As the world economy continues to evolve, businesses and industries must adopt new practices and processes in order to survive. Quality and cost control, work teams and participatory management, and an infusion of technology are transforming the way people work and do business. Employees are now expected to read, write, and communicate effectively; think creatively, solve problems, and make decisions; and interact with each other and the technologies in the workplace. Vocational-technical programs must also adopt these practices in order to provide graduates who can enter and advance in the changing work world. The curriculum framework in this document reflects these changes in the workplace and a number of other factors that impact on local vocational-technical programs. Federal and state legislation calls for articulation between high school and community college programs, integration of academic and vocational skills, and the development of sequential courses of study that provide students with the optimum educational path for achieving successful employment. National skills standards, developed by industry groups and sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education and Labor, provide vocational educators with the expectations of employers across the United States. All of these factors are reflected in the framework found in this document. Agricultural Mechanics Technology is an instructional program that prepares individuals to select, operate, maintain, service, and use agricultural/industrial power units, machinery, and equipment. Included is instruction in engine design, use, maintenance, and repair techniques. The program covers internal combustion engines service and overhaul, electrical systems, hydraulic systems, power trains, air conditioning, grain harvesting equipment, spray equipment, row crop planting systems, cotton harvesting equipment, hay harvesting equipment, compact engines equipment, servicing, cutting and welding, and service repair center management and operations. Graduates of the first year program shall be issued a Certificate of Agricultural Mechanics and those who complete the second year shall be awarded an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Agricultural Mechanics Technology. Graduates of this program are employed by agricultural equipment dealers, industrial, rental, and retail concerns, and agricultural businesses. Appended are: (1) Standards for Agricultural Equipment Technicians; (2) Related Academic Standards; and (3) 21st Century Skills. A list of suggested references is provided for each unit. (Contains 3 footnotes.)