SECTION 127.321. Extended Practicum in Early Learning (One Credit), Adopted 2021

(a) Implementation. The provisions of this section shall be implemented by school districts beginning with the 2022-2023 school year.

(1) No later than August 31, 2022, the commissioner of education shall determine whether instructional materials funding has been made available to Texas public schools for materials that cover the essential knowledge and skills identified in this section.

(2) If the commissioner makes the determination that instructional materials funding has been made available, this section shall be implemented beginning with the 2022-2023 school year and apply to the 2022-2023 and subsequent school years.

(3) If the commissioner does not make the determination that instructional materials funding has been made available under this subsection, the commissioner shall determine no later than August 31 of each subsequent school year whether instructional materials funding has been made available. If the commissioner determines that instructional materials funding has been made available, the commissioner shall notify the State Board of Education and school districts that this section shall be implemented for the following school year.

(b) General requirements. This course is recommended for students in Grade 12. Prerequisite: Child Guidance. Recommended prerequisites: Child Development or Child Development Associate Foundations. Corequisite: Practicum in Early Learning. This course must be taken concurrently with Practicum in Early Learning 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.

(c) Introduction.

(1) Career and technical education instruction provides content aligned with challenging academic standards, industry-relevant technical knowledge, and college and career readiness skills for students to further their education and succeed in current and emerging professions.

(2) The Education and Training Career Cluster focuses on planning, managing, and providing education and training services and related learning support services.

(3) Extended Practicum in Early Learning is a field-based internship that provides students background knowledge of early childhood 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 facilitator and an exemplary industry professional. 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 early learning teachers, trainers, paraprofessionals, or other educational personnel.

(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 demonstrates professional standards/employability skills as required by business and industry. The student is expected to:

(A) participate in a paid or unpaid, laboratory- or work-based application of previously studied knowledge and skills related to early childhood education professions;

(B) participate in training, education, or preparation for licensure, certification, or other relevant credentials to prepare for employment;

(C) demonstrate professional standards and personal qualities needed to be employable such as leadership, appreciation of diversity, conflict-management, work ethic, and adaptability with increased fluency;

(D) demonstrate technology applications skills such as effective use of social media, email, internet, publishing tools, presentation tools, spreadsheets, or databases with increased fluency to enhance work products; and

(E) employ planning and time-management skills and tools with increased fluency to enhance results and complete work tasks.

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

(A) demonstrate verbal and non-verbal communication consistently in a clear, concise, and effective manner;

(B) present information formally and informally;

(C) analyze, interpret, and communicate information; and

(D) apply active listening skills to obtain and clarify information.

(3) 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.

(4) The student understands the professional, ethical, and legal responsibilities in early childhood education professions. The student is expected to:

(A) demonstrate a positive, productive work ethic by performing assigned tasks as directed;

(B) show integrity by choosing the ethical course of action when making decisions;

(C) demonstrate proper etiquette and knowledge of acceptable-use policies when using networks, especially resources on the internet and intranet; and

(D) comply with all applicable rules, laws, and regulations in a consistent manner.

(5) The student continues to participate in field-based experiences in early childhood education and education and training professions. The student is expected to:

(A) apply instructional strategies and concepts with increased fluency within a local educational or training facility;

(B) apply principles and theories that impact instructional planning;

(C) develop curriculum and related materials to support instruction that aligns with current child development industry standards;

(D) demonstrate competency in foundation and enrichment subject areas;

(E) create lesson plans that meet instructional goals;

(F) document, assess, and reflect on instructional experiences; and

(G) collect representative work samples.

Source Note: The provisions of this §127.321 adopted to be effective April 26, 2022, 47 TexReg 2166