(a) General requirements. This course is recommended for students in Grades 11 and 12. 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 Arts, Audio/Video Technology, and Communications Career Cluster. Prerequisites: Animation II and Animation II Lab. Corequisite: Practicum in Animation. This course must be taken concurrently with Practicum in Animation and may not be taken as a stand-alone course. Students shall be awarded one credit 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 Arts, Audio/Video Technology, and Communications Career Cluster focuses on careers in designing, producing, exhibiting, performing, writing, and publishing multimedia content, including visual and performing arts and design, journalism, and entertainment services.
  (3) Careers in animation span all aspects of the arts, audio/video technology, and communications industry. Building upon the concepts taught in Animation II and Animation II Lab, in addition to developing advanced technical knowledge and skills needed for success in the Arts, Audio/Video Technology, and Communications Career Cluster, students will be expected to develop an increasing understanding of the industry with a focus on applying pre-production, production, and post-production animation products in a professional environment. Instruction may be delivered through lab-based classroom experiences or career preparation opportunities.
  (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 and employability skills as required by business and industry. The student is expected to:
    (A) participate in a paid or unpaid, laboratory- or work-based application of previously studied knowledge and skills related to animation;
    (B) participate in training, education, or preparation for licensure, certification, or other relevant credentials to prepare for employment;
    (C) demonstrate professional standards and personal qualities needed to be employable such as leadership, teamwork, appreciation for diversity, conflict management, customer service, work ethic, and adaptability with increased fluency;
    (D) demonstrate technology applications skills such as effective use of social media, email, Internet, publishing tools, presentation tools, spreadsheets, or databases for animation projects with increased fluency;
    (E) use appropriate vocabulary and correct grammar and punctuation to compose and edit copy for a variety of written documents such as scripts, captions, schedules, reports, manuals, proposals, and other client-based documents; and
    (F) employ effective planning and time-management skills with increased fluency by prioritizing tasks, following schedules, and tending to goal-relevant activities in a way that uses time wisely and optimizes efficiency and results.
  (2) The student implements advanced professional communications strategies. The student is expected to:
    (A) demonstrate verbal and non-verbal communication consistently in a clear, concise, and effective manner;
    (B) analyze, interpret, and effectively communicate information, data, and observations;
    (C) create and deliver formal and informal presentations effectively;
    (D) observe and interpret verbal and nonverbal cues and behaviors to enhance communication; and
    (E) exhibit public relations skills to maintain internal and external customer/client satisfaction.
  (3) The student implements advanced problem-solving methods. The student is expected to:
    (A) employ critical-thinking skills with increased fluency both independently and in groups to solve problems and make decisions;
    (B) analyze elements of a problem to develop creative and innovative solutions; and
    (C) demonstrate the transfer and adaptation of knowledge through the creation of original work.
  (4) The student understands and applies proper safety techniques in the workplace. The student is expected to demonstrate an understanding of and consistently follow workplace safety rules and regulations.
  (5) The student understands the professional, ethical, and legal responsibilities in animation. The student is expected to:
    (A) demonstrate a positive, productive work ethic by performing assigned tasks as directed;
    (B) exhibit ethical conduct by providing proper credit for ideas and maintaining privacy of sensitive content;
    (C) model respect for intellectual property when manipulating, morphing, and editing graphics, video, text, and sound;
    (D) practice safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology; and
    (E) comply with all applicable rules, laws, and regulations in a consistent manner.
  (6) The student engages in production activities for successful execution of an animation experience or project. The student is expected to:
    (A) conduct, document, and evaluate learning activities in a supervised animation experience;
    (B) develop advanced technical knowledge and skills related to the student's occupational objective;
    (C) implement an appropriate coherent sequence of production events;
    (D) demonstrate appropriate use of necessary equipment and crew for quality productions;
    (E) demonstrate appropriate use of editing systems;
    (F) monitor production schedule, research-based production costs, and delivery and distribution to ensure alignment with client needs and expectations;
    (G) make necessary adjustments regarding compatibility issues, including digital file formats and cross-platform connectivity;
    (H) implement the appropriate delivery formats for the target audience;
    (I) analyze distribution options to achieve optimal project reach;
    (J) demonstrate growth of technical skill competencies;
    (K) evaluate strengths and weaknesses in technical skill proficiency; and
    (L) collect representative work samples.

Source Note: The provisions of this §130.117 adopted to be effective August 28, 2017, 41 TexReg 614