A federal program that provides food for students from low-income families. (Ed-data)A federal program that provides food for students from low-income families. (Ed-data) |
AAASAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science |
AACTEAmerican Association of Colleges for Teacher Education |
AASAAmerican Association of School Administrators |
Academic Performance Index (API)A statewide ranking of schools based on student test scores from the CAT/6, CST, and high school exit exam; it ranges from 200 to 1000. Most schools have an API, a state ranking (by elementary, middle, or high school), a ranking in comparison to 100 similar schools, and growth targets for the following year. (Ed-data) |
AccommodationsChanges in the way tests are designed or administered to respond to the special needs of students with disabilities and English learners (EL). |
AccountabilityThe notion that people (e.g., students or teachers) or an organization (e.g., a school, school district, or state department of education) should be held responsible for improving student achievement and should be rewarded or sanctioned for their success or lack of success in doing so. (Ed Source) |
Achievement TestA test to measure a student's knowledge and skills. (Ed Source |
ACTA set of college admissions tests. Most colleges now accept either the SAT or the ACT for admissions purposes. (Ed Source) |
Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP)An individual state's measure of yearly progress toward achieving state academic standards. Adequate yearly progress is the minimum level of improvement that states, school districts, and schools must achieve each year, according to federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) legislation. This progress is determined by a collection of performance measures that a state, its school districts, and subpopulations of students within its schools are supposed to meet if the state receives Title I federal funding. (Ed Source) |
Adoption
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Advanced Placement (AP)A series of voluntary exams based on college-level courses taken in high school. High school students who do well on one or more of these exams have the opportunity to earn credit, advanced placement, or both for college. (Ed Source) |
Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID)A four-year elective college preparatory class designed to motivate students to attend college. |
AELAppalachia Educational Laboratory |
AERAAmerican Educational Research Association |
AFTAmerican Federation of Teachers |
AITAgency for Instructional Technology |
AlignmentThe degree to which assessments, curriculum, instruction, textbooks and other instructional materials, teacher preparation and professional development, and systems of accountability all reflect and reinforce the educational program's objectives and standards. (Ed Source) |
Alternative AssessmentAn assessment in which students originate a response to a task or question. Such responses could include demonstrations exhibits portfolios oral presentations or essays. (Compare to traditional assessment.) |
Alternative AssessmentsWays other than standardized tests to get information about what students know and where they need help, such as oral reports, projects, performances, experiments, and class participation. (Ed Source) |
Alternative Schools Accountability Model (ASAM)An alternative way of measuring student performance in schools with mostly high-risk students—such as continuation schools or some county office of education schools—and schools with fewer than 11 valid test scores. (Ed Source) |
Analytical Trait scoringA method for assigning a summary score to a product performance or work sample based on a prior analysis that defined the key traits dimensions or characteristics possessed by the class of objects being scored. The object is scored independently against each dimension and a summary score is calculated following a set formula. The summary score may be a simple total (or average) across dimensions a weighted total or a more complex algorithm. An example might be the scoring of a piece of persuasive writing on such traits as attention to audience correct use of grammar and punctuation focus on the topic and persuasiveness of argument. |
Annual Measurable Objective (AMO)The annual target for the percentage of students whose test scores must be proficient or above in English/language arts and mathematics. Meeting the AMO is the first step toward demonstrating adequate yearly progress under the federal law No Child Left Behind (NCLB). (Ed-data) |
AODalcohol and other drugs |
ASCDAssociation for Supervision and Curriculum Development |
AssessmentTeacher-made tests, standardized tests, or tests from textbook companies that are used to evaluate student performance. |
At-Risk
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ATEAssociation of Teacher Educators |
ATODalcohol tobacco and other drugs |
authentic assessmentAn assessment presenting tasks that reflect the kind of mastery demonstrated by experts. Authentic assessment of a student s ability to solve problems for example would assess how effectively a student solves a real problem. |
