R277-502-2. Definitions

  (1) "Accredited school" means a public or private school that:

  (a) meets standards essential for the operation of a quality school program; and

  (b) has received formal approval through a regional accrediting association.

  (2) "Comprehensive Administration of Credentials for Teachers in Utah Schools" or "CACTUS" means the electronic file maintained on all licensed Utah educators including information such as:

  (a) personal directory information;

  (b) educational background;

  (c) endorsements;

  (d) employment history; and

  (e) a record of disciplinary action taken against the educator.

  (3) "LEA" includes, for purposes of this rule, the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind.

  (4) "Letter of Authorization" means a designation given to an individual employed by an LEA for one year authorizing the individual to teach in a public school, such as:

  (a) an out-of-state candidate; or

  (b) an individual pursuing an alternative license, who has not completed the requirements for a Level 1, 2, or 3 license; or

  (c) an individual who has not completed necessary endorsement requirements.

  (5)(a) "License areas of concentration" means designations to licenses obtained by completing a Board-approved educator preparation program or an alternative preparation program in a specific area of educational studies to include the following:

  (i) Early Childhood (k-3);

  (ii) Elementary (k-6);

  (iii) Elementary (1-8);

  (iv) Middle ( 5-9), only for licenses issued before 1988;

  (v) Secondary (6-12);

  (vi) Administrative/Supervisory (k-12);

  (vii) Career and Technical Education;

  (viii) School Counselor;

  (ix) School Psychologist;

  (x) School Social Worker;

  (xi) Special Education (k-12);

  (xii) Deaf Education

  (xiii) Preschool Special Education (Birth-Age 5);

  (xiv) Communication Disorders;

  (xv) Speech-Language Pathologist; and

  (xvi) Speech-Language Technician.

  (b) License areas of concentration may also bear endorsements relating to subjects or specific assignments.

  (6)(a) "License endorsement" or "endorsement" means a specialty field or area earned through completing required course work established by the Superintendent or through demonstrated competency approved by the Superintendent.

  (b) An endorsement shall be listed on a professional educator license indicating the specific qualifications of the holder.

  (7) "Licensing Jurisdiction" means the designated educator licensing authority in any foreign country or state of the United States of America and the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA).

  (8) "Professional learning plan" means a plan developed by an educator in collaboration with the educator's supervisor, consistent with R277-500, which details appropriate professional learning activities for the purpose of renewing the educator's license.

  (9) "Renewal" means reissuing or extending the length of a license consistent with R277-500.

  (10) "State Approved Endorsement Program" or "SAEP" means a plan developed between the Superintendent and a licensed educator to direct the completion of endorsement requirements by the educator consistent with Section R277-520-11.