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)(2) 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. Prerequisites: Graphic Design and Illustration II and Graphic Design and Illustration II Lab. 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.

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 Arts, Audio Visual Technology, and Communications Career Cluster is focused on careers in designing, producing, exhibiting, performing, writing, and publishing multimedia content, including visual and performing arts and design, journalism, and entertainment services.
   3. (3) Careers in graphic design and illustration span all aspects of the advertising and visual communications industry. Within this context, in addition to developing technical knowledge and skills needed for success in the Arts, Audio Visual Technology, and Communications Career Cluster, students will be expected to develop a technical understanding of the industry with a focus on skill proficiency. Instruction may be delivered through lab-based classroom experiences or career preparation opportunities.
   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 applies academic knowledge and skills in art and design projects. The student is expected to:

      1. (A) apply English language arts knowledge by demonstrating skills such as correct use of content, technical concepts, vocabulary, grammar, punctuation, and terminology to write and edit a variety of documents; and
      2. (B) apply mathematics knowledge and skills such as using whole numbers, decimals, fractions, and knowledge of arithmetic operations.

   2. (2) The student implements advanced professional communications strategies. The student is expected to:

      1. (A) adapt language such as structure and style for audience, purpose, situation, and intent;
      2. (B) organize oral and written information;
      3. (C) interpret and communicate information;
      4. (D) deliver formal and informal presentations;
      5. (E) apply active listening skills;
      6. (F) listen to and speak with diverse individuals; and
      7. (G) exhibit public relations skills to increase internal and external customer/client satisfaction.

   3. (3) The student implements advanced problem-solving methods. The student is expected to:

      1. (A) employ critical-thinking skills, including data gathering and interpretation, independently and in groups to solve problems and make decisions; and
      2. (B) employ interpersonal skills in groups to solve problems and make decisions.
   4. (4) The student implements advanced technology applications. The student is expected to use personal information management, email, Internet, writing and publishing, and presentation applications for graphic design and illustration projects.
   5. (5) The student implements advanced knowledge of design systems. The student is expected to analyze and summarize the history and evolution of the commercial art and design field.
   6. (6) The student applies cyber safety procedures. The student is expected to implement personal and professional safety rules and regulations.

   7. (7) The student implements leadership characteristics in student leadership and professional development activities. The student is expected to:

      1. (A) employ leadership skills to accomplish goals and objectives by analyzing the various roles of leaders within organizations, exhibiting problem-solving and management traits, describing effective leadership styles, and participating in civic and community leadership and teamwork opportunities to enhance skills;
      2. (B) employ teamwork and conflict-management skills to achieve collective goals;
      3. (C) establish and maintain effective working relationships by providing constructive praise and criticism, demonstrating sensitivity to and value for diversity, and managing stress and controlling emotions;
      4. (D) prepare for meetings by developing goals and objectives to achieve within a scheduled time and producing agendas;
      5. (E) conduct and participate in meetings to accomplish work tasks by achieving goals and objectives within a scheduled time; producing meeting minutes, including decisions and next steps; and using parliamentary procedures, as needed; and
      6. (F) employ mentoring skills to inspire and teach others.

   8. (8) The student applies ethical decision making and complies with laws regarding use of technology. The student is expected to:

      1. (A) exhibit ethical conduct related to interacting with others such as maintaining client confidentiality and privacy of sensitive content and providing proper credit for ideas;
      2. (B) discuss and apply copyright laws in relation to fair use and acquisition and use of digital information using established methods to cite sources;
      3. (C) model respect of intellectual property when manipulating, morphing, and editing graphics, video, text, and sound;
      4. (D) demonstrate proper etiquette and knowledge of acceptable use policies when using networks, especially resources on the Internet and intranet; and
      5. (E) analyze and identify the impact of the advertising and visual communication design industry on society.
   9. (9) The student applies effective planning and time-management skills. The student is expected to employ tools to enhance results and complete work tasks.

   10. (10) The student uses advanced graphic design and illustration methods and skills. The student is expected to:

       1. (A) interpret, evaluate, and justify design decisions;
       2. (B) conduct verbal or written critiques of design projects; and
       3. (C) identify and apply art elements and principles to designs and illustrations.

   11. (11) The student employs a creative design process to create professional quality, two- or three-dimensional projects. The student is expected to:

       1. (A) create designs for defined applications;
       2. (B) use appropriate elements of design;
       3. (C) use appropriate design principles and typography;
       4. (D) use appropriate composition;
       5. (E) use anatomically appropriate figure drawing;
       6. (F) use appropriate perspective;
       7. (G) use the most effective color choices in projects; and
       8. (H) use appropriate printing concepts.

Source Note:The provisions of this §127.234 adopted to be effective August 1, 2025, 50 TexReg 4421.