Teacher Preparation in Texas
GLOSSARY OF TERMS The following terms are used throughout this paper and have meanings specific to Texas. As such, the definitions indicated with an asterisk (*) have been taken from Texas Administrative Code 228.2. After the first use of each term, the acronym is used. •
Alternative Certification Program (ACP)*—An approved educator preparation program, delivered by an institution of higher education, regional education service center, public school district, or other entity approved by the State Board for Educator Certification, 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.
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Clinical Teaching*—A supervised educator assignment through an EPP at a public school accredited by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) or other school approved by the TEA for this purpose that may lead to completion of a standard certificate; also referred to as student teaching.
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Educator Preparation Program (EPP)*—An entity that must be approved by the State Board for Educator Certification to recommend candidates in one or more educator certification classes.
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Internship*—A paid supervised classroom teacher assignment for one full school year at a public school accredited by the TEA or other school approved by the TEA for this purpose that may lead to completion of a standard certificate.
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Post-Baccalaureate Program (PBP)*—An educator preparation program, delivered by an accredited institution of higher education and approved by the State Board for Educator Certification to recommend candidates for certification, that is designed for individuals who already hold at least a bachelor’s degree and are seeking an additional degree.
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Students of Color—a pre-K-12 student who identifies as African American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian, or two or more races.
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Teacher Candidate (TC)*—An individual who has been formally or contingently admitted into an EPP.
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Teachers of Color*—a teacher who identifies as African American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian, or two or more races.
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Traditional Preparation Program (TPP)*—An approved EPP, delivered by an accredited institution of higher education and approved by the State Board for Educator Certification to recommend candidates for certification, that is designed for individuals who do not yet hold a bachelor’s degree.
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