As used in sections 168.555 to 168.595, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the following terms shall mean:

1. (1) "Academic year", the period from August first of any year through July thirty-first of the following year;
2. (2) "Area of critical need", both geographic areas and areas of teacher certification as defined by the state board;
3. (3) "Coordinating board", the coordinating board for higher education;
4. (4) "Eligible student", a full-time student who has met criteria as established by the state board and the coordinating board and who has been accepted at a participating school and enrolled in a formal course of instruction leading to qualifications necessary to obtain a teaching certificate in Missouri;
5. (5) "Full-time student", persons defined as full-time students in section 173.205;
6. (6) "Fund", the Missouri prospective teacher loan fund;
7. (7) "Loan", the Missouri prospective teacher loan;
8. (8) "Participating school", a public or private Missouri institution offering an approved program of teacher education;
9. (9) "Resident", any person declared a resident under guidelines established by the coordinating board for higher education;
10. (10) "State board", the state board of education.

(L. 1985 H.B. 463)