(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 Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics 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 Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics Career Cluster focuses on planning, management, and movement of people, materials, and goods by road, pipeline, air, rail, and water and related professional support services such as transportation infrastructure planning and management, logistics services, mobile equipment, and facility maintenance.
  (3) Practicum in Transportation Systems is designed to give students supervised practical application of knowledge and skills. Practicum experiences can occur in a variety of locations appropriate to the nature and level of experience such as internships, mentorships, independent study, or laboratories. The Practicum can be either school lab based or worked based.
  (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 related by business and industry. The student is expected to:
    (A) identify career development and entrepreneurship opportunities related to transportation systems;
    (B) identify careers in transportation systems;
    (C) apply competencies related to resources, information, interpersonal skills, problem solving, critical thinking, and systems of operation within transportation;
    (D) discuss certification opportunities;
    (E) demonstrate knowledge of personal and occupational health and safety;
    (F) discuss response plans to emergency situations;
    (G) identify employers' expectations, appropriate work habits, ethical conduct, legal responsibilities, and good citizenship skills; and
    (H) explore career goals, objectives, and strategies as part of a plan for future career opportunities.
  (2) The student demonstrates professional standards as required by business and industry. The student is expected to:
    (A) adhere to policies and procedures;
    (B) demonstrate positive work attitudes and behaviors, including demonstrating punctuality, time management, initiative, and cooperation;
    (C) accept constructive criticism;
    (D) apply ethical reasoning to a variety of situations in order to make ethical decisions;
    (E) complete tasks with the highest standards to ensure quality products and services;
    (F) model professional appearance, including using appropriate dress, grooming, and personal protective equipment; and
    (G) comply with safety rules and regulations to maintain safe and healthy working conditions and environments in the practicum setting.
  (3) 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) critically analyze information to determine its relevance 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.
  (4) The student demonstrates leadership and teamwork skills in collaborating with others to accomplish goals and objectives. The student is expected to:
    (A) analyze leadership characteristics related to trusting others, maintaining a positive attitude and integrity, and accepting key responsibilities in a work situation;
    (B) demonstrate teamwork skills through working cooperatively with others to achieve tasks;
    (C) demonstrate teamwork processes that promote team building, consensus, continuous improvement, respect for the opinions of others, cooperation, adaptability, and conflict resolution;
    (D) demonstrate responsibility for group and individual work tasks;
    (E) establish and maintain effective working relationships in order to accomplish objectives and tasks;
    (F) demonstrate effective working relationships using interpersonal skills;
    (G) use positive interpersonal skills to work cooperatively with others;
    (H) negotiate effectively to arrive at decisions;
    (I) demonstrate respect for individuals, including those from different cultures, genders, and backgrounds; and
    (J) demonstrate sensitivity to and value for diversity.
  (5) 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, Internet websites, and technical materials to review and apply information sources for occupational tasks;
    (D) evaluate the reliability of information from informational texts, Internet websites, and technical materials and resources;
    (E) interpret verbal and nonverbal cues or 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.
  (6) The student demonstrates technical knowledge and skills required to pursue a career in the transportation systems. The student is expected to:
    (A) develop advanced technical knowledge and skills related to the student's personal career goals;
    (B) evaluate technical skill proficiencies; and
    (C) accept critical feedback provided by the supervisor.
  (7) 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, licensures or certifications, recognitions, awards, and scholarships;
      (ii) extended learning experiences such as community service and active participation in career and technical student organizations and professional organizations;
      (iii) abstract of technical competencies mastered during the practicum;
      (iv) resume;
      (v) samples of work; and
      (vi) evaluation from the practicum supervisor; and
    (B) present the portfolio to interested stakeholders.

Source Note: The provisions of this §130.463 adopted to be effective August 28, 2017, 40 TexReg 9123