authentic taskSchool assignment that has a real-world application. Such tasks bear a strong resemblance to tasks performed in nonschool settings (such as the home an organization or the workplace) and require students to apply a broad range of knowledge and skills. Often they fill a genuine need for the students and result in a tangible end product. |
Average Class SizeThe number of students in classes divided by the number of classes. Because some teachers, such as reading specialists, have assignments outside the regular classroom, the average class size is usually larger than the pupil-teacher ratio. (Ed Source) |
Average Daily Attendance (ADA)The total number of days of student attendance divided by the total number of days in the regular school year. A student attending every school day would equal one ADA. Generally, ADA is lower than enrollment due to such factors as transiency, dropouts, and illness. A school district's revenue limit income is based on its ADA. (Ed-data) |
Basic Aid The minimum general-purpose aid that is guaranteed by the state's Constitution for each school district in a state. A basic aid district is one in which local property taxes equal or exceed the district's revenue limit. These districts may keep the money from local property taxes and still receive constitutionally guaranteed state funding. (Ed Source) |
BehaviorismA theory suggesting that learning occurs when an environmental stimulus triggers a response or behavior. Based on classical conditioning theory behaviorism applies to educational practices that reward performance behaviors to encourage repetition of those behaviors. Rote memorization and drill-and-practice instruction are supported by behaviorist theory. |
Benchmark
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benchmark performancesPerformance examples against which other performances may be judged. |
Bilingual EducationAn in-school program for students whose first language is not English or who have limited English skills. Bilingual education provides English language development plus subject area instruction in the student's native language. The goal is for the child to gain knowledge and be literate in two languages. (Ed Source) |
Block SchedulingInstead of traditional 40- to 50-minute periods, block scheduling allows for periods of an hour or more so that teachers can accomplish more during a class session. It also allows for teamwork across subject areas in some schools. For example, a math and science teacher may teach a physics lesson that includes both math and physics concepts. |
Bond MeasureA method of borrowing used by school districts to pay for construction or renovation projects. A bond measure requires a 55 percent majority to pass. The principal and interest are repaid by local property owners through an increase in property taxes. (See also parcel tax.) (Ed Source) |
Categorical Aid Funds from the state or federal government granted to qualifying schools or districts for specific children with special needs, certain programs such as class size reduction, or special purposes such as transportation. In general, schools or districts must spend the money for the specific purpose. All districts receive categorical aid in varying amounts. This aid is in addition to the funding schools received for their general education program. (Ed Source) |
CcaffoldingAn instructional technique in which the teacher breaks a complex task into smaller tasks models the desired learning strategy or task provides support as students learn to do the task and then gradually shifts responsibility to the students. In this manner a teacher enables students to accomplish as much of a task as possible without adult assistance. |
CCSSOCouncil of Chief State School Officers |
CELANational Research Center on English Learning and Achievement |
Certificate/CredentialA state-issued license certifying that the teacher has completed the necessary basic training courses and passed the teacher exam. |
Certificated/credentialed Employees School employees who are required by the state to hold teaching credentials, including full-time, part-time, substitute, or temporary teachers and most administrators. A teacher who has not yet acquired a credential but has an emergency permit or a waiver to teach in the classroom is included in the count. The requirements for a fully credentialed teacher include having a bachelor's degree, completing additional required coursework, and passing the CBEST. (Ed-data and Ed Source) |
Charter SchoolsPublicly funded schools that are exempt from many state laws and regulations for school districts. They are run by groups of teachers, parents, and/or foundations. (Ed-data and SARC glossary) |
CIERACenter for the Improvement of Early Reading Achievement |
Class Size Reduction A state-funded program for kindergarten through third grade classes to ensure that there are no more than 20 students per teacher. A separate program supports some smaller classes for core subjects in ninth grade. (Ed-data) |
Classified EmployeesSchool employees who are not required to hold teaching credentials, such as bus drivers, secretaries, custodians, instructional aides, and some management personnel. (Ed-data, Ed Source) |
