LAC 28:CLIII.1503. Definitions

A. The words defined in this Section shall have the meanings set forth below whenever the words appear in this Chapter, unless: 1. the context in which they are used clearly requires a different meaning; or 2. a different definition is prescribed for a particular provision. Account—an education scholarship account established in R.S. 17:4037.1, et seq. and composed of state funds deposited on behalf of a student eligible to participate in the LA GATOR Program. Account Funds—the funds deposited into an ESA account on behalf of a participating student. Account Holder—the parent(s) of a participating student or a participating student who has attained the age of majority, who signs the agreement, and who is responsible for complying with all of the ESA requirements. Applicant—a prospective participating student who has attained the age of majority or the parent of a prospective participating student applying to the LA GATOR Program on behalf of the student. Department or LDOE—the Louisiana Department of Education. Department’s Website or LDOE Website—the website created and maintained by or on behalf of the LDOE to make program information available to the public. Eligible Nonpublic School—a nonpublic school having received approval according to Brumfield, et al. v. Dodd, et al. 425 F. Supp.528 and having been approved, provisionally approved, or probationally approved by BESE pursuant to R.S. 17:11. ESA—an education scholarship account established pursuant to R.S. 17:4037.1, et seq. ESA Funds—funding from one or more ESAs. LA GATOR Program—the Louisiana Giving All True Opportunity to Rise Scholarship Program. Louisiana Scholarship Program—the Student Scholarships for Educational Excellence Program as provided in R.S. 17:4014, et. seq. and Chapter 13 of this Part. Norm-Referenced Examination or Norm-Referenced Test—a type of assessment that reports results on a scale that is nationally normed. Such norming is established using a representative sample of examinees from across the country, matched by age or educational level, and are derived through national norming studies. Parent—a parent, legal guardian, or custodian. Parental Placement—students with disabilities enrolled by their parents in private, including religious, schools or facilities pursuant to LAC 28:XLIII.130. Participating Nonpublic School—a nonpublic school that is approved by the LDOE to receive ESA funds and agrees to enroll students; not a service provider. Participating Service Provider—a business, individual, nonprofit organization, city or parish public school, public charter school, or other entity that offers educational materials, courses, or educational services that are qualifying ESA expenses as defined pursuant to §1511 of this Chapter and has been approved for participation pursuant to §1517 of this Chapter. Participating Student—an eligible student for whom an ESA has been awarded and established. Program Manager—an entity selected by the LDOE and approved by BESE to administer the LA GATOR Program as provided in R.S. 17:4037.5. Resident—a student who is physically present in the State of Louisiana, whose residence has not been established in another state by operation of law, and who is in the state for the purpose of making a home and not solely for school purposes. Resident School System—the city or parish public school system within the boundaries of which the student resides and which the student is zoned to attend. State Board or BESE—the Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. Students with Exceptionalities—a student identified as having a disability consistent with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 20 U.S.C. §1401.