The following words and phrases when used in this act shall
have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Board." The State Board of Education.
"Community organization." A nonprofit organization with a
demonstrated commitment to improving the educational and social
well-being of a community. The term includes a local education,
youth, parent, educator and employee organization.
"Department." The Department of Education of the
Commonwealth.
"Eligible entity." A school entity, higher education
institution or partnership.
"Employee organization." As defined in section 301 of the
act of July 23, 1970 (P.L.563, No.195), known as the Public
Employe Relations Act.
"Hard-to-staff teaching position." An instructional
category, including, but not limited to, special education,
mathematics or science, in which Statewide data compiled by the
board indicates a multiyear pattern of substantial teacher
shortage or that has been identified as a critical need by a
local school board.
"High-need school." A public school that is:
(1) within the top quartile of elementary and secondary
schools Statewide, as ranked by the number of unfilled
available teacher positions;
(2) located in an area where at least 30% of students
have families with incomes below the poverty line; or
(3) located in an area with a high percentage of out-of-
field teachers, high teacher turnover rate or high percentage
of teachers who are not certified or licensed.
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