The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
Academic discipline-A defined field of formal study at an institution of higher learning.
Act-The Public School Code of 1949 (24 P. S. §§ 1-101-27-2702).
Advanced preparation program-A program at the post-baccalaureate level for those who already have completed an initial preparation program. Candidates in advanced preparation programs pursue additional areas of certification or supervisory, administrative, educational specialist certification or letter of eligibility.
Applicant-An individual seeking admission to a program for the initial or advanced preparation of professional educators.
Board-The State Board of Education of the Commonwealth.
Candidate-An individual who is enrolled in a program for the initial or advanced preparation of professional educators.
Department-The Department of Education of the Commonwealth.
Field experiences-Off-campus activities that provide candidates with opportunities for practical application of theoretical constructs and concepts developed in coursework, under the supervision and direction of college faculty, prior to student teaching, internship or clinical experiences. The activities include: observing, tutoring, miniteaching, lesson planning and evaluating student performance, and may take place in public or nonpublic schools or community organizations.
General studies-Coursework in the arts, language and literature, history, mathematics, philosophy, the sciences and the social sciences.
Initial preparation program-A program at the baccalaureate or postbaccalaureate level that prepares candidates for their first certification as a professional educator.
Preparing institution-A college or university that offers a program approved by the Department to prepare professional personnel for employment in the public schools in accordance with Chapter 49 (relating to certification of professional personnel).
Professional educator-An individual who holds Pennsylvania certification issued in accordance with Chapter 49.
Professional educator courses-Courses of study of theoretical and practical knowledge in the following:
Professional educator program specific guidelines-Department-defined competencies and course content for specific professional educator certification programs under § 49.14 (relating to approval of institutions).
Standard error of measurement-The standard deviation of errors of measurement that is associated with the test scores for a specified group of test takers.
22 Pa. Code § 354.1