For purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall have the respective meanings ascribed to them by this section:
(1) A.C.H.E. The Alabama Commission on Higher Education.
(2) BOARD or BOARD OF EDUCATION. The State Board of Education.
(3) COMMISSION. The Governor's Educational Reform Commission created by this chapter.
(4) CRITICAL NEEDS AREAS. Those curriculum and teaching areas where there is an urgent need for action. These areas include mathematics, science, computer education and other areas to be identified from time to time by the State Board of Education.
(5) IN-SERVICE EDUCATION. The training of regularly certified education professionals who hold positions in the public schools of the state.
(6) LOCAL EDUCATIONAL AGENCIES. County and city boards of education and the school systems over which these boards of education have authority.
(7) PLAN FOR EXCELLENCE. A Plan for Excellence; Alabama's Public Schools, a report to the Alabama State Board of Education, Governor George C. Wallace, President and to the Legislature and people of Alabama dated January 12, 1984.
(8) SUPERINTENDENT. The Alabama State Superintendent of Education.
(9) PUBLIC EDUCATION. For purposes of this chapter, public education means kindergarten through the twelfth grade.