Accreditation Data System (ADS) Glossary

 

Glossary
Definitions
Academic YearFor this reporting period the current academic year is September 1, 2023-August 31, 2024. Given that there are large variations from institution to institution with respect to academic year, there is some limited flexibility to define the academic year. If your institution has an academic year that is different from September 1-August 31, use your institution’s academic year but be consistent from year to year for the purpose of ADS. For instance, if your academic year begins on August 1 and ends on July 31, you may count the candidates from August 1-July 31 toward the reporting year but do not duplicate these candidates in the next year’s reporting period.
Admission Rate
Calculate the admissions rate by dividing the number of applicants admitted by the total number of applicants.
Admission Requirements
The minimum requirements that an applicant must meet in order to be considered eligible for admission to the institution and/or program.
ApplicantAn individual who submits an application to an educator preparation program. The applicant may or may not be accepted to the program and may or may not enroll in the program
CandidateThe individual enrolled in the educator preparation program leading to a license, credential, or authorization.
Clinical Practice The experiences that a candidate has in schools. Clinical practice allows the candidate to apply theories and concepts they are learning about in coursework. The specific types of experiences a candidate needs to have during clinical practice are defined in the specific educator preparation program standards. The clinical practice experiences need to be designed by the educator preparation program, be supervised, completed in a logical sequence, and be integrated with the coursework the candidate completes.
Coach For Clear Administrative Induction programs, the experienced school administrator who supports and guides the Preliminary Administrative Services credential holder during the two year Induction program.
Cooperating TeacherThe master teacher is the experienced teacher in who’s classroom the preliminary candidate is placed for clinical practice and independent student teaching (See Master Teacher) and who models teaching practices for the candidate as well as helps and guides the candidate in learning to teach.
Counsel OutThe institution has asked the candidate to leave the educator preparation program. This is usually due to inadequate progress, professional fitness, or other egregious activity on the part of the candidate.
Dual Credential ProgramA program designed to lead to two (or more) different credential/added authorization requirements. The candidates enrolled in the dual program are all earning both credentials/authorizations. Please note that candidates can be enrolled in more than one program which will lead to two credentials. However, only those programs that are specifically designed to lead to two or more credentials are considered dual programs.
Enrollment - ContinuingCandidates who entered the educator preparation program in the prior reporting year. For reporting in 2024, these candidates would have enrolled in the program and begun classes or other activities prior to September 2023.
Enrollment - New Candidates who began the educator preparation program during the current reporting year. For reporting in 2022, these candidates began the program and began classes or other activities sometime during or after September 2021 through summer 2022.
Full-time candidateA candidate who is taking a full load of courses as defined by the program. Full time educator preparation programs typically do not allow time for candidates to have full time jobs outside of the educator preparation program. Candidates in Induction programs (teachers and leaders) are full time candidates. (see Part-time Candidate)
Initial CertificationThe first teaching license issued to an individual. The specific licenses classified as initial certification in each state are defined by the state.
Integrated ProgramsA teacher preparation program that begins in the undergraduate years of a candidate’s post-secondary education. The candidate is enrolled as soon as he or she begins the first course that meets any of the Commission’s credential requirements.
Length of the program The number of months that a candidate would be enrolled and completing courses/activities to complete all program requirements is the program length.
Master Teacher The cooperating teacher, also known as the District Employed Supervisor, whose classroom the candidate is assigned to while completing clinical practice and the independent student teaching and who models teaching practices for the candidate as well as helps and guides the candidate in learning to teach. (See Cooperating Teacher)
MentorFor Teacher Induction, the experienced educator who guides and supports the induction candidate
Part-time Candidate
Part-time candidates are those who are enrolled in less than a ‘full load’ of courses for the educator preparation program. They also work part or full time while attending your program. Some programs do not accept part-time candidates. (see Full-time Candidate)
Prior Academic Year

For the sake of the reporting period that ends August 31, 2024, the prior academic year refers to the academic year September 1, 2022-August 31, 2023.

Private School PathwayWhen a preliminary teacher preparation program or a teacher induction program has designed a pathway specifically for teachers in private schools. This is indicated when the Program Report is initially created.
Private School Teacher (3-5 more years)Private school teachers with verified teaching experience of 3-5 years are excused from student teaching and the TPA. These individuals must complete the other coursework and should apply directly to the Commission. See Leaflet CL 834. These individuals are not included in the ADS Reporting system.
Private School Teacher (6 or more years)Private school teachers with verified teaching experience of at least 6 years are eligible to apply to the Commission for a Preliminary Teaching Credential. See Leaflet CL-834. These individuals are not included in the ADS Reporting system.
Program CompleterA program completer is an individual who is recommended for the credential or authorization for which they seek or are eligible for the credential. Note: For preliminary administrative programs, it includes those that are recommended for either a preliminary credential or the Certificate of Eligibility.
Program PathwayPathway describes how a candidate will complete the required field experiences, i.e. student teaching (including co-teaching and residency) or intern. At this time institutions are defining their own pathways within the options provided in the ADS.
Program SupervisorThe educator employed and assigned by the Commission-approved educator preparation program to supervise the candidate as he or she completes clinical practice. Other terms include University Supervisor.
Solo TeachingTypically, the culminating period during student teaching where the candidate is responsible for planning or co-planning all lessons, delivers the lessons, assesses or grading student learning. Preliminary Multiple/Single subject candidates must complete 4 weeks of independent or solo teaching.
Student TeachingA program pathway whereas a preliminary teacher credential candidate is assigned to a master teacher’s classroom for observation, individual tutoring, small group instruction, remediation or extension teaching, through whole class instruction.
Supervised Clinical PracticeWhen a candidate is completing clinical practice and for teachers, the candidate is responsible for whole class instruction. There are expectations for how frequently the candidate must be supervised by the program supervisor.
Voluntary Leave A candidate leaves the educator preparation program on his or her own volition and the program has not counseled the candidate out. This may be due to a variety of reasons such as the candidate decided the program is not appropriate for them, is moving out of the area, or other reason.

 

Updated March 14, 2024