The following words and phrases when used in this article shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

“Advanced Placement Program.” A program authorized by the college board that allows a student to study college-level subjects while enrolled in high school and to receive advanced placement and college credit for earning a qualified score on the course-related Advanced Placement Program exam.

“Cambridge advanced.” An academically rigorous college-level program offered by Cambridge Assessment International Education, a part of the University of Cambridge, comprised of a one-year AS-Level and a two-year A-Level course and exam and the core requirements of the AICE Diploma program.

“Career, technical or applied courses.” Courses usually offered as part of an associate degree curriculum designed to prepare students for entry-level professions, not for transfer to baccalaureate programs for advanced studies.

“College-Level Examination Program.” A set of standardized tests developed by the college board for various subjects, and on which a qualifying score can be used to earn college credit.

“Community college.” An institution created pursuant to Article XIX-A¹ or the act of August 24, 1963 (P.L. 1132, No. 484),² known as the Community College Act of 1963.

“Credit for prior learning.” College-level credit granted toward the award of a postsecondary degree or certificate for experiential learning that can be demonstrated through various means of assessment to be the equivalent of learning gained through formal collegiate instruction, including an Advanced Placement Program exam, International Baccalaureate Diploma Program exam, a College-Level Examination Program exam, Cambridge advanced exam and Dantes Subject Standardized Tests.

“Dantes Subject Standardized Tests.” A set of subject exams approved by the American Council on Education that tests knowledge of both lower-level and upper-level college material.

“Department.” The Department of Education of the Commonwealth.

“Developmental or remedial courses.” Courses typically consisting of reading, writing and math designed to prepare students for college-level courses and that are not transferable.

“Equivalent courses.” Courses determined to have generally equivalent content and level as determined by the faculty of an institution of higher education consistent with the policy at each institution of higher education.

“Foundation courses.” Courses required to be completed by students that provide an academic foundation for the degree, general education or advanced study in a major.

“Independent institution of higher education.” An institution of higher education which is operated not for profit, located in and incorporated or chartered by the Commonwealth and entitled to confer degrees as set forth in 24 Pa.C.S. § 6505 (relating to power to confer degrees) and to apply to itself the designation “college” or “university” as provided for by the standards and qualifications prescribed by the State Board of Education pursuant to 24 Pa.C.S. Ch. 65 (relating to private colleges, universities and seminaries).

“Industry-recognized credential.” A credential that:

“Institution of higher education.” Any of the accredited following:

“International Baccalaureate Diploma Program.” An academically challenging two-year precollege diploma program comprised of three core requirements and six academic subject areas with final examinations that prepare students, 16 to 19 years of age, for higher education and life in a global society.

“Public institution of higher education.” A community college or an institution which is part of the State System of Higher Education pursuant to Article XX-A.³

“Public school.” Any of the following:

“Rural regional college.” A rural regional college operating under Article XIX-G.⁵

“State-related institution.” The Pennsylvania State University, the University of Pittsburgh, Temple University, Lincoln University and their branch campuses.

“Transfer and Articulation Oversight Committee.” The committee established under section 2004-C.⁶