights or grievance procedures, contact the Title IX Coordinator, Danny Davis or the Section504 Coordinator, Tracy Fogerson at 16302 Loop 493, Lubbock, TX 79423. 806.863.7100
Métodos de Administraciόn para Carreras y Educaciόn Técnica (MAO)(Notificaciόn pública de No Discriminación en Programas de EducaciónTécnica y Vocacional)El distrito escolar de Lubbock-Cooper ISD ofrece varios programas de Educacion Técnica y Vocacional. La admisión a estos programas esta basada en el interés que los alumnos muestren y los cursos pre-requeridos que se encuentran listados en la Guía de Cursos de la Secundaria en Lubbock-Cooper ISD.Es política de Lubbock-Cooper ISD es no discriminar de sus progamas, servicios, educación técnica y vocacional por motivo de raza, color, país de origen, sexo o impedimentos físicos, tal como lo requieren el Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964, según enmienda; Título IX de las Enmiendas en la Educación de 1972, y la Sección 504 de la ley de Rehabilitación de 1973, según enmienda. Lubbock-Cooper ISD tomará las medidas necesarias para asegurar que la falta de habilidad en el idioma Inglés no sea una barrera para la admisión y participación en todos los programas educativos y vocacionales.Para información sobre sus derechos o procedimiento de quejas, comuníquese con el coordinador del Título IX, Danny Davis y/o la coordinadora de la Sección 504, Tracy Fogerson en la siguente dirección, 16302 Loop 493, Lubbock, TX 79423. Teléfono (806) 863-7100.

910 Woodrow Dr. Lubbock, TX. 79423