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-half 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) Landscape Design and Management is designed to develop an understanding of landscape design and management techniques and practices. To prepare for careers in horticultural systems, students must attain academic skills and knowledge, acquire technical knowledge and skills related to horticultural systems and 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. (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 identifies environmental, aesthetic, and financial benefits of landscaped sites. The student is expected to:

      1. (A) assess soil characteristics and environmental conditions;
      2. (B) assess site for local conditions such as property lines, easement restrictions, and location of public utilities;
      3. (C) complete a site analysis checklist;
      4. (D) produce a site sketch using graphic design equipment or software;
      5. (E) identify plants used in designing landscapes;
      6. (F) identify structures and hardscape materials used in designing landscapes;
      7. (G) create landscape designs demonstrating the application of design elements and principles; and
      8. (H) analyze different landscape design styles and identify the different aesthetic and environmental factors of each style.

   3. (3) The student performs landscape business procedures. The student is expected to:

      1. (A) demonstrate skills for interviewing potential clients;
      2. (B) develop landscape ideas from a checklist;
      3. (C) prepare cost estimates and schedules for landscaping services, including materials, labor, and business costs; and
      4. (D) analyze service contracts.

   4. (4) The student analyzes the cost and maintenance of tools and equipment used in the landscape industry. The student is expected to:

      1. (A) identify, store, and maintain landscaping hand tools and power equipment;
      2. (B) analyze costs associated with purchasing and maintaining landscaping hand tools and power equipment;
      3. (C) assess different landscape irrigation systems for efficiency, application, and environmental impact;
      4. (D) identify common irrigation system components and materials; and
      5. (E) examine local and state regulations affecting irrigation systems.

   5. (5) The student performs landscape installation services. The student is expected to:

      1. (A) prepare landscape sites for installation; and
      2. (B) install landscape plants and structures using proper installation techniques.

   6. (6) The student performs landscape maintenance services. The student is expected to:

      1. (A) identify and demonstrate proper pruning techniques for different plant materials;
      2. (B) recognize methods for renovating existing landscapes;
      3. (C) analyze nutritional needs of plants;
      4. (D) develop fertilization plans that address plant needs and environmental concerns;
      5. (E) examine Integrated Pest Management in assessing an insect, pathogen, or weed problem;
      6. (F) use pesticide application techniques and equipment properly;
      7. (G) explain pesticide labeling and safety data sheets; and
      8. (H) demonstrate lawn management techniques.

Source Note:The provisions of this §127.39 adopted to be effective August 1, 2025, 50 TexReg 4421.