(a) General requirements. This course is recommended for students in Grade 12. Prerequisite: a minimum of two high school information technology courses.

(b) Introduction. Students gain advanced knowledge and skills in the application, design, production, implementation, maintenance, evaluation, and assessment of products, services, and systems. Knowledge and skills in the proper use of analytical skills and application of information technology concepts and standards are essential to prepare students for success in a technology-driven society. Critical thinking, information technology experience, and product development may be conducted in a classroom setting with an industry mentor, as an unpaid internship, or as career preparation.

(c) Knowledge and skills.

(1) The student demonstrates the necessary skills for career development, maintenance of employability, and successful completion of course outcomes. The student is expected to:

(A) identify and demonstrate positive work behaviors that enhance employability and job advancement such as regular attendance, promptness, attention to proper attire, maintenance of a clean and safe work environment, appropriate voice, and pride in work;
(B) identify and demonstrate positive personal qualities such as flexibility, open-mindedness, initiative, listening attentively to speakers, and willingness to learn new knowledge and skills;
(C) employ effective reading and writing skills;
(D) employ effective verbal and nonverbal communication skills;
(E) solve problems and think critically;
(F) demonstrate leadership skills and function effectively as a team member;
(G) identify and implement proper safety procedures;
(H) demonstrate an understanding of legal and ethical responsibilities in relation to the field of information technology; and
(I) demonstrate planning and time-management skills such as project management and storyboarding.

(2) The student identifies various employment opportunities in the information technology field. The student is expected to:

(A) improve on a personal career plan along with education, job skills, and experience necessary to achieve career goals;
(B) develop a resumé and portfolio appropriate to chosen career plan, including letters of recommendation; and
(C) illustrate interview skills for successful job placement.

(3) The student applies communication, mathematics, English, and science knowledge and skills to research and develop projects. The student is expected to:

(A) demonstrate proper use of written, verbal, and visual communication techniques consistent with information technology industry standards;
(B) demonstrate proper use of mathematics concepts in the development of products or services; and
(C) demonstrate proper use of science principles in the development of products or services.

(4) The student uses a systems approach for conducting technological research to discover a problem in the field of information technology with the appropriate supervision and guidance. The student is expected to:

(A) identify a problem relating to information technology; and
(B) describe and use the approach for conducting a research activity.

(5) The student creates a technological solution for a problem in the field of information technology. The student is expected to:

(A) apply critical-thinking strategies to develop a solution using appropriate technologies and resources, information technology concepts, and industry standards;
(B) apply decision-making techniques to the selection of technological solutions; and
(C) explain how the proposed technological solution will resolve the problem.

(6) The student designs, creates, and implements a product or service that addresses a problem in the field of information technology and incorporates the solution. The student is expected to:

(A) work closely with a mentor throughout the design, creation, and implementation process;
(B) develop a product or service that meets a specified need following a problem-solving strategy;
(C) identify areas where quality, reliability, and safety can be designed into a product or service;
(D) develop and implement a security management plan to address security requirements;
(E) develop a sustainability plan for the product or service;
(F) develop an evaluation method for analyzing the effect of the product or service on client satisfaction and problem resolution;
(G) develop a project portfolio that documents the research and development process; and
(H) present the portfolio to a panel of professionals using formal presentation skills.

(7) The student creates a personal portfolio. The student is expected to:

(A) create a portfolio that documents all projects and accomplishments such as academics, volunteer experience, employment experience, awards, and certifications;
(B) organize and prioritize information within the portfolio; and
(C) use written, verbal, and visual communication techniques consistent with information technology industry standards.

Source: The provisions of this §130.280 adopted to be effective August 23, 2010, 34 TexReg 5934.