(a) “Recognized”, as used in this Article in connection with the word “school” or “institution”, means such college, university, or for-profit or not-for-profit entity that meets requirements set by the State Board of Education, in consultation with the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board. Application for recognition of the school or institution as an educator preparation institution must be made to the State Board of Education. The State Board of Education, in consultation with the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board, shall set the criteria by which the school or institution is to be judged and, through the secretary of the State Board, arrange for an official inspection and shall grant recognition of such school or institution as may meet the required standards. If the standards include requirements with regard to education in acquiring skills in working with culturally distinctive students, as defined by the State Board of Education, then the rules of the State Board of Education shall include the criteria used to evaluate compliance with this requirement. No school or institution may make assignments of student teachers or teachers for practice teaching so as to promote segregation on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
     Any for-profit or not-for-profit entity must also be approved by the Board of Higher Education.
     All recommendations or entitlements for educator licensure shall be made by a recognized institution operating a program of preparation for the license that is approved by the State Board of Education, in consultation with the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board. The State Board of Education, in consultation with the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board, shall have the power to define a major or minor when used as a basis for recognition and licensure purposes.
     (b) “Regionally accredited”, or “accredited”, as used in this Article in connection with a university or institution, means an institution of higher education accredited by the North Central Association or other comparable regional accrediting association.