Closed CampusThis usually indicates that the school has one point of entry and a sign-in procedure as safety measures. It also refers to a high school that does not allow students to leave the campus for lunch or does not allow students to come and go without permission during the school day. |
ClusterTo place small groups of students together for instruction, especially GATE student |
coachingAn instructional method in which a teacher supports students as they perfect old skills and acquire new skills. |
cognitive scienceA science investigating how people learn rather than what they learn. Prior knowledge and out-of-classroom experience help form the foundation on which teachers build effective instruction. Also referred to as the study of the mind. |
cognitively guided instructionAn instructional strategy in which a teacher assesses what students already know about a subject and then builds on students prior knowledge. Students typically are asked to suggest a way to represent a real problem posed by the teacher. Guided questions encouragement and suggestions further encourage students to devise solutions and share the outcome with the class. |
collaborative learning or cooperative learningAn instructional approach in which students of varying abilities and interests work together in small groups to solve a problem complete a project or achieve a common goal. |
Community CollegeA two-year college, also referred to as a junior college. Anyone who is 18 years old or holds a high school diploma (or equivalent) is eligible to attend a community college. Students can transfer from community colleges to either the CSU or UC systems. (Ed Source) |
Community-Based LearningStudents, faculty, administrators, and community members working together to create new learning opportunities within local communities but generally outside traditional learning institutions. |
Comparable GrowthSubgroups of students in a school must improve their scores on standardized tests. They are expected to achieve 80 percent of the predominant student group's target, which is known as comparable growth. |
Conflict ManagementA strategy that schools use to prevent and address behavior problems by using peer counselors, mediators, or a school curriculum or program. It usually includes a set of expectations for behavior. |
Consolidated Application (Con App)The application districts can use to apply for more than 20 state and federal categorical programs, including the federal Title I program and the state School Improvement Program (SIP). Most if not all districts use the Con App to secure funding from at least some of the programs on the application. (Ed Source) |
constructivismTheory suggesting that students learn by constructing their own knowledge especially through hands-on exploration. It emphasizes that the context in which an idea is presented as well as student attitude and behavior affects learning. Students learn by incorporating new information into what they already know. |
Content StandardsStandards that describe what students should know and be able to do in core academic subjects at each grade level. (Ed Source |
Cooperative LearningA teaching method in which students of differing abilities work together on an assignment. Each student has a specific responsibility within the group. Students complete assignments together and receive a common grade. |
Core AcademicsThe required subjects in middle and high schools—usually English (literature), history (social studies), math, and science. |
CPRECenter for Policy Research in Education |
CRESPARCenter for Research on the Education of Students Placed At Risk |
CRESSTNational Center for Research on Evaluation Standards and Student Testing |
criterion-referenced assessment An assessment that measures what a student understands knows or can accomplish in relation to specific performance objectives. It is used to identify a student s specific strengths and weaknesses in relation to skills defined as the goals of the instruction but it does not compare students to other students. (Compare to norm-referenced assessment.) |
Criterion-Referenced TestA test that measures how well a student has learned a specific body of knowledge and skills. The goal is typically to have every student attain a passing mark, not to compare students to each other. (See norm-referenced assessment). (Ed Source) |
critical thinkingLogical thinking that draws conclusions from facts and evidence. |
Cross-Cultural Language and Development (CLAD)A test that teachers must pass to gain credentials that qualify them to teach English to English learners. The BCLAD is a CLAD for bilingual teachers. |
Curriculum (plural curricula)A plan of instruction that details what students are to know how they are to learn it what the teacher s role is and the context in which learning and teaching will take place. |
data-driven decision making A process of making decisions about curriculum and instruction based on the analysis of classroom data and standardized test data. Data-driven decision making uses data on function quantity and quality of inputs and how students learn to suggest educational solutions. It is based on the assumption that scientific methods used to solve complex problems in industry can effectively evaluate educational policy programs and methods. |
