SECTION 130.64. Practicum in Construction Technology (Two Credits), Adopted 2015

(a) General requirements. This course is recommended for students in Grade 12. Prerequisite: Construction Technology II, Building Maintenance Technology II; Electrical Technology II; Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and Refrigeration Technology II; Plumbing Technology I; or Mill and Cabinetmaking Technology. Students shall be awarded two credits 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.

(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) The Architecture and Construction Career Cluster focuses on designing, planning, managing, building, and maintaining the built environment.

(3) In Practicum in Construction Technology, students will be challenged with the application of knowledge and skills gained in previous construction-related coursework. In many cases students will be allowed to work at a job (paid or unpaid) outside of school or be involved in local projects the school has approved for this class.

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

(A) explain the role of an employee in the construction industry;

(B) demonstrate critical-thinking skills;

(C) demonstrate the ability to solve problems using critical-thinking skills;

(D) demonstrate knowledge of basic computer systems;

(E) explain common uses for computers in the construction industry;

(F) demonstrate effective relationship skills; and

(G) recognize workplace issues such as sexual harassment, stress, and substance abuse.

(2) The student develops a management plan for a project or an activity. The student is expected to:

(A) identify and describe the steps required to complete a project using project management processes, including initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing a project;

(B) determine and acquire the resources needed to complete a project; and

(C) develop a project schedule.

(3) The student applies the appropriate codes, laws, standards, or regulations related to a research and development project. The student is expected to:

(A) identify areas where codes, laws, standards, or regulations may be required;

(B) locate the appropriate codes, laws, standards, or regulations; and

(C) interpret and comply with the appropriate codes, laws, standards, or regulations.

(4) The student describes the expectations for each project using a flowchart. The student is expected to:

(A) use an assessment strategy to determine the task's needs;

(B) describe why each task needs to be in the order it has been assigned;

(C) assess the time frame for each task; and

(D) plot a completed project flowchart expectation.

(5) The student solves problems, thinks critically, and makes decisions related to research, design, and development. The student is expected to:

(A) develop or improve the project by following a problem-solving strategy;

(B) apply critical-thinking strategies to the analysis and evaluation of proposed technological solutions; and

(C) apply decision-making techniques to the selection of technological solutions.

(6) The student describes the costs associated with the project. The student is expected to:

(A) develop a bill of materials list for the complete project;

(B) develop a budget, including a cost list, for the complete project; and

(C) determine the most effective way to minimize project costs.

(7) The student applies communication, mathematics, and science knowledge and skills to the construction activities. The student is expected to:

(A) write technical reports;

(B) deliver technical presentations to the instructor;

(C) identify and describe the mathematical concepts used in projects; and

(D) identify and describe the science concepts used in projects.

(8) The student uses advanced tools, materials, processes, and procedures in the construction project. The student is expected to:

(A) determine and use the appropriate technology needed to solve a problem or complete a task;

(B) evaluate the use of technology in a given situation; and

(C) describe the factors that influence the use of technology in a variety of situations.

Source Note: The provisions of this §130.64 adopted to be effective August 28, 2017, 40 TexReg 9123; amended to be effective March 27, 2018, 43 TexReg 1852