R277-304-2. Definitions

  (1)(a) "Career and technical education" or "CTE" means organized educational programs or competencies which directly or indirectly prepare students for employment, or for additional preparation leading to employment, in occupations where entry requirements do not generally require a baccalaureate or advanced degree.

  (b) CTE programs provide all students a continuous education system, driven by a student's college and career readiness plan, through competency-based instruction, culminating in essential life skills, certified occupational skills, and meaningful employment.

  (2) "Clinical experience" means a structured opportunity in which a program candidate is mentored by a licensed educator and evaluated by a teacher leader, school administrator, or university preparation program faculty member, in order to develop and demonstrate competency in the skills and knowledge necessary to be an effective teacher, in a physical classroom, which may include experiences in a virtual classroom.

  (3) "Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation" or "CAEP" means a national organization that advances equity and excellence in educator preparation through evidence-based accreditation that assures quality and supports continuous improvement to strengthen P-12 student learning.

  (4)(a) "Council for Exceptional Children" or "CEC" means an international professional organization dedicated to improving the educational success of both individuals with disabilities and individuals with gifts and talents.

  (b) CEC advocates for appropriate governmental policies, sets professional standards, provides professional development, advocates for individuals with exceptionalities, and helps professionals obtain conditions and resources necessary for effective professional practice.

  (5) "Essential Elements" means the alternate academic achievement standards for students with significant cognitive disabilities, established by the Board in the Special Education Rules Manual, dated October 2016, incorporated by reference in Section R277-750-2.

  (6)(a) "Multi-tiered system of supports" or "MTSS" means a framework for integrating assessment and intervention to maximize student achievement, reduce behavior problems, and increase long-term success.

  (b) The combination of systematic implementation of increasingly intensive intervention, sometime referred to as tiers, and carefully monitoring students' progress, distinguishes MTSS from typical prevention measures.

  (c) Emphasis, in MTSS, is placed on ensuring interventions are implemented effectively.

  (7) "Utah Core Standards" means the course standards established by the Board in Rule R277-700 for grades K-12.