Differentiated InstructionThis is also referred to as "individualized" or "customized" instruction. The curriculum offers several different learning experiences within one lesson to meet students' varied needs or learning styles. For example, different teaching methods for students with learning disabilities. |
Disaggregated DataThe presentation of data broken into segments of the student population instead of the entire enrollment. Typical segments include students who are economically disadvantaged, from racial or ethnic minority groups, have disabilities, or have limited English fluency. Disaggregated data allows parents and teachers to see how each student group is performing in a school. (Ed Source) |
Distance LearningUsing technology such as two-way interactive television teacher and student(s) in different locations may communicate with one another as in a regular classroom setting. |
ECSEducation Commission of the States |
Emergency PermitNormally a one-year permit issued to people entering the teaching profession who have not completed some of the legal requirements for a credential. Generally the intent is that the person will enroll in and complete an approved teacher preparation program. (Ed Source) |
ENCEisenhower National Clearinghouse |
English as a Second LanguageClasses or support programs for students whose native language is not English. |
English Language Advisory Committee (ELAC)Variations include "English Language Advisory Council," and "English Language Learner Advisory Committee/Council." The group consists of parents and school staff who work together to address the academic needs of students still learning English. |
English LearnerA student who is not proficient enough in the English language to succeed in the school's regular instructional programs and who qualifies for extra help. (Formerly referred to as Limited English Proficient/LEP.) (Ed Source/Ed-data) |
EnrichmentAdditional courses outside those required for graduation |
equityArray |
ETSEducational Testing Service exhibition of mastery A type of assessment in which students display their grasp of knowledge and skills using methods such as skits video presentations posters oral presentations or portfolios. |
facilitatorA role for classroom teachers that allows students to take a more active role in learning. Teachers assist students in making connections between classroom instruction and students own knowledge and experiences by encouraging students to create new solutions by challenging their assumptions and by asking probing questions. |
Fluent English Proficient (FEP)A designation that means that a student is no longer considered as part of the school's English learner population. It refers to students who have learned English. (Ed Source) |
Formative AssessmentAny form of assessment used by an educator to evaluate students' knowledge and understanding of particular content and then to adjust instructional practices accordingly toward improving student achievement in that area. (Ed Source) |
General FundAccounting term used by the state and school districts to differentiate general revenues and expenditures from funds for specific uses, such as a Cafeteria Fund. (Ed-data) |
Gifted and Talented Education (GATE)A program that offers supplemental, differentiated, challenging curriculum and instruction for students identified as being intellectually gifted or talented. (Ed Source) |
graphing calculatorA calculator with a large display that enables the user to see math functions and data graphically. |
hands-on/minds-on activitiesActivities that engage students physical as well as mental skills to solve problems. Students devise a solution strategy predict outcomes activate or perform the strategy reflect on results and compare end results with predictions. |
heterogeneous groupingGrouping together students of varying abilities interests or ages. |
High Priority Schools Grant Program (HPSGP)A program created to provide funds for schools in the lower half of the state rankings (Deciles 1-5) based on the API. It focuses on schools with APIs that fall in the bottom ten percent of all schools and replaces the II/USP. Schools volunteer to be in this program. (Ed Source) |
higher-order questionsQuestions that require thinking and reflection rather than single-solution responses. |
higher-order thinking skillsUnderstanding complex concepts and applying sometimes conflicting information to solve a problem which may have more than one correct answer. |
Highly Qualified TeacherAccording to NCLB, a teacher who has obtained full state teacher certification or has passed the state teacher licensing examination and holds a license to teach in the state; holds a minimum of a bachelor’s degree; and has demonstrated subject area competence in each of the academic subjects in which the teacher teaches. (Ed Source) |
holistic scoringUsing a scoring guide or anchor papers to assign a single overall score to a performance. (See scoring guide.) |
