§ 16-5-52 — Definitions

For the purposes of this article, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(1) APPROVED INSTITUTION. A state-supported institution of higher education or a private nonprofit institution of higher education that satisfies all of the following:
a. Is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
b. Is approved by the State Board of Education to prepare teachers of middle level or secondary math, science, or computer science.
c. Is eligible to receive Title IV federal student aid program funds.
d. Maintains its primary headquarters in Alabama.
(2) CHARTER SCHOOL. A form of public school. A teacher employed by a charter school accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools is eligible to participate in the program. A teacher employed by a charter school is not eligible for the acute shortage area supplement provided in this article.
(3) COMMISSION. The Alabama Commission on Higher Education.
(4) ELIGIBLE APPLICANT. A person who satisfies the criteria set out in this article and is eligible under rules adopted by the commission.
(5) PROGRAM. The Alabama Math and Science Teacher Education Program created by this article and administered by the commission that provides loan repayments to a teacher with a valid Alabama professional educator certificate endorsed in math, science, or computer science who teaches math, science, or computer science courses for which the teacher is properly certified for three-fourths of the full-time teaching load in the Alabama public school system.
(6) SCIENCE. Biology, chemistry, physics, and general science.
(7) YEAR. A school year that shall be divided into fall and spring semesters. The term does not mean calendar, fiscal, or scholastic year.

Legislative History

(Act 2018-504, §3; Act 2021-389, §1.)