Heat oven to 425 degrees F. Grease baking sheet.
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
With pastry blender or 2 knives, cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
In a small bowl, combine milk, egg, and vanilla. Add to dry ingredients along with chocolate chips. Mix with fork until mixture clings together and forms a soft dough.
Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface and knead gently 5 or 6 times. With a lightly floured rolling pin, roll one half of dough into a 7-inch round. Cut into 4 wedges.
Place scones 1 inch apart on greased baking sheet. Pierce tops with tines of fork.
Bake scones for 18 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.