SECTION 227.5. Definitions

The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1) Accredited institution of higher education--An institution of higher education that, at the time it conferred the degree, was accredited or otherwise approved by an accrediting organization recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

(2) Alternative certification program--An approved educator preparation program, delivered by entities described in §228.20(a) of this title (relating to Governance of Educator Preparation Programs), specifically designed as an alternative to a traditional undergraduate certification program, for individuals already holding at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education.

(3) Applicant--An individual seeking admission to an educator preparation program for any class of certificate.

(4) Candidate--An individual who has been formally or contingently admitted to an educator preparation program; also referred to as an enrollee or participant.

(5) Certification category--A certificate type within a certification class, as described in Chapter 233 of this title (relating to Categories of Classroom Teaching Certificates).

(6) Certification class--A certificate, as described in §230.33 of this title (relating to Classes of Certificates), that has defined characteristics; may contain one or more certification categories.

(7) Clinical teaching--An assignment, as described in §228.35 of this title (relating to Preparation Program Coursework and/or Training).

(8) Content certification examination--A standardized test or assessment required by statute or State Board for Educator Certification rule that governs an individual's admission to an educator preparation program.

(9) Content pedagogy examinations--A standardized test or assessment required by statute or State Board for Educator Certification rule that governs an individual's certification as an educator.

(10) Contingency admission--Conditional admission to an educator preparation program when an applicant meets all admission requirements specified in §227.10 of this title (relating to Admission Criteria) except graduation and degree conferred from an accredited institution of higher education.

(11) Educator preparation program--An entity that must be approved by the State Board for Educator Certification to recommend candidates in one or more classes of certificates.

(12) Formal admission--Admission to an educator preparation program when an applicant meets all admission requirements specified in §227.10 of this title (relating to Admission Criteria).

(13) Incoming class--Individuals contingently or formally admitted between September 1 and August 31 of each year by an educator preparation program.

(14) Post-baccalaureate program--An educator preparation program, delivered by an accredited institution of higher education and approved by the State Board for Educator Certification to recommend candidates for certification, that is designed for individuals who already hold at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education and are seeking an additional degree.

(15) Semester credit hour--One semester credit hour is equal to 15 clock-hours at an accredited institution of higher education.

(16) Undergraduate degree--A bachelor's degree earned from and conferred by an accredited institution of higher education.

Source Note: The provisions of this §227.5 adopted to be effective December 14, 2008, 33 TexReg 10011; amended to be effective February 28, 2016, 41 TexReg 1238; amended to be effective October 18, 2016, 41 TexReg 8198; amended to be effective June 3, 2018, 43 TexReg 3355; amended to be effective December 22, 2019, 44 TexReg 7683