| (a) General requirements. This course is recommended
for students in Grade 12. Prerequisites: Algebra I and Geometry. Recommended
prerequisites: two Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
(STEM) Career Cluster credits. The practicum course is a paid or unpaid
capstone experience for students participating in a coherent sequence
of career and technical education courses in the STEM Career Cluster.
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 STEM Career Cluster focuses on planning, managing,
and providing scientific research and professional and technical services
such as physical science, social science, engineering, including laboratory
and testing services, and research and development services.
(3) Practicum in STEM is designed to give students
supervised practical application of previously studied knowledge and
skills. Practicum experiences can occur in a variety of locations
appropriate to the nature and level of experience.
(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) demonstrate knowledge of how to dress appropriately,
speak politely, and conduct oneself in a manner appropriate for the
profession;
(B) show the ability to cooperate, contribute, collaborate,
and accept constructive criticism as a member of a group in an effort
to achieve a positive collective outcome;
(C) present written and oral communication in a clear,
concise, and effective manner;
(D) demonstrate time-management skills in prioritizing
tasks, following schedules, and performing goal-relevant activities
in a way that produces efficient results;
(E) demonstrate punctuality, dependability, reliability,
and responsibility and adhere to policies and procedures in performing
assigned tasks as directed;
(F) apply ethical reasoning to a variety of situations
in order to make ethical decisions;
(G) complete tasks with the highest standards to ensure
quality products and services; and
(H) comply with practicum setting safety rules and
regulations to maintain safe and healthy working conditions and environments.
(2) The student applies concepts of critical thinking
and problem solving. The student is expected to:
(A) analyze elements of a problem to develop creative
and innovative solutions;
(B) analyze information to determine value to the problem-solving
task;
(C) compare and contrast alternatives using a variety
of problem-solving and critical-thinking skills; and
(D) conduct technical research to gather information
necessary for decision making.
(3) The student demonstrates leadership and teamwork
skills in collaborating with others to accomplish goals and objectives.
The student is expected to:
(A) analyze leadership in relation to trust, positive
attitude, integrity, and willingness to accept key responsibilities
in a work situation;
(B) demonstrate teamwork processes that promote team
building, consensus, continuous improvement, respect for the opinions
of others, cooperation, adaptability, and conflict resolution;
(C) demonstrate responsibility for shared group and
individual work tasks;
(D) use positive interpersonal skills to establish
and maintain effective working relationships in order to accomplish
objectives and tasks;
(E) negotiate effectively to arrive at decisions; and
(F) demonstrate respect for individuals, including
those from different cultures, genders, and backgrounds and diversity.
(4) The student demonstrates oral and written communication
skills in creating, expressing, and interpreting information and ideas,
including technical terminology and information. The student is expected
to:
(A) demonstrate the use of content, technical concepts,
and vocabulary when analyzing information and following directions;
(B) employ verbal skills when obtaining and conveying
information;
(C) use informational texts, scientific websites, and
technical materials to review and apply information sources for occupational
tasks;
(D) evaluate the reliability of information from informational
texts, scientific websites, and technical materials and resources;
(E) interpret verbal and nonverbal cues and behaviors
to enhance communication;
(F) apply active listening skills to obtain and clarify
information; and
(G) use academic skills to facilitate effective written
and oral communication.
(5) The student demonstrates technical knowledge and
skills required to pursue a career in a science, technology, engineering,
and mathematics career field. The student is expected to:
(A) develop advanced technical knowledge and skills
related to the student's occupational objective; and
(B) evaluate strengths and weaknesses in technical
skill proficiency.
(6) The student documents technical knowledge and skills.
The student is expected to:
(A) update a professional portfolio to include information
such as:
(i) attainment of technical skill competencies;
(ii) licensures or certifications;
(iii) recognitions, awards, and scholarships;
(iv) extended learning experiences such as community
service and active participation in career and technical student organizations
and professional organizations;
(v) abstract of key points of the practicum;
(vi) resume;
(vii) samples of work; and
(viii) evaluation from the practicum supervisor; and
(B) present the portfolio to interested stakeholders.
|
