(a) General requirements. This course is recommended for students in Grade 12. Prerequisites: Algebra I and Geometry. Recommended prerequisites: two Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Career Cluster credits. The practicum course is a paid or unpaid capstone experience for students participating in a coherent sequence of career and technical education courses in the STEM Career Cluster. Students shall be awarded two credits for successful completion of this course. A student may repeat this course once for credit provided that the student is experiencing different aspects of the industry and demonstrating proficiency in additional and more advanced knowledge and skills.
(b) 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) The STEM Career Cluster focuses on planning, managing, and providing scientific research and professional and technical services such as physical science, social science, engineering, including laboratory and testing services, and research and development services.
  (3) Practicum in STEM is designed to give students supervised practical application of previously studied knowledge and skills. Practicum experiences can occur in a variety of locations appropriate to the nature and level of experience.
  (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.
(c) Knowledge and skills.
  (1) The student demonstrates professional standards/employability skills as required by business and industry. The student is expected to:
    (A) demonstrate knowledge of how to dress appropriately, speak politely, and conduct oneself in a manner appropriate for the profession;
    (B) show the ability to cooperate, contribute, collaborate, and accept constructive criticism as a member of a group in an effort to achieve a positive collective outcome;
    (C) present written and oral communication in a clear, concise, and effective manner;
    (D) demonstrate time-management skills in prioritizing tasks, following schedules, and performing goal-relevant activities in a way that produces efficient results;
    (E) demonstrate punctuality, dependability, reliability, and responsibility and adhere to policies and procedures in performing assigned tasks as directed;
    (F) apply ethical reasoning to a variety of situations in order to make ethical decisions;
    (G) complete tasks with the highest standards to ensure quality products and services; and
    (H) comply with practicum setting safety rules and regulations to maintain safe and healthy working conditions and environments.
  (2) The student applies concepts of critical thinking and problem solving. The student is expected to:
    (A) analyze elements of a problem to develop creative and innovative solutions;
    (B) analyze information to determine value to the problem-solving task;
    (C) compare and contrast alternatives using a variety of problem-solving and critical-thinking skills; and
    (D) conduct technical research to gather information necessary for decision making.
  (3) The student demonstrates leadership and teamwork skills in collaborating with others to accomplish goals and objectives. The student is expected to:
    (A) analyze leadership in relation to trust, positive attitude, integrity, and willingness to accept key responsibilities in a work situation;
    (B) demonstrate teamwork processes that promote team building, consensus, continuous improvement, respect for the opinions of others, cooperation, adaptability, and conflict resolution;
    (C) demonstrate responsibility for shared group and individual work tasks;
    (D) use positive interpersonal skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships in order to accomplish objectives and tasks;
    (E) negotiate effectively to arrive at decisions; and
    (F) demonstrate respect for individuals, including those from different cultures, genders, and backgrounds and diversity.
  (4) The student demonstrates oral and written communication skills in creating, expressing, and interpreting information and ideas, including technical terminology and information. The student is expected to:
    (A) demonstrate the use of content, technical concepts, and vocabulary when analyzing information and following directions;
    (B) employ verbal skills when obtaining and conveying information;
    (C) use informational texts, scientific websites, and technical materials to review and apply information sources for occupational tasks;
    (D) evaluate the reliability of information from informational texts, scientific websites, and technical materials and resources;
    (E) interpret verbal and nonverbal cues and behaviors to enhance communication;
    (F) apply active listening skills to obtain and clarify information; and
    (G) use academic skills to facilitate effective written and oral communication.
  (5) The student demonstrates technical knowledge and skills required to pursue a career in a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics career field. The student is expected to:
    (A) develop advanced technical knowledge and skills related to the student's occupational objective; and
    (B) evaluate strengths and weaknesses in technical skill proficiency.
  (6) The student documents technical knowledge and skills. The student is expected to:
    (A) update a professional portfolio to include information such as:
      (i) attainment of technical skill competencies;
      (ii) licensures or certifications;
      (iii) recognitions, awards, and scholarships;
      (iv) extended learning experiences such as community service and active participation in career and technical student organizations and professional organizations;
      (v) abstract of key points of the practicum;
      (vi) resume;
      (vii) samples of work; and
      (viii) evaluation from the practicum supervisor; and
    (B) present the portfolio to interested stakeholders.

Source Note: The provisions of this §127.759 adopted to be effective April 7, 2022, 47 TexReg 1677