Definitions

Alaska Studies

The study of the environment, indigenous and immigrant residents, and institutions of Alaska, with specific study of the social, economic, and political history of Alaska, and the educational institutions and laws that affect the people of Alaska.

Approved Program

A teacher, administrator, or special services program offered by a regionally accredited teacher education institution, meeting standards established NCATE. (See NCATE.)

Bachelor’s Degree

A baccalaureate degree awarded by a regionally accredited institution of higher education for the equivalent of four or more years of successful undergraduate study.

Certification

Licensure of an educator. The awarding of a teacher, administrative, special services, or limited certificate to a qualified applicant.

Credit

Measurable units awarded by regionally accredited institutions of higher education for successful completion of work in a field of study. Usually expressed in either semester hours or quarter hours. (See also Non-academic Credits.)

Cross-Cultural Communications

An interdisciplinary examination of communication and language in a cross-cultural education situation, with specific study of the language, literacy, and interethnic communications of children and cultures of Alaska.

Endorsements

Specified areas of preparation listed on a certificate based upon the completion of an approved teacher, administrative, or special services program from a regionally accredited institution whose program is based on NCATE standards, and upon recommendation by the preparing institution. The term "endorsement" may have a different meaning in other states.

Multicultural Education

The study of the meaning of culture, and the relationship and influences between culture and education, with specific study of the teaching, administration, and effectiveness of schooling as they relate to multicultural student populations.

NCATE

National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. The council published Standards for the Accreditation of Teacher Education, 1994.

Non-academic Credit

Credit granted by prior approval of the Commissioner for workshops, seminars, or educational travel. Activities must include at least 15 contact hours per credit, and educational travel must be at least three weeks in length. Contact the office of Teacher Education and Certification for approval. Non-academic credit may apply for certificate renewal only.

Official Transcript

A transcript certified by the issuing regionally accredited institution as official, that bears the signature, in ink, of the registrar and/or the embossed or colored seal of the institution.

Quarter Hours

A term used to designate units of credit at colleges or universities that operate on the quarter system. One quarter hour of credit equals 2/3 semester hours. To convert quarter hours to semester hours, multiply quarter hours by 2/3.

Recency Credits

Credits earned within the five years immediately preceding initial application for certification, or since the issue date of the certificate due to expire. Six semester hours of credit are required. For renewals, three of the six semester hours must be upper division. Up to three of the hours may be non-academic credits.

Regionally Accredited Institution

Institutions of higher education that have been evaluated by a recognized regional accrediting association.

Semester Hours

A term used to designate units of credit for study and work completed at colleges or universities that operate on the semester system.

Special Services Areas

Areas of preparation such as school nursing, school social work, speech therapy, audiology, school psychology, library-media, occupational therapy, physical therapy, school counselor, and other areas as approved by the State Board of Education.

State Approved Program Verification

A recommendation completed by the designated official (Dean of Education or designee) of a regionally accredited teacher training institution or, in the case of a non-traditional or alternative state-approved educator preparation program, the state agency with jurisdiction over the program must complete the verification. For administrative or special services applicants, a recommendation completed by an appropriate official of a regionally accredited institution of higher education at which the applicant completed an approved program.