As used in this article 76, unless the context otherwise requires:

1. (1) Commission means the Colorado commission on higher education created in section 23-1-102.
2. (2) Educator preparation program means an educator preparation program approved by the department of education pursuant to section 22-60.5-121 and that upon completion leads to a recommendation for licensure.
3. (3) Institution of higher education means a public, private, or proprietary postsecondary institution authorized by the commission to offer educator preparation programs.
4. (4) Rural school or school district means a school or school district that the department of education has determined to be rural. Rural school or school district includes a charter school or institute charter school that falls within the geographic range of a rural school district, as determined by the department of education.
5. (5) Special services provider means a person, other than a teacher, principal, or administrator, who provides professional services in direct support of an instructional program. Special services providers includes speech language pathologists, psychologists, audiologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, counselors, nurses, and social workers.

Source: L. 2016: Entire article added, (SB 16-104), ch. 234, p. 945, § 1, effective June 6. L. 2018: IP amended and (5) added, (SB 18-085), ch. 233, p. 1455, § 2, effective August 8. L. 2023: (2) amended, (SB 23-258), ch. 334, p. 2012, § 19, effective August 7.

Cross references: For the legislative declaration in SB 23-258, see section 1 of chapter 334, Session Laws of Colorado 2023.