IESInstitute of Educational Sciences (U.S. Department of Education). |
II/USP (Immediate Intervention/Underperforming Schools Program)The Immediate Intervention/Underperforming Schools Program was designed to encourage a schoolwide improvement program in schools with very low test scores and to provide assistance and intervention. Schools in the lowest five deciles of API scores were eligible if they did not meet their API targets. It was replaced in 2002 with HPSGP, a similar program. (Ed-data) |
Immersion EducationA program that teaches children to speak, read, and write in a second language by surrounding them with conversation and instruction in that language. Note that English immersion may differ from other immersion programs. |
InclusionThe practice of placing students with disabilities in regular classrooms. Also known as mainstreaming. (Ed Source) |
Independent StudySpecially designed instruction in courses taught through a variety of delivery methods that complement traditional high school curricula and provide an accredited diploma. |
Individual Education Program (IEPA written plan created for a student with learning disabilities by the student's teachers, parents or guardians, the school administrator, and other interested parties. The plan is tailored to the student's specific needs and abilities, and outlines goals for the student to reach. The IEP should be reviewed at least once a year. |
Informal knowledgeKnowledge about a topic that children learn through experience outside of the classroom. |
InquiryA process in which students investigate a problem devise and work through a plan to solve the problem and propose a solution to the problem. |
Instructional MinutesRefers to the amount of time the state requires teachers to spend providing instruction in each subject area. |
Integrated CurriculumRefers to the practice of using a single theme to teach a variety of subjects. It also refers to a interdisciplinary curriculum, which combines several school subjects into one project. |
interdiscipinary curriculumA curriculum that consciously applies the methodology and language from more than one discipline to examine a central theme issue problem topic or experience. |
intermediate service agency (ISA) or intermediate unit (IU)Regional centers or agencies established by some state governments to provide needed services assistance and information to local schools and districts. |
International Baccalaureate (IB)A rigorous college preparation course of study that leads to examinations for highly motivated high school students. Students can earn college credit from many universities if their exam scores are high enough. (Ed Source) |
InternetA worldwide network of networks that allows participants in different electronic networks to share information transfer files access news and communicate through electronic mail. |
InterventionThe term refers to funds that schools get for students who are not learning at grade level. They can be used to fund before-school or afterschool programs or to pay for materials and instructors. |
Job ShadowingA program that takes students into the workplace to learn about careers through one-day orientations or more extensive internships to see how the skills learned in school relate to the workplace. |
Joint School DistrictsSchool districts with boundaries that cross county lines. (Ed Source) |
LABThe Northeast and Islands Laboratory at Brown University. |
Language ArtsAnother term for English curriculum. The focus is on reading, speaking, listening, and writing skills. |
learner-centered classroomClassroom in which students are encouraged to choose their own learning goals and projects. This approach is based on the belief that students have a natural inclination to learn learn better when they work on real or authentic tasks benefit from interacting with diverse groups of people and learn best when teachers understand and value the difference in how each student learns. |
Less is moreA principle built on the idea that quality is of higher importance than quantity. It is reflected in instruction that guides students to focus on fewer topics investigated in greater depth with teachers performing the task of prioritizing subjects as well as specific skills within those subjects. |
LSSLaboratory for Student Success (serves states in the Mid-Atlantic area) |
Magnet SchoolA school that focuses on a particular discipline, such as science, mathematics, arts, or computer science. It is designed to recruit students from other parts of the school district. |
MainstreamingThe practice of placing students with disabilities in regular classrooms; also known as inclusion. (Ed Source) |
manipulativeAny physical object (e.g. blocks toothpicks coins) that can be used to represent or model a problem situation or develop a mathematical concept. |
ManipulativesThree-dimensional teaching aids and visuals that teachers use to help students with math concepts. Typical tools include counting beads or bars, base ten blocks, shapes, fraction parts, and rulers. |
