2304

LAWS OF MARYLAND

Ch. 383

Article - Education
18-1401.

(a)  In this section the following words have the meanings
indicated.

(b)  "Public school" means a school in the public elementary
and secondary education system in this State.

(c)  "Eligible institution" means an accredited college or
university that has a program of undergraduate or graduate
studies that would certify the recipient to teach in this State
in an area of critical shortage and which is:

(1)  Authorized by the State Board for Higher
Education; and

(2)  Approved by the State Board of Education.

(d)  Area of "critical shortage" means those fields
identified by the State Board of Education pursuant to the
provisions of Section 18-405 of this subtitle as having projected
employment vacancies substantially exceeding projected qualified
graduates.

(e)  "Degreed recipient" means a recipient of tuition
assistance under this subtitle who possesses an undergraduate or
graduate degree [in an area of critical shortage].

(f) "Nondegreed recipient" means a recipient of tuition
assistance awarded under this subtitle who does not possess an
undergraduate or graduate degree in an area of critical shortage.

(g) "Teacher recipient" means a recipient of tuition
assistance awarded under this subtitle employed or certified as a
teacher in a field which is not a critical shortage area.

(h) "Tuition assistance" means any funds provided for the
cost of basic instructional charges, fees, room, board, or other
related educational expenses.

18-1403.

(b) A recipient of a tuition assistance award shall:

(1)  Be a resident of this State;

(2)  Qualify as follows:

(i) [Have earned 60 credits of undergraduate
collegiate education] BE AT LEAST A GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR
and be enrolled in or sign a letter of intent to enroll in a
program leading to certification to teach in an area of critical
shortage and be selected by the State Scholarship Board on a