SECTION 127.21. Career Preparation for Programs of Study (Two Credits), Adopted 2023

(a) Implementation. The provisions of this section shall be implemented by school districts beginning with the 2024-2025 school year.

(b) General requirements. This course is recommended for students in Grade 12. Prerequisite: at least one Level 2 or higher career and technical education course. Students shall be awarded two credits for successful completion of this course.

(1) A student's employment experience connected with this course must be related to the student's program of study.

(2) A student may repeat this course one time for credit provided that the student is experiencing different aspects of an industry and demonstrating proficiency in additional and more advanced knowledge and skills.

(3) A student may not earn more than six credits for any combination of career preparation courses selected from Career Preparation General, Career Preparation for Programs of Study, and Extended Career Preparation.

(c) 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 planning is a critical step and is essential to success. Applying to multiple career and technical education clusters, the career preparation courses provide students with a framework for current employment and future career opportunities to become productive and contributing members of society.

(3) Career Preparation for Programs of Study provides additional opportunities for students to develop business and industry employment experiences, which must be related to the student's current program of study alongside advanced classroom instruction. The goal is to prepare students with a variety of skills to transition from job- to career-mindedness. This course provides a continuing focus on collaborative feedback between the employer, teacher, and student. Career Preparation for Programs of Study expands on Career Preparation General by increasing rigor, supporting student attainment of academic standards, and effectively preparing students for college and career success.

(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.

(d) Knowledge and skills.

(1) The student applies and evaluates employability skills to improve the student's marketability within the workplace. The student is expected to:

(A) differentiate between a job and a career;

(B) refine an industry-specific professional portfolio or resume;

(C) identify appropriate sources for writing and obtain letters of recommendation;

(D) model proper interview skills based on a chosen career cluster;

(E) evaluate the effectiveness of various methods to gain employment;

(F) describe how having a job can lead to a career and self-sufficiency; and

(G) identify and explain work-based benefits such as health insurance, direct deposit, and retirement contributions.

(2) The student demonstrates essential skills necessary for success in the workplace. The student is expected to:

(A) maintain appropriate hygiene, grooming, and attire for the workplace;

(B) model appropriate workplace etiquette in physical and digital environments;

(C) justify time-management decisions to fulfill responsibilities and meet deadlines;

(D) analyze employer expectations by reflecting on evaluations;

(E) demonstrate effective listening skills used in the workplace through appropriate interactions with customers and coworkers; and

(F) cultivate and improve professionalism by continuously being dependable, working hard, respecting authority, solving problems, taking initiative, communicating effectively, and listening actively.

(3) The student applies and enhances academic knowledge and skills in the workplace. The student is expected to:

(A) integrate mathematical concepts into business transactions such as counting inventory, calculating discounts, and conducting cash transactions;

(B) compare earning potential for careers within a selected program of study with personal financial goals;

(C) analyze and apply data from industry-specific tables, charts, or graphs to generate solutions to problems; and

(D) analyze and synthesize information from electronic communications, including forms, reports, or summaries.

(4) The student demonstrates leadership qualities by applying work ethic, job expectations, multicultural considerations, and communication skills in the workplace. The student is expected to:

(A) identify positive interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution, effective communication, and respect for all people, and model these skills as a mentor with peers;

(B) apply effective verbal, nonverbal, written, or electronic communication skills to a variety of audiences;

(C) define personal integrity and evaluate its effects on human relations in the workplace;

(D) classify a variety of working relationships into functional and dysfunctional characteristics; and

(E) participate in leadership and career-development activities related to a selected program of study.

(5) The student models ethical codes of conduct and legal responsibilities within school and the workplace. The student is expected to:

(A) evaluate provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act;

(B) analyze the legal consequences of violating privacy laws related to Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA);

(C) research and describe laws governing different professions within a selected program of study;

(D) analyze organizational policies and procedures and ethical standards from the student's current place of employment; and

(E) interpret and evaluate the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees.

(6) The student applies concepts and skills related to safety in the workplace. The student is expected to:

(A) research and describe different types of identity theft to identify associated risks and prevention strategies;

(B) identify and evaluate consequences of breach of personal and occupational safety practices in the workplace;

(C) model safe working practices at a training station;

(D) evaluate the impact of Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations in the workplace; and

(E) analyze how physical health and mental wellness practices influence career longevity and satisfaction in a career within a selected program of study.

(7) The student models the skills that support employment retention and advancement. The student is expected to:

(A) create a personal growth plan that identifies relevant certifications, postsecondary opportunities, and technical skills required for various levels of employment based on a chosen career within a selected program of study and describe how to obtain them;

(B) develop short- and long-term Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time-Bound (SMART) goals based on personal and professional growth plans;

(C) analyze the rewards and demands of career advancement;

(D) model appropriate self-advocacy in various workplace scenarios;

(E) compare current employee performance evaluations to previous evaluations to identify areas of growth and opportunities for continued development; and

(F) evaluate and compare employment advancement considerations such as salaries, benefits, and qualifications.

(8) The student analyzes postsecondary career opportunities within a selected program of study. The student is expected to:

(A) research and compare declining and growth industries across career clusters;

(B) identify and analyze future job growth within a selected program of study based on societal needs;

(C) analyze the skills required to be successful in emerging industries;

(D) identify continuing education opportunities to determine education and training requirements for future careers within a selected program of study;

(E) research and evaluate entrepreneurial opportunities related to a selected program of study; and

(F) evaluate how personal priorities such as interests, abilities, and family responsibilities may influence career choice.

Source Note: The provisions of this §127.21 adopted to be effective February 13, 2024, 49 TexReg 696