(a) Implementation. The provisions of this section shall be implemented by school districts beginning with the 2024-2025 school year.
(b) General requirements. This course is recommended for students in Grades 11 and 12. Corequisite: Career Preparation General or Career Preparation for Programs of Study. This course must be taken concurrently with Career Preparation General or Career Preparation for Programs of Study and may not be taken as a stand-alone course. Students shall be awarded one credit for successful completion of this course.
  (1) A student may repeat this course one time for credit provided that the student is experiencing different aspects of an industry and demonstrating proficiency in additional and more advanced knowledge and skills.
  (2) A student may not earn more than six credits for any combination of career preparation courses selected from Career Preparation General, Career Preparation for Programs of Study, and Extended Career Preparation.
(c) Introduction.
  (1) Career and technical education instruction provides content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills for students to further their education and succeed in current or emerging professions.
  (2) Career planning is a critical step and is essential to success. Applying to multiple career and technical education clusters, the career preparation courses provide students with a framework for current employment and future career opportunities to become productive and contributing members of society.
  (3) Extended Career Preparation is an enhancement and extension to Career Preparation General or Career Preparation for Programs of Study to provide additional opportunities for students to participate in a work-based learning experience that combines classroom instruction with business and industry employment experiences that may be outside the student's current program of study. The goal is to provide students additional time for deeper exploration of skills in the workplace. Career preparation is relevant and rigorous, supports student attainment of academic standards, and effectively prepares students for college and career success.
  (4) Students are encouraged to participate in extended learning experiences such as career and technical student organizations and other leadership or extracurricular organizations.
  (5) Statements that contain the word "including" reference content that must be mastered, while those containing the phrase "such as" are intended as possible illustrative examples.
(d) Knowledge and skills.
  (1) The student demonstrates employability skills as required by business and industry. The student is expected to:
    (A) identify and participate in training, education, or preparation for licensure, certification, or other relevant credentials to prepare for employment;
    (B) complete work tasks with high standards to ensure delivery of quality products and services; and
    (C) demonstrate and apply planning and time-management skills to work tasks.
  (2) The student demonstrates essential skills for success in the workplace. The student is expected to:
    (A) demonstrate and apply professional standards and personal qualities needed to be employable such as punctuality, initiative, patience, kindness, respect for authority, and cooperation;
    (B) apply appropriate content knowledge, technical concepts, and vocabulary in the workplace;
    (C) apply effective listening skills to obtain and clarify information in the workplace; and
    (D) maintain appropriate hygiene, grooming, and attire in the workplace.
  (3) The student applies and enhances academic knowledge and skills in the workplace. The student is expected to:
    (A) employ critical-thinking skills to solve problems and make decisions; and
    (B) analyze elements of a problem to develop creative and innovative solutions.
  (4) The student exemplifies appropriate interpersonal and communication skills in the workplace. The student is expected to:
    (A) demonstrate teamwork using conflict-management skills to achieve collective goals;
    (B) apply verbal and non-verbal communication skills consistently in a manner that is clear, concise, and effective; and
    (C) model effective internal and external communications to support work activities.
  (5) The student models ethical codes of conduct and legal responsibilities within the workplace. The student is expected to:
    (A) demonstrate a positive work ethic by performing assigned tasks as directed;
    (B) model ethical reasoning in workplace situations;
    (C) comply with all applicable rules, laws, and regulations in the workplace; and
    (D) research and explain the roles of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) in the workplace.
  (6) The student applies concepts and skills related to safety in the workplace. The student is expected to:
    (A) follow workplace safety rules and regulations consistently;
    (B) operate tools and equipment used in the workplace safely;
    (C) report and handle accidents and safety incidents according to workplace procedures as necessary; and
    (D) describe and perform a hazard analysis of the workplace.
  (7) The student participates in a paid or an unpaid career preparation experience. The student is expected to:
    (A) conduct, document, and evaluate learning activities in a supervised employment experience;
    (B) assess and report on advanced technical knowledge and skills related to the student's occupational objective and growth;
    (C) evaluate strengths and weaknesses in technical skill proficiency; and
    (D) document experiences related to the workplace and curate work samples.

Source Note: The provisions of this §127.22 adopted to be effective February 13, 2024, 49 TexReg 696