SECTION 127.12. Project-Based Research (One Credit), Adopted 2015

(a) General requirements. This course is recommended for students in Grades 11 and 12. Students shall be awarded one credit for successful completion of this course. Students may repeat this course with different course content for up to three credits.

(b) Introduction.

(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) Career development is a lifelong pursuit of answers to the questions: Who am I? Why am I here? What am I meant to do with my life? It is vital that students have a clear sense of direction for their career choice. Career planning is a critical step and is essential to success.

(3) Project-Based Research is a course for students to research a real-world problem. Students are matched with a mentor from the business or professional community to develop an original project on a topic related to career interests. Students use scientific methods of investigation to conduct in-depth research, compile findings, and present their findings to an audience that includes experts in the field. To attain academic success, students must have opportunities to learn, reinforce, apply, and transfer their knowledge and skills in a variety of settings.

(4) Students are encouraged to participate in extended learning experiences such as career and technical student organizations and other leadership or extracurricular organizations.

(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.

(c) Knowledge and skills.

(1) The student applies mathematics, science, English language arts, and social studies in an independent study. The student is expected to:

(A) select an original independent study project for personal enrichment and career development;

(B) use reading and research skills to investigate self-selected topics and compile a research portfolio;

(C) collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to develop a project;

(D) identify community, state, national, or international issues to select a project;

(E) conduct a project under the supervision of a mentor;

(F) use scientific methods of investigation;

(G) apply statistical concepts to analyze data, evaluate results, and draw conclusions;

(H) compare and contrast findings in a coherent and organized manner; and

(I) present the independent research project to an appropriate audience of experts in the field using a variety of technologies.

(2) The student uses verbal and nonverbal communication skills. The student is expected to:

(A) listen actively and effectively in group discussions;

(B) use a variety of resources to access, process, and collect data relevant to the project; and

(C) document the time and cost to accomplish the project goal.

(3) The student demonstrates professional ethical behavior standards and legal responsibilities. The student is expected to:

(A) analyze ethical challenges determined by factors such as cost, new and emerging technologies, and allocation of limited resources; and

(B) review legal issues related to the research project.

(4) The student designs and develops a research project related to their career interests. The student is expected to:

(A) identify processes to be used in the independent research project; and

(B) use resources to complete a project.

(5) The student uses technology needed to complete a research project. The student is expected to:

(A) use search engines, databases, and other digital electronic tools effectively to locate information;

(B) evaluate quality, accuracy, completeness, reliability, and currency of information from any source;

(C) prepare, organize, and present independent research and mentor experiences;

(D) receive constructive criticism and revise personal views when valid evidence warrants; and

(E) prepare and present research information in appropriate formats to a panel of experts in the field.

(6) The student evaluates the research project. The student is expected to:

(A) create weekly progress reports that address time management and goal setting;

(B) meet periodically with the teacher for conferences about progress, concerns, successes, and needs;

(C) conduct self-evaluations of presentations;

(D) compose written reflections regarding strengths and weaknesses as well as areas of growth;

(E) analyze the feedback from the panel of experts; and

(F) submit project results and analysis to mentors and experts.

Source Note: The provisions of this §127.12 adopted to be effective August 28, 2017, 40 TexReg 6588