Secondary vocational-technical education programs in Mississippi are faced with many challenges resulting from sweeping educational reforms at the national and state levels. Schools and teachers are increasingly being held accountable for providing true learning activities to every student in the classroom. This accountability is measured through increased requirements for mastery and attainment of competency as documented through both formative and summative assessments. The courses in this document reflect the statutory requirements as found in Section 37-3-49, Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended (Section 37-3-46). In addition, this curriculum reflects guidelines imposed by federal and state mandates (Laws, 1988, ch. 487, Section 14; Laws, 1991, ch. 423, Section 1; Laws, 1992, ch. 519, Section 4 effective from and after July 1, 1992; Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act III, 1998; and No Child Left Behind Act of 2001). The secondary program in Horticulture prepares individuals for entry level employment or continuing education in a wide variety of fields in the horticulture industry. Students enrolled in the program participate in a variety of instructional activities including lectures, discussions, laboratory experiences at the school, and work-based learning activities in the field such as field trips and shadowing experiences. Students also receive supplementary instruction and reinforcement of learning through activities in youth organizations. Topics covered in the two-year program include plant structure and growth; plant propagation; pest management; floristry; greenhouse crops and management; olericulture; plantscaping; landscape design, installation, and management; and turfgrass management. Student competencies and suggested objectives in the curriculum framework have been correlated to the knowledge and skill statements listed in "Career Cluster Resources for Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources," as published by the National Association of State Directors of Career and Technical Education. Appended are: (1) Proposed Standards for Mississippi Agriculture Education Programs; (2) Academic Standards; (3) Workplace Skills for the 21st Century; and (4) National Educational Technology Standards for Students. A list of suggested references is provided for each unit. (Contains 7 footnotes.)