(a) It is the purpose of this article and §18C-4A-1 et seq. of this code to improve the quality of education in the public schools of West Virginia by encouraging and enabling individuals who have demonstrated outstanding academic abilities to pursue teaching careers in critical shortage fields at the elementary, middle or secondary levels in the public schools of this state. Particular efforts shall be made in the scholarship selection criteria and procedures to reflect the states present and projected critical teacher shortage fields.
(b) In consultation with the State Board of Education and the State Superintendent of Schools, the commission shall propose legislative rules in accordance with the provisions of §29A-3A-1 et seq. of this code. The rules shall provide for the administration of the Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program and the Teacher Education Loan Repayment Program by the Vice Chancellor for Administration in furtherance of the purposes of this article, and §18C-4A-1 et seq. of this code including, but not limited to, the following:
(1) Establishing scholarship selection criteria and procedures;