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) Turf Grass Management is designed to develop an understanding of turf grass 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 the environmental, aesthetic, and financial benefits of turf grass in residential, commercial, and athletic settings. The student is expected to:

      1. (A) assess sites for environmental factors that impact turf grass establishment and management such as soil type, soil pH, and elevation differences;
      2. (B) develop a site assessment checklist; and
      3. (C) develop a site preparation plan.

   3. (3) The student identifies and implements common cultural and physiological requirements for cool and warm season turf grass establishment. The student is expected to:

      1. (A) identify turf grass varieties and cultivars that fulfill site requirements;
      2. (B) identify pests and pathogens of turf grasses;
      3. (C) identify common weeds found in turf grasses;
      4. (D) determine the importance of site grading for water movement;
      5. (E) determine the importance of soil compaction on turf grass establishment;
      6. (F) reduce impact of compaction using aeration methods;
      7. (G) compare establishment procedures such as seeding, sodding, sprigging, and hydromulching; and
      8. (H) explain the importance of turf grass installation timing.

   4. (4) The student identifies and implements common cultural and physiological requirements for cool and warm season turf grass maintenance. The student is expected to:

      1. (A) explain and demonstrate mowing heights;
      2. (B) explain the principle of mowing frequency;
      3. (C) compare residential, commercial, and athletic turf maintenance needs;
      4. (D) determine turf grass irrigation requirements;
      5. (E) analyze and address thatch accumulation in turf grass;
      6. (F) analyze nutritional needs of turf grass;
      7. (G) develop fertilization plans that address turf grass needs and environmental concerns;
      8. (H) examine Integrated Pest Management in assessing an insect, pathogen, or weed problem;
      9. (I) use turf grass pesticide application techniques and equipment properly; and
      10. (J) explain turf grass pesticide labeling and safety data sheets.

   5. (5) The student performs turf grass management business procedures. The student is expected to:

      1. (A) assess the needs of prospective clients;
      2. (B) analyze material, labor, and business costs related to turf grass sites;
      3. (C) develop and analyze service contracts and maintenance schedules;
      4. (D) prepare a cost estimate for establishing a turf grass site, including materials and labor; and
      5. (E) prepare a cost estimate for maintaining a turf grass site, including materials and labor.

   6. (6) The student manages turf grass maintenance equipment. The student is expected to:

      1. (A) identify, store, and maintain turf grass hand tools and power equipment;
      2. (B) analyze the costs associated with turf grass hand tools and power equipment; and
      3. (C) analyze components of turf grass irrigation systems.

Source Note:The provisions of this §127.40 adopted to be effective August 1, 2025, 50 TexReg 4421.