The following definitions shall apply to terms used in this chapter:

(1) The terms, "program approval," "endorsement," and "interstate compact," (("college or university," and "accredited institution of higher education,")) as defined in WAC 181-78A-010 shall apply to the provisions of this chapter.

(2) "Certificate" means the license issued by the superintendent of public instruction to teachers, administrators, and educational staff associates verifying that the individual has met the requirements set forth in this chapter.

(3) "Certificate renewal" means the process whereby the validity of a certificate, subject to expiration, is extended.

(4) "Certificate reinstatement" means the process whereby the validity of an expired certificate is regained.

(5) "Lapsed certificate" means a residency certificate that is subject to the timelines and renewal described under WAC 181-79A-251.

(6) "Expired certificate" means a teacher certificate that can only be reinstated under WAC 181-79A-251.

(7) "Classroom teaching" means instructing pupils in an instructional setting.

(8) "Approved baccalaureate degree" for the purpose of this chapter, means a baccalaureate from an accredited college or university in any of the subject areas of the endorsement listed in chapter 181-82 WAC as now or hereafter amended: Provided, That if a candidate is accepted into a program in Washington state on or before August 31, 2000, and completes the program on or before August 31, 2003, in accordance with WAC 181-79A-299, the candidate may hold a baccalaureate degree in any of the subject areas of the endorsements listed in WAC 181-79A-302. Such degrees shall require the completion of at least forty-five quarter hours (thirty semester hours) of course work in the subject area: Provided, That a candidate who holds a baccalaureate degree in another academic field will not be required to obtain a second baccalaureate degree if the candidate provides evidence to the superintendent of public instruction that he or she has completed the required forty-five quarter or thirty semester hours of course work in one of the subject areas of the endorsements listed in chapter 181-82 WAC: Provided further, That a candidate who holds a baccalaureate degree in early childhood education, elementary education, or special education will not be required to obtain a second baccalaureate degree if the candidate provides evidence to the superintendent of public instruction that he or she has completed thirty quarter or twenty semester credit hours in one academic field in an approved endorsement area pursuant to WAC 181-82A-202.

(9) "Issues of abuse course work requirement" means completion of course work or an in-service program on issues of abuse. The content shall discuss the identification of physical, emotional, sexual, and substance abuse; commercial sexual abuse of a minor, as defined in RCW 9.68A.100; sexual exploitation of a minor as defined in RCW 9.68A.040; information on the impact of abuse on the behavior and learning abilities of students; discussion of the responsibilities of a teacher to report abuse or provide assistance to students who are victims of abuse; and methods for teaching students about abuse of all types and their prevention. Additionally, content areas identified by the legislature in RCW 28A.410.035 shall be required in the issues of abuse course, including knowledge and skill standards pertaining to recognition, initial screening and response to emotional or behavioral distress in students including, but not limited to, indicators of possible substance abuse, violence and youth suicide.

(10) "Approved master's degree" for the purpose of this chapter, means a master's or doctorate degree from an accredited college or university.

(11) "Credit hour(s)" means credit (normally 100 level or above) awarded by an accredited institution of higher education.

(12) "Previous standards" means a certification system in place prior to a revision in rules that results in changed names and/or validity periods for the certificates issued.

(13) "Application for certification" means an application for a certificate or endorsement that includes a signed affidavit (as specified in WAC 181-79A-157) by the applicant. Such application shall be considered valid for two years from the date of receipt by the superintendent of public instruction, or its designee.

(14) "Professional growth team" for the purpose of certificate renewal means a team comprised of the individual renewing the certificate and a minimum of one colleague, who holds a current Washington state educator certificate, chosen by the individual.

(15) "Professional growth plan."

(a) Teacher individualized professional growth plan means the document which identifies the formalized learning opportunities and professional development activities that relate to the specific competencies, knowledge, skills and experiences needed to meet the standards at the "career level" benchmarks as published by the professional educator standards board.

(b) Principal/program administrator individualized professional growth plan means the document which identifies the formalized learning opportunities and professional development activities that relate to the specific competencies, knowledge, skills and experiences needed to meet the standards at the "career level" benchmarks as published by the professional educator standards board.

(c) ESA individualized professional growth plan means the document which identifies the formalized learning opportunities and professional development activities that relate to the specific competencies, knowledge, skills and experiences needed to meet the standards at the career level benchmarks as published by the professional educator standards board.

(d) Only one professional growth plan may be completed each year. Professional growth plans will be completed during the period beginning July 1st of one year and ending June 30th of the following year. Completion of the professional growth plan will include review by the professional growth team, as defined in subsection (14) of this section.

(e) Individuals may apply their focused evaluation professional growth activities of the evaluation system toward the professional growth plan for certificate renewal, per RCW 28A.405.100 (12)(c)(vi).

(f) Until June 30, 2018, individuals who complete the requirements of the annual professional growth plan to renew their certificate shall receive the equivalent of thirty hours of continuing education credit hours. Beginning July 1, 2018, individuals who complete an annual professional growth plan to renew their certificate shall receive the equivalent of twenty-five continuing education credit hours.

(g) For educators holding multiple certificates in chapter 181-85 or 181-79A WAC, a professional growth plan for teacher, administrator or educational staff associate shall meet the requirements for all certificates held by an individual.

(16) "A positive impact on student learning" means that a teacher through instruction and assessment has been able to document students' increased knowledge and/or demonstration of a skill or skills related to the state goals and/or essential academic learning requirements: Provided, That teachers employed by private schools who are candidates for the professional teaching certificate shall document students' increased knowledge and/or demonstration of a skill or skills related to either:

(a) The state goals or essential academic learning requirements; or

(b) Such alternative learning goals as the private school has established.

(17) "Professional certificate support provider" means any organization or institution operating training or consulting services as a public entity or private company holding an appropriate business license.

(18) "Approved private school" means any organization of institution providing educational services to children including, but not limited to, approved private schools, state institutions, juvenile institutions, nonpublic agencies providing special education services, development centers, and bureau of Indian affairs schools.