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

1. (1) Accredited institution of higher education--An institution of higher education that, at the time it conferred the degree, was accredited or otherwise approved by an accrediting organization recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
2. (2) Alternative certification program--An approved educator preparation program, delivered by entities described in §228.20(a) of this title (relating to Governance of Educator Preparation Programs), specifically designed as an alternative to a traditional undergraduate certification program, for individuals already holding at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
3. (3) Applicant--An individual seeking admission to an educator preparation program.
4. (4) Candidate--An individual admitted to an educator preparation program seeking certification.
5. (5) Clinical teaching--An assignment, as described in §228.35 of this title (relating to Preparation Program Coursework and/or Training).
6. (6) Contingency admission--Conditional admission to an educator preparation program, pending graduation and degree conferred from an accredited institution of higher education.
7. (7) Educator preparation program--An entity that must be approved by the State Board for Educator Certification to recommend candidates in one or more classes of certificates.
8. (8) Formal admission--Admission to an educator preparation program when an applicant meets all admission requirements specified in §227.10 of this title (relating to Admission Criteria).
9. (9) Incoming class--Individuals contingently or formally admitted between September 1 and August 31 of each year by an educator preparation program.
10. (10) Post-baccalaureate program--An educator preparation program, delivered by an accredited institution of higher education, that is designed for individuals who already hold at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education and that must be approved by the State Board for Educator Certification to recommend candidates for certification.
11. (11) Internship--A one-year supervised professional assignment at a public school accredited by the TEA or a TEA-recognized private school that may lead to completion of a standard certificate.
12. (12) Semester credit hour--One semester credit hour is equal to 15 clock-hours at an accredited institution of higher education.

Source Note:The provisions of this §227.5 adopted to be effective December 14, 2008, 33 TexReg 10011; amended to be effective February 28, 2016, 41 TexReg 1238.