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TITLE 19EDUCATION
PART 2TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY
CHAPTER 127TEXAS ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS FOR CAREER DEVELOPMENT AND CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION
SUBCHAPTER MLAW AND PUBLIC SERVICE
RULE §127.652Forensic Science (One Credit), Adopted 2021

    (C) use mathematical calculations to assess quantitative relationships in data; and

    (D) evaluate experimental and engineering designs.

  (4) The student develops evidence-based explanations and communicates findings, conclusions, and proposed solutions. The student is expected to:

    (A) develop explanations and propose solutions supported by data and models and consistent with scientific ideas, principles, and theories;

    (B) communicate explanations and solutions individually and collaboratively in a variety of settings and formats; and

    (C) engage respectfully in scientific argumentation using applied scientific explanations and empirical evidence.

  (5) The student knows the contributions of scientists and engineers and recognizes the importance of scientific research and innovation on society. The student is expected to:

    (A) analyze, evaluate, and critique scientific explanations and solutions by using empirical evidence, logical reasoning, and experimental and observational testing so as to encourage critical thinking by the student;

    (B) relate the impact of past and current research on scientific thought and society, including research methodology, cost-benefit analysis, and contributions of diverse scientists and engineers as related to the content; and

    (C) research and explore resources such as museums, libraries, professional organizations, private companies, online platforms, and mentors employed in a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) field.

  (6) The student explores the history of forensic science. The student is expected to:

    (A) analyze the historical development and current advancements of different forensic science disciplines such as forensic biology, anthropology/odontology, forensic chemistry, trace evidence, ballistics, fingerprints, digital forensics, and questioned documents; and

    (B) explain significant historical and modern contributions to the development and advancement of forensic science made by contributors such as Edmond Locard, Mathieu Orfila, Francis Galton, Edwin Henry, and Alec Jeffreys.

  (7) The student analyzes legal aspects within forensic science. The student is expected to:

    (A) summarize the ethical standards required of a forensic science professional;

    (B) identify and explain knowledge of terminology and procedures employed in the criminal justice system as they pertain to the chain of custody procedure for evidence;

    (C) identify and explain knowledge of terminology and procedures employed in the criminal justice system as they pertain to expert witness testimony;

    (D) research and discuss the effect of biases such as confirmation bias and framing cognitive bias on evidence collection, forensic analysis, and expert testimony; and

    (E) compare the admissibility of expert witness testimony in terms of the Frye Standard and the Daubert Standard under federal rules of evidence.

  (8) The student explores career options within forensic science. The student is expected to:

    (A) explore and describe discipline-specific requirements for careers in forensic science, including collegiate course requirements, licensure, certifications, and physical and mental capabilities;

    (B) differentiate the roles and responsibilities of professionals in the criminal justice system, including forensic scientists, crime scene investigators, criminologists, court systems personnel, and medicolegal death investigations; and

    (C) differentiate the functions of various forensic science disciplines such as forensic biology, forensic chemistry, trace evidence, ballistics, fingerprints, digital forensics, and questioned documents.

  (9) The student recognizes the procedures of crime scene investigation while maintaining scene integrity. The student is expected to:

    (A) explain the roles and tasks needed to complete a crime scene examination, which may require collaboration with outside experts and agencies, and demonstrate the ability to work as a member of a crime scene team;

    (B) develop a detailed, technical written record based on observations and activities, documenting the crime scene examination;

    (C) discuss the elements of criminal law that guide search and seizure of persons, property, and evidence;

    (D) conduct a primary and secondary systematic search of a simulated crime scene for physical evidence utilizing search patterns such as spiral, line, grid, and zone;

    (E) document a crime scene using photographic or audiovisual equipment;

    (F) generate a physical or digital crime scene sketch, including coordinates or measurements from fixed points, compass directions, scale of proportion, legend-key, heading, and title block; and

    (G) demonstrate proper techniques for collecting, packaging, and preserving physical evidence found at a crime scene while maintaining documentation, including chain of custody.

  (10) The student analyzes fingerprint evidence in forensic science. The student is expected to:

    (A) compare the three major fingerprint patterns of arches, loops, and whorls;

    (B) identify the minutiae of fingerprints, including bifurcations, ending ridges, dots, short ridges, and enclosures/islands;

    (C) distinguish between patent, plastic, and latent impressions;

    (D) perform procedures for developing and lifting latent prints on nonporous surfaces using cyanoacrylate and fingerprint powders;

    (E) perform procedures for developing latent prints using chemical processes on porous and adhesive surfaces with chemicals such as ninhydrin and crystal violet and documenting the results via photography; and

    (F) explain the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS) and describe the implications of Next Generation Identification (NGI) systems.

  (11) The student collects and analyzes impression evidence in forensic science. The student is expected to:

    (A) analyze the class and individual characteristics of tool mark impressions and the recovery and documentation of surface characteristics such as wood or metal;

    (B) analyze the class and individual characteristics of footwear impressions and the recovery and documentation of surface characteristics such as soil or organic plant material;

    (C) analyze the class and individual characteristics of tire tread impressions and the recovery documentation of surface characteristics such as soil or organic plant material; and

    (D) compare impression evidence collected at a simulated crime scene with the known impression.

  (12) The student recognizes the methods to process and analyze hair and fibers found in a crime scene. The student is expected to:

    (A) demonstrate how to collect hair and fiber evidence at a simulated crime scene;

    (B) perform the analysis of hair and fiber evidence using forensic science methods such as microscopy and flame testing;

    (C) compare the microscopic characteristics of human hair and non-human hair, including medulla, pigment distribution, and scales;

    (D) describe and illustrate the different microscopic characteristics used to determine the origin of a human hair sample; and

    (E) differentiate between natural and synthetic fibers.

  (13) The student recognizes the methods to process and analyze glass evidence. The student is expected to:

    (A) demonstrate how to collect and preserve glass evidence;

    (B) compare the composition of various types of glass such as soda lime, borosilicate, leaded, and tempered;

    (C) determine the direction of a projectile by examining glass fractures; and

    (D) define refractive index and explain how it is used in forensic glass analysis.

  (14) The student explores principles of questioned document analysis in the physical and digital form. The student is expected to:

    (A) research and explain different types of examinations performed on digital and physical evidence in a forensic laboratory such as digital data recovery, counterfeiting, ink, and paper analysis;

    (B) investigate and describe the security features incorporated in U.S. and foreign currency to prevent counterfeiting; and

    (C) perform handwriting comparisons of an unknown sample with exemplars by analyzing characteristics such as letter, line, and formatting.

  (15) The student evaluates firearms and ballistics evidence. The student is expected to:

    (A) describe the mechanism of modern firearms such as long guns and handguns;

Cont'd...

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