Section 127.86 - Practicum in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (Two Credits), Adopted 2024(a) Implementation. The provisions of this section shall be implemented by school districts beginning with the 2025-2026 school year.(b) General requirements. This course is recommended for students in Grades 11 and 12. The practicum course is a paid or an unpaid capstone experience for students participating in a coherent sequence of career and technical education courses in the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Career Cluster. Prerequisite: a minimum of two credits with at least one course in a Level 2 or higher course from the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources 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.(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) The Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Career Cluster focuses on the production, processing, marketing, distribution, financing, and development of agricultural commodities and resources, including food, fiber, wood products, natural resources, horticulture, and other plant and animal products and resources.(3) Practicum in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources 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 experiences such as employment, independent study, internships, assistantships, mentorships, or laboratories. To prepare for careers in agriculture, food, and natural resources, students must attain academic knowledge and skills, acquire technical knowledge and skills related to the workplace, and develop knowledge and skills regarding career opportunities, entry requirements, and industry expectations. To prepare for success, students need opportunities to learn, reinforce, apply, and transfer their knowledge and skills and technologies in a variety of settings. (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 professional standards/employability skills as required by business and industry. The student is expected to: (A) adhere to policies and procedures;(B) demonstrate positive work behaviors, including punctuality, time management, initiative, and cooperation;(C) apply constructive criticism and critical feedback from supervisor and peers to work performance;(D) apply ethical reasoning to a variety of situations in order to make ethical decisions;(E) model professional appearance, including using appropriate dress, grooming, and personal protective equipment;(F) comply with safety rules and regulations to maintain safe working conditions and environments;(G) demonstrate a positive and productive work ethic by performing assigned tasks as directed; and(H) comply with all applicable rules, laws, and regulations in a consistent manner.(2) The student develops a supervised agricultural experience program. The student is expected to: (A) plan, propose, conduct, document, and evaluate a supervised agricultural experience program; and(B) use appropriate record-keeping skills in a supervised agricultural experience program.(3) The student develops leadership skills through participation in an agricultural youth organization. The student is expected to: (A) participate in youth agricultural leadership opportunities;(B) review and participate in a local program of activities; and(C) create or update documentation of relevant agricultural experience such as community service, professional, or classroom experiences.(4) 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 that are practical for the agricultural workplace;(B) compare alternative ways to solve a problem in the agricultural workplace; and(C) analyze data to inform agriculture operational decisions or activities.(5) The student demonstrates leadership and teamwork skills to accomplish goals and objectives. The student is expected to: (A) analyze leadership characteristics such as trustworthiness, positive attitude, integrity, and work ethic;(B) demonstrate teamwork processes such as team building, consensus, continuous improvement, respect for the opinions of others, cooperation, adaptability, and conflict resolution in the agricultural workplace;(C) demonstrate responsibility for shared group and individual work tasks in the agricultural workplace;(D) establish and maintain effective working relationships using interpersonal skills to accomplish objectives; and(E) demonstrate respect for all individuals.(6) 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) apply appropriate content knowledge, technical concepts, and vocabulary to analyze information and follow directions;(B) use professional communication skills when receiving and conveying information in the agricultural workplace;(C) identify and analyze information contained in informational texts, internet sites, or technical materials in the agricultural workplace;(D) evaluate verbal and nonverbal cues and behaviors to enhance communication in the agricultural workplace;(E) apply active listening skills to receive and clarify information in the agricultural workplace; and(F) produce effective written and oral communication in the agricultural workplace.(7) The student practices financial literacy as it relates to agriculture. The student is expected to: (A) develop a budget based on personal financial goals;(B) interpret the different components of a pay stub;(C) read and reconcile bank statements;(D) maintain financial records, including pay stubs, bank statements, and tax records;(E) define credit and identify factors that impact a credit score;(F) identify methods to prevent identity theft; and(G) prepare or model how to complete a personal income tax form.(8) The student demonstrates technical knowledge and skills required to pursue a career in the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Career Cluster. The student is expected to: (A) develop advanced technical knowledge and skills related to the individual occupational objective;(B) develop an individualized training plan;(C) evaluate personal strengths and weaknesses in technical skill proficiency;(D) explain safe operation of tools and equipment related to the work experience;(E) identify the cost of supplies, tools, equipment, or structures related to the work experience;(F) identify the importance of maintaining supplies, tools, equipment, or structures related to the work experience; and(G) identify opportunities for licensure or certification related to the chosen career path.(9) The student documents technical knowledge and skills. The student is expected to: (A) create a professional portfolio that includes: (i) attainment of technical skill competencies;(ii) licensures or certifications;(iii) recognitions, awards, scholarships, or letters of recommendation; (iv) extended learning experiences such as community service and active participation in career and technical student organizations and professional organizations;(v) a summary of individual practicum experience;(vii) samples of work; and(viii) an evaluation from the practicum supervisor; and(B) present the portfolio to interested stakeholders.19 Tex. Admin. Code § 127.86
Adopted by Texas Register, Volume 49, Number 36, September 6, 2024, TexReg 6996, eff. 9/9/2024