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 Grade 12. The practicum course is a paid or unpaid capstone experience for students participating in a coherent sequence of career and technical education courses in the Education and Training Career Cluster. Prerequisite: Instructional Practices. Recommended prerequisites: Principles of Education and Training and Human Growth and Development. Corequisite: Practicum in Education and Training. This course must be taken concurrently with Practicum in Education and Training and may not be taken as a stand-alone course. Students shall be awarded one credit 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 Education and Training Career Cluster focuses on planning, managing, and providing education and training services and related learning support services.
   3. (3) Extended Practicum in Education and Training is a field-based internship that provides students background knowledge of child and adolescent development principles as well as principles of effective teaching and training practices. Students in the course work under the joint direction and supervision of both a teacher with knowledge of early childhood, middle childhood, and adolescence education and exemplary educators in direct instructional roles with elementary-, middle school-, and high school-aged students. Students learn to plan and direct individualized instruction and group activities, prepare instructional materials, assist with record keeping, make physical arrangements, and complete other responsibilities of classroom teachers, trainers, paraprofessionals, or other educational personnel.
   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 professional communications strategies. The student is expected to:

      1. (A) demonstrate verbal and non-verbal communication consistently in a clear, concise, and effective manner;
      2. (B) effectively present information formally and informally;
      3. (C) analyze, interpret, and effectively communicate information; and
      4. (D) apply active listening skills to obtain and clarify information.
   2. (2) The student implements advanced problem-solving methods. The student is expected to employ critical-thinking skills with increased fluency both independently and in groups to solve problems and make decisions.

   3. (3) The student understands the professional, ethical, and legal responsibilities in education and training. The student is expected to:

      1. (A) demonstrate a positive, productive work ethic by performing assigned tasks as directed;
      2. (B) show integrity by choosing the ethical course of action when making decisions;
      3. (C) demonstrate proper etiquette and knowledge of acceptable-use policies when using networks, especially resources on the Internet and intranet; and
      4. (D) comply with all applicable rules, laws, and regulations in a consistent manner.

   4. (4) The student continues to participate in field-based experiences in education and training. The student is expected to:

      1. (A) apply instructional strategies and concepts with increased fluency within a local educational or training facility;
      2. (B) apply principles and theories that impact instructional planning;
      3. (C) develop curriculum and related materials to support instruction that align with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills;
      4. (D) demonstrate competency in foundation and enrichment subject areas;
      5. (E) create lessons plans that meet instructional goals;
      6. (F) document, assess, and reflect on instructional experiences; and
      7. (G) collect representative work samples.

Source Note:The provisions of this §127.346 adopted to be effective August 1, 2025, 50 TexReg 4421.