Section 127.50 - Small Animal Management (One-Half Credit), Adopted 2024(a) Implementation. The provisions of this section shall be implemented by school districts beginning with the 2025-2026 school year.(b) General requirements. This course is recommended for students in Grades 10-12. Recommended prerequisite: Principles of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources. Students shall be awarded one-half credit for successful completion of this course.(c) 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 Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Career Cluster focuses on the production, processing, marketing, distribution, financing, and development of agricultural commodities and resources, including food, fiber, wood products, natural resources, horticulture, and other plant and animal products/resources.(3) In Small Animal Management, students acquire knowledge and skills related to the small animal management industry. Small Animal Management may address topics related to small animals such as dogs and cats, rabbits, pocket pets, amphibians, reptiles, and birds. To prepare for careers in the field of animal science, students must enhance academic knowledge and skills, acquire knowledge and skills related to small animal systems, and develop knowledge and skills regarding career opportunities, entry requirements, and industry expectations. To prepare for success, students need opportunities to learn, reinforce, apply, and transfer 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.(d) Knowledge and skills. (1) The student demonstrates professional standards/employability skills as required by business and industry. The student is expected to: (A) identify career development, education, and entrepreneurship opportunities in the field of small animal management;(B) identify and demonstrate interpersonal, problem solving, and critical thinking skills used in small animal management;(C) describe and demonstrate appropriate personal and occupational safety and health practices for the workplace;(D) identify employers' legal responsibilities and expectations, including appropriate work habits and ethical conduct;(E) describe and demonstrate characteristics of good citizenship in the agricultural workplace, including promoting stewardship, community leadership, civic engagement, and agricultural awareness and literacy; and(F) identify training, education, and certification requirements for occupational choices.(2) The student develops a supervised agricultural experience program. The student is expected to: (A) plan, propose, conduct, document, and evaluate a supervised agricultural experience program as an experiential learning activity; and(B) use appropriate record-keeping skills as they relate to the supervised agricultural experience program.(3) The student develops leadership skills through participation in an agricultural youth organization. The student is expected to: (A) participate in youth agricultural leadership opportunities;(B) review and participate in a local program of activities; and(C) create or update documentation of relevant agricultural experience such as community service, professional, or classroom experiences.(4) The student analyzes the history, domestication, and importance of small animal ownership. The student is expected to: (A) research and explain the history, domestication, and purpose of small animals;(B) identify and discuss the influence small animals have on society;(C) describe the economic impact of the small animal industry;(D) describe the responsibilities and benefits of small animal ownership;(E) explain services small animals provide to society such as medical, support, research, and working; and(F) research and discuss the environmental and governmental regulations related to small animal ownership.(5) The student understands the hazards associated with working in the small animal industry. The student is expected to: (A) explain and demonstrate safe practices, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), when working with small animals;(B) identify zoonotic diseases that can be transmitted by small animals;(C) describe sanitation methods used to prevent the spread of disease in small animals; and(D) locate, interpret, and implement safety data sheets (SDS) for handling chemicals.(6) The student evaluates current topics in small animal rights and animal welfare. The student is expected to: (A) analyze current issues in animal rights and animal welfare;(B) research and report important persons, organizations, and groups involved in the animal rights movement; and(C) create and discuss a historical timeline of major legislation related to animal welfare.(7) The student explains anatomy and physiology of small animals. The student is expected to: (A) identify and explain the skeletal, muscular, respiratory, reproductive, digestive, and circulatory systems for each species studied;(B) identify and interpret ranges for healthy small animal vital signs; and(C) compare normal and abnormal behavior of small animals.(8) The student analyzes the care and management skills for a variety of small animals. The student is expected to: (A) identify and discuss the impact physical characteristics have on the management practices for each species studied;(B) identify and compare the breeds and types of each species studied;(C) discuss the ownership identification methods, habitat, housing, and equipment needs for each species studied;(D) identify nutritional requirements for each species studied;(E) explain health maintenance for each species studied, including prevention and control of diseases and parasites;(F) describe and practice methods of handling for each species studied;(G) discuss basic grooming procedures for each species studied; and(H) identify copulation, gestation, parturition, and weaning practices for each species studied.(9) The student examines the interrelationship of the factors impacting small animal ownership. The student is expected to: (A) develop and present a small animal ownership plan that includes health, reproduction, nutrition, and management practices; and(B) research and create a financial plan for small animal operation or ownership.19 Tex. Admin. Code § 127.50
Adopted by Texas Register, Volume 49, Number 36, September 6, 2024, TexReg 6996, eff. 9/9/2024