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 9-11. 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 Business, Marketing, and Finance Career Cluster focuses on planning, managing, organizing, directing, and evaluating business functions essential to efficient and productive business management, finance, operations, and marketing.
   3. (3) In Principles of Business, Marketing, and Finance, students gain knowledge and skills in economies and private enterprise systems, the impact of global business, the marketing of goods and services, advertising, and product pricing. Students analyze the sales process and financial management principles. This course allows students to reinforce, apply, and transfer academic knowledge and skills to a variety of interesting and relevant activities, problems, and settings in business, marketing, and finance.
   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 describes the characteristics of business. The student is expected to:

      1. (A) explain the principles of supply and demand;
      2. (B) differentiate between goods and services;
      3. (C) identify the types of business;
      4. (D) compare the different forms of ownership;
      5. (E) examine the organizational structure and functions of business;
      6. (F) interpret the nature of balance sheets and income statements; and
      7. (G) identify business cycles.

   2. (2) The student defines ethics in business. The student is expected to:

      1. (A) distinguish between ethical and unethical business practices; and
      2. (B) contrast ethical, moral, and legal choices that relate to the decision-making process in business situations.

   3. (3) The student differentiates between the types of economic systems with emphasis on the private enterprise system and the U.S. economy. The student is expected to:

      1. (A) compare and contrast the types of economic systems, including traditional, centrally planned, market, and mixed economies;
      2. (B) summarize the characteristics of the private enterprise system; and
      3. (C) identify factors affecting business profits, revenues, and expenses.

   4. (4) The student relates to the impact of international business on the U.S. economy. The student is expected to:

      1. (A) explain the role of business in a global society;
      2. (B) compare domestic and world trade; and
      3. (C) explain the impact of imports and exports on the U.S. economy.

   5. (5) The student identifies the role and impact of government, the legal system, and organized labor in business. The student is expected to:

      1. (A) differentiate among the roles of government in business;
      2. (B) describe types of activities performed by governments in business;
      3. (C) ascertain the role of the legal system in business; and
      4. (D) explain the role of organized labor in society.

   6. (6) The student classifies types of businesses that market goods and services. The student is expected to:

      1. (A) explain the importance of different marketing strategies for goods versus services;
      2. (B) define business and industry terms such as producers, raw-goods producers, manufacturers, builders, trade industries, retailers, wholesalers, and service businesses;
      3. (C) identify types of retailers;
      4. (D) explain the role of retailers in a private enterprise system;
      5. (E) identify examples of wholesalers; and
      6. (F) describe the role of wholesalers in a private enterprise system.

   7. (7) The student analyzes cost and profit relationships in finance. The student is expected to:

      1. (A) explain the concept of productivity;
      2. (B) analyze the impact of specialization and division of labor on productivity; and
      3. (C) explain the concept of organized labor and business.

   8. (8) The student understands the fundamental principles of money. The student is expected to:

      1. (A) evaluate forms of financial exchange, including cash, credit, debit, and electronic funds transfer;
      2. (B) identify types of currency, including paper money, coins, banknotes, government bonds, and treasury notes;
      3. (C) list functions of money such as medium of exchange, unit of measure, and store of value;
      4. (D) summarize the purposes and importance of credit; and
      5. (E) explain legal responsibilities associated with financial exchanges.

   9. (9) The student demonstrates an understanding of personal financial management. The student is expected to:

      1. (A) explain the importance of providing accurate information;
      2. (B) calculate gross and net pay;
      3. (C) simulate opening and maintaining various types of bank accounts;
      4. (D) reconcile bank statements;
      5. (E) compare the advantages and disadvantages of different types of banking services;
      6. (F) examine investment growth by developing a personal investment plan; and
      7. (G) prepare an individual income tax return.

   10. (10) The student explains the importance of marketing as well as the functions of marketing. The student is expected to:

       1. (A) define marketing;
       2. (B) understand how marketing is related to other functions of business;
       3. (C) explain the marketing concept; and
       4. (D) describe marketing functions and its related activities.

   11. (11) The student understands the scope of market identification. The student is expected to:

       1. (A) explain the concept of market and market identification;
       2. (B) identify market segments;
       3. (C) explain the difference in market segmentation and mass marketing;
       4. (D) define and explain the importance of target markets; and
       5. (E) identify a target market for a product or service using market segmentation.

   12. (12) The student understands the importance of an effective marketing mix. The student is expected to:

       1. (A) explain the concept of marketing strategies;
       2. (B) define each component of the marketing mix;
       3. (C) identify examples of an effective marketing mix;
       4. (D) create an effective marketing mix for a product or service; and
       5. (E) explain the role of participation as a key element of marketing.

   13. (13) The student identifies career opportunities within the Business, Marketing, and Finance Career Cluster and formulates a career plan. The student is expected to:

       1. (A) analyze individual goals and interests;
       2. (B) determine individual talents, abilities, and skills; and
       3. (C) develop an individual career plan.

Source Note:The provisions of this §127.241 adopted to be effective August 1, 2025, 50 TexReg 4421.