Current through Reg. 49, No. 38; September 20, 2024
(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.