1. (a) Implementation.

   1. (1) The provisions of this section shall be implemented by school districts beginning with the 2017-2018 school year.
   2. (2) School districts shall implement the employability skills student expectations listed in §127.15(d)(1) of this chapter (relating to Career and Technical Education Employability Skills) as an integral part of this course.
2. (b) General requirements. This course is recommended for students in Grades 10-12. Students shall be awarded one credit for successful completion of this course.

3. (c) Introduction.

   1. (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. (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/resources.
   3. (3) Forestry and Woodland Ecosystems examines current management practices for forestry and woodlands. Special emphasis is given to management as it relates to ecological requirements and how these practices impact the environment. To prepare for careers in natural resource systems, students must attain academic skills and knowledge, acquire technical knowledge and skills related to natural resources, 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 knowledge and skills in a variety of settings.
   4. (4) Students are encouraged to participate in extended learning experiences such as career and technical student organizations and other organizations that foster leadership and career development in the profession such as student chapters of related professional associations.
   5. (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.

4. (d) Knowledge and skills.

   1. (1) The student develops a supervised agriculture experience program. The student is expected to:

      1. (A) plan, propose, conduct, document, and evaluate a supervised agriculture experience program as an experiential learning activity;
      2. (B) apply proper record-keeping skills as they relate to the supervised agriculture experience;
      3. (C) participate in youth leadership opportunities to create a well-rounded experience program; and
      4. (D) produce and participate in a local program of activities using a strategic planning process.

   2. (2) The student describes the principles of forestry and woodland ecosystems. The student is expected to:

      1. (A) describe the historical and economic significance of forestry;
      2. (B) illustrate tree anatomy and morphology;
      3. (C) differentiate between species of trees;
      4. (D) classify forest and woodland soils;
      5. (E) describe silviculture;
      6. (F) compare and contrast forest and woodland ecosystems;
      7. (G) describe photosynthesis and respiration as they relate to forest and woodland species;
      8. (H) describe watershed management as it relates to forest and woodland ecosystems;
      9. (I) describe sexual and asexual reproduction in forest and woodland species;
      10. (J) define succession; and
      11. (K) compare natural and managed forests and woodlands.

   3. (3) The student demonstrates forestry biometrics skills. The student is expected to:

      1. (A) calculate tree volume;
      2. (B) estimate timber growth and yield;
      3. (C) evaluate forest and woodland quality by cruising timber stands; and
      4. (D) scale logs to calculate their quality and volume.

   4. (4) The student demonstrates knowledge of forestry management skills. The student is expected to:

      1. (A) identify forestry management techniques;
      2. (B) discuss multiple-use possibilities for forest and woodlands areas; and
      3. (C) develop a control plan for destructive agents such as fire, insects, and disease.

   5. (5) The student identifies softwood and hardwood forest management and use practices. The student is expected to:

      1. (A) identify principles of forestry economics;
      2. (B) research sources of forestry management assistance;
      3. (C) identify harvesting practices and equipment;
      4. (D) describe merchandising practices; and
      5. (E) evaluate research in forestry and wood technology.

   6. (6) The student describes the role of wood technology in forest product development. The student is expected to:

      1. (A) compare timber manufacturing processes and products; and
      2. (B) discuss research and development issues in forestry and wood technology.

   7. (7) The student applies cartographic skills to natural resource activities. The student is expected to:

      1. (A) compare and contrast types of maps;
      2. (B) interpret map features and legends;
      3. (C) compare map scale to actual distance;
      4. (D) evaluate elevation and terrain features from topographic maps;
      5. (E) use land survey and coordinate systems; and
      6. (F) locate position and interpret images using a geospatial interface.

Source Note:The provisions of this §127.37 adopted to be effective August 1, 2025, 50 TexReg 4421.