Colorado § 23-78-103 - Definitions.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 23-78-103 — Definitions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 23-78-103. Definitions.
As used in this part 1, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) "Alternative teacher program" has the same meaning as provided in section 22-60.5-102.
(2) "Approved educator preparation program" means an educator preparation program for teachers that the department of education has reviewed pursuant to section 22-60.5-121 and determined meets the minimum standards set forth in section 22-60.5-121 (2) and (3) and the requirements of section 23-1-108.
(3) "Clinical practice" means practical, field-based experience that a teacher candidate gains through working in a classroom under the direct supervision of a mentor teacher.
(4) "Commission" means the Colorado commission on higher education established in section 23-1-102.
(5) "Educator preparation program" or "program" means an alternative teacher program or an approved educator preparation program.
(6) "Institution of higher education" or "institution" means a public, private, or proprietary postsecondary institution authorized by the commission on higher education to offer educator preparation programs.
(7) "Local education provider" means a school district organized pursuant to article 30 of title 22; a board of cooperative services, created pursuant to article 5 of title 22, that operates a public school; or a charter school that is authorized by a school district pursuant to part 1 of article 30.5 of title 22 or by the state charter school institute pursuant to part 5 of article 30.5 of title 22.
(8) "Master certificate" means the certificate issued by the department of education pursuant to section 22-60.5-202 and the implementing rules of the state board of education, which recognizes professional teacher licensees who are involved in ongoing professional development and training and who have advanced competencies or expertise or who have demonstrated outstanding achievements.
(9) "National-board certified" means that a teacher holds a certification from the national board for professional teaching standards.
(9.5) "Novice teacher" means a teacher who has fewer than three years of teaching experience.
(10) "State board" means the state board of education created in section 1 of article IX of the state constitution.
(11) "Teacher candidate" means a person who is enrolled in an educator preparation program for teaching.
Source: L. 2019: Entire article added with relocations, (SB 19-190), ch. 153, p. 1807, § 1, effective May 10. L. 2023: (2) amended, (SB 23-258), ch. 334, p. 2012, § 20, effective August 7. L. 2024: (9.5) added, (HB 24-1376), ch. 349, p. 2358, § 3, effective June 3.
Cross references: For the legislative declaration in SB 23-258, see section 1 of chapter 334, Session Laws of Colorado 2023. For the legislative declaration in HB 24-1376, see section 1 of chapter 349, Session Laws of Colorado 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 23-78-103
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 23-78-103 cover?
Section 23-78-103 ("Definitions.") is part of the Colorado Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Colorado. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Colorado § 23-78-103?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 23-78-103" (Colorado). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Colorado law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Colorado official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Colorado attorney.
How does Colorado § 23-78-103 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Colorado can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
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