| (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.
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