LAC 28:XLV.103. Definitions

Accredited (formerly regionally accredited)—a term used to denote the status of public recognition that a nationally recognized accrediting agency grants to an educational institution or program that meets the agency standards and requirements in accordance with 34 CFR 602. When used in this Part, regionally accredited shall be replaced with accredited in accordance with 34 CFR 602. Alternative Teacher Preparation Program—a pathway for candidates with a minimum of a baccalaureate degree earned at an institution accredited in accordance with 34 CFR 602 which combines professional knowledge with field experiences, including a one-year supervised internship in a school setting. For admission to an alternative program, applicants must demonstrate content mastery. Ancillary Certificate—a type of Louisiana certificate that allows a qualified person who is not a certified teacher to provide services in a school setting. Associate Resident—a teacher of record who holds an associate degree, is enrolled in an undergraduate teacher preparation program, and who is in their residency year of the program. Baccalaureate—a term used to denote an undergraduate degree or program such as bachelor of arts or bachelor of science. CAEP Completer—a completer is referenced as a candidate who successfully satisfied all program requirements of a preparation program at least six months previously and who is employed in a position for which they were prepared for state licensure. Certification—a licensing process whereby qualified professionals become legally authorized to teach or to perform designated duties in the schools under the jurisdiction of BESE. Cohort—a group of teacher candidates or program completers that entered or graduated from a teacher preparation program at the same time or shared common program experiences. Completer—per LDOE and Title II standards, a completer is referenced as a teacher candidate who has successfully completed a traditional or alternative certification teacher preparation program. Competencies—a set of learning outcomes teacher candidates must demonstrate to show mastery in general and content specific content areas. Endorsement—a permanent certification, license, or credential added to an existing teaching certificate. Equivalent Contact Hours—time spent with the instructor, time spent practicing or engaging in instruction, or a combination of both. One credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours. Graduate—a term used to denote a degree, coursework, or program beyond the baccalaureate degree level such as masters of education or masters of arts in teaching. Louisiana Employing Authority or Local Education Agency (LEA)—a BESE-approved school or other BESE-approved entity employing a Louisiana educator for the purposes of providing educational services to Louisiana students. The BESE-approved school or entity is responsible for the evaluation of educators and submission of certification requests in accordance with Louisiana law and BESE policy. These include Louisiana approved public, charter, and non-public schools, BESE-approved third party entities contracted to school systems, and BESE-approved early learning centers. Mentor Teacher—a teacher who supports aspiring teachers participating in undergraduate and post-baccalaureate programs. Mentor teachers use a cycle of coaching focused on instructional decisions to meet the needs of all students. Mentors may co-teach with year-long residents or may support teachers without co-teaching. Mentors may also support new teachers or developing teachers in need of coaching, including teachers with an intensive assistance plan, in accordance with LAC 28:CXLVII (Bulletin 130). Mentor Teacher Ancillary Certificate—a type of certificate that authorizes an individual to serve as a mentor for undergraduate or post-baccalaureate teacher residents. Non-Education Baccalaureate Degree—a baccalaureate degree earned through an institution of higher education accredited in accordance with 34 CFR 602 that does not result in eligibility for teacher certification in the state in which the program is approved to operate. Pathway—the set of teacher preparation programs that are offered to undergraduate and post-baccalaureate candidates. Post-Baccalaureate Alternative Certification Program—a program offered prior to July 1, 2002, that provided opportunities for individuals with a minimum of a baccalaureate degree to become certified public school teachers. Applicants seeking certification under this program submitted an official transcript for evaluation to a Louisiana college or university with an approved teacher education program. Practitioner—a candidate who serves as the teacher of record and is currently enrolled in an alternative certification program. Resident Activities—any activity needed to meet or exceed policy requirements accomplished during the year-long residency period (i.e., lesson planning, developing IEP/IAP plans, analyzing student assessment results, etc.). Residency Coursework—course or module requiring residency placement and activities; coincides with residency year/experience. Residency Experience—encompasses all activities or expectations that occur during the year-long residency period (i.e., placement, meetings, school events, etc.). Resident—an aspiring teacher in a traditional preparation program or alternative certification program who is not serving as the teacher of record and who is in their residency year of the program. Traditional Teacher Preparation Program—a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree program that includes general education courses, certification focus area(s), professional education courses, field experiences, and student teaching/residency in a school setting. Undergraduate—a term used to denote a degree, coursework, or program at the baccalaureate degree level such as a bachelor of art or bachelor of science.