The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

1. (1) Acceleration--The reorganization of instruction and curricula in ways that expedite the completion of coursework or credentials based on an assessment of students' strengths and needs. It involves a departure from the traditional multi-course sequence in favor of a more streamlined structure. Some examples include, but are not limited to emporium models and modular models, co-requisites, course-pairing, and computer-assisted instruction.
2. (2) Advising--The ongoing and intentional process by which faculty and/or staff members assist students to navigate their choice of courses or majors, access campus and community services, develop career goals and short/long-term plans.
3. (3) Assessment--The use of a Board-approved instrument to determine the academic skills of each entering undergraduate student and the student's readiness to enroll in freshman-level academic coursework.
4. (4) Board--The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
5. (5) Course Pairing--An instructional strategy whereby students are enrolled or reenrolled simultaneously in a developmental education course and/or intervention and the gateway course of the same subject matter within the same semester. The developmental component provides support that advances the students' success in the gateway course.
6. (6) Developmental Coursework and/or Intervention--Non-degree-credit coursework and/or activity designed to address a student's strengths and needs in the areas of reading, writing, mathematics and student success.
7. (7) Developmental Education--Developmental courses, tutorials, laboratories, and other means of assistance that are included in a plan to ensure the success of a student in performing freshman-level academic coursework.
8. (8) Differentiated Instruction--The different instructional processes used to work within a student's varied skill levels, motivational attitudes and learning preferences.
9. (9) Differentiated Placement--Advising and placement of students based on individual strengths and needs.
10. (10) Institution of higher education or institution--Any public technical institute, public junior college, public senior college or university, medical or dental unit, or other agency of higher education as defined in Texas Education Code, §61.003(8).
11. (11) Measureable Learning Outcomes--Knowledge, skills, and abilities, and/or attitudes that students should be able to demonstrate upon completion of a course and/or intervention.
12. (12) Minimum Passing Standards--The minimum scores which must be attained by a student in reading, writing, and mathematics that indicates the student's readiness to enroll in freshman-level academic coursework.
13. (13) Non-Course-Based Developmental Education Interventions (also known as Non-Semester-Length Interventions)--Interventions that use learning approaches designed to address a student's identified weaknesses and effectively and efficiently prepare the student for college-level work. These interventions must be overseen by an instructor of record, must not fit traditional course frameworks, and cannot include advising or learning support activities already connected to a traditional course; interventions may include, but are not limited to, tutoring, supplemental instruction, or labs.
14. (14) Non-Degree Credit Course--A course which may not be counted toward a degree or certificate. The term includes developmental, pre-collegiate and continuing education courses.
15. (15) Professional Development--The provision of ongoing and systematic learning opportunities for developmental educators and support staff that focus on research-based strategies, methodologies, and best practices resulting in effective and efficient coursework and/or interventions advancing the cognitive and non-cognitive skills of underprepared students seeking post-secondary enrichment, certificates, and degrees.
16. (16) Program Evaluation--A systematic method of collecting, analyzing, and using information to answer questions about developmental education courses, interventions, and policies, particularly about their effectiveness and cost-efficiency.
17. (17) Technology--The use of instructional aids, methods and/or other computer-based tools that enhance student learning.

Source Note:The provisions of this §4.53 adopted to be effective December 3, 2003, 28 TexReg 10753; amended to be effective November 28, 2012, 37 TexReg 9358.