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Growing the Soil Science Profession through Investment, Vestment, and Validation
Author(s) -
Ferris Dawn R.,
Hattey Jeffory A.,
Mullen Michael D.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj2009.0172
Subject(s) - certification , professional certification (computer technology) , investment (military) , professional development , work (physics) , engineering ethics , political science , public relations , sociology , pedagogy , engineering , law , mechanical engineering , politics
Soil scientists have invested in their profession through the development of performance objectives, national exams, and recognized state licensing and certification processes. These activities have defined the practice of soil science, thus providing society, other professionals, and the scientific community with a more comprehensive understanding of what types of work soil scientists perform as well as assurances of the competency of practitioners. Along with defining the practice, efforts must be strengthened to educate the next generation of soil scientists and provide them with opportunities to become vested in the profession. Higher education must also validate student learning through an assessment process to evaluate the preparation of students to perform at standards set by the profession. The mechanisms are in place to promote the soil science profession using established professional standards and ethics, education and experience criteria, examination for licensing or certification, and continuing education requirements. Soil scientists must continue to emphasize the importance of soils to society, to colleagues in other professions, and to students of all ages to further expand opportunities for investment, vestment, and validation of the soil science profession.