A study investigated perceptions of high school vocational agriculture teachers of supervised occupational experience programs (SOEPs) in Tennessee. Specific objectives were to determine school policies related to SOEPs, number of students and types of SOEPs, and perceptions of various aspects of SOEPs. Mailed surveys were completed by 84 of 214 teachers. Findings indicated that the average 1984-85 enrollment for the responding departments was 98 students. SOEPs were required for enrollment in 35 percent of the programs. Major factors that hindered vocational agriculture departments from having SOEPs were: too many students with weak agricultural background or inadequate resources; large student-teacher ratios; and competing school activities. Departments with a high percentage of students in Future Farmers of America (FFA) had a high percentage of FFA members completing SOEPs. Five objectives for SOEP were rated above average in importance: enhance classroom instruction, develop management skills, prepare students for careers in agriculture/agribusiness, provide a link between vocational agriculture and FFA, and build character. Production agriculture was the most common type of SOEP conducted by students. Supervised farming programs and placement on farms were major types of SOEP alternatives teachers rated as most suitable. Teachers felt that the SOEP assistance they provided students was inadequate. (The instrument is appended.) (YLB)