It was at a meeting of shearing instructors from across the country last week where the framework for the new American Sheep Industry Association?s (ASI) Shearing School Curriculum was designed. The goal of the working meeting was to develop a uniform national curriculum base and guide for teaching shearing schools throughout the United States.
The process began with each instructor presenting the content of their current course curriculum to the group. With many similarities discovered, the attendees went to work designing the outline of topics to include in a unified shearing program, which can be taught across the country.
The teaching materials, which will include a manual complemented by a CD, will provide comprehensive and in-depth material for new shearers as well as up-to-date information for those desiring to enhance their skill. Some of the topics to be included are: sheep shearing physical fitness, facilities and sheep handling, shearing patterns, equipment maintenance, grinding, proper wool handling, wool contamination and alternative and specialty shearing. The materials will also include contact information for equipment manufacturers and a resource guide.
The new curriculum will be available for use by shearing school instructors in the spring of 2005.
Staff contact: Bob Padula, 303-771-3500