matrix samplingAn assessment method in which no student completes the entire assessment but each completes a portion of the assessment. Portions are allotted to different representative samples of students. Group (rather than individual) scores are obtained for an analysis of school or district performance. |
McRELMid-continent Research for Education and Learning |
MetacognitionThe process of considering and regulating one s own learning. Activities include assessing or reviewing one s current and previous knowledge identifying gaps in that knowledge planning gap-filling strategies determining the relevance of new information and potentially revising beliefs on the subject. |
Minimum DayA shortened school day that allows teachers to meet and work together. |
ModelingDemonstrating to the learner how to do a task with the expectation that the learner can copy the model. Modeling often involves thinking aloud or talking about how to work through a task. |
ModernizationThe installation of new plumbing, air conditioning, floors, cabinets, carpeting, etc. on school grounds. |
Multiple-subject CredentialA credential required to teach in elementary and middle-school classrooms. It qualifies a teacher to teach multiple subjects in a self-contained class. |
NAEPNational Assessment of Educational Progress |
NAEYCNational Association for the Education of Young Children |
NASBENational Association for State Boards of Education |
NASDCNew American Schools Development Corporation |
National Blue Ribbon AwardThis award honors public and private K–12 schools that are academically superior or that demonstrate dramatic gains in student achievement. |
NCADINational Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information |
NCALNational Center on Adult Literacy |
NCATENational Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education |
NCESNational Center for Educational Statistics |
NCLB (No Child Left Behind)Signed into law by President Bush in 2002, No Child Left Behind sets performance guidelines for all schools and also stipulates what must be included in accountability reports to parents. It mandates annual student testing, includes guidelines for underperforming schools, and requires states to train all teachers and assistants to be "highly qualified". |
NCMSCNorth Center Mathematics and Science Consortium |
NCRELNorth Central Regional Educational Laboratory |
NCRTECNorth Central Regional Technology in Education Consortium |
NCTENational Council of Teachers of English |
NCTMNational Council of Teachers of Mathematics |
NEANational Education Association |
New MathThe teaching of highly abstract and conceptual math which was popular during the early 1960s. |
NGANational Governors Association |
Norm-referenced Assessment
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NSDCNational Staff Development Council |
NSTANational Science Teachers Association |
NWRELNorthwest Regional Educational Laboratory |
OERIOffice of Educational Research and Improvement (Now Institute of Educational Sciences) U.S. Department of Education |
Open Court Reading SeriesA program that provides systematic, explicit instruction to help students learn the structure of words and how to sound them out. Fluent reading and comprehension by the end of first grade is a program goal. |
Open-ended QuestionA question that has many avenues of access and allows students to respond in a variety of ways. Such questions have more than one correct answer. |
Open-ended taskA performance task in which students are required to generate a solution or response to a problem when there is no single correct answer. |
Open-response taskA performance task in which students are required to generate an answer rather than select an answer from among several possible answers but there is a single correct response. |
Outcome-based educationAn integrated system of educational programs that aligns specific student outcomes instructional methods and assessment. |
Parent Teacher Association (PTA)A national organization of parents, teachers, and other interested persons that has chapters in schools. They rely entirely on voluntary participation and offer assistance to schools in many different areas |
Peer Assistance and Review Program (PAR)A program that encourages designated consulting teachers to assist other teachers who need help in developing their subject matter knowledge, teaching strategies, or both. They also help teachers to meet the standards for proficient teaching. |
Peer Resource ProgramA program that trains students to provide their peers with counseling, education, and support on issues such as prejudice, drugs, violence, child abuse, dropping out, AIDS, and peer pressure. Students are also trained to provide tutoring and conflict mediation. |
Percentile RanksOne way to compare a given child, class, school, or district to a national norm. (Ed Source) |
Performance AssessmentSystematic and direct observation of a student performance or examples of student performances and ranking according to preestablished performance criteria. Students are assessed on the result as well as the process engaged in a complex task or creation of a product. |
Performance CriteriaA description of the characteristics to be assessed for a given task. Performance criteria may be general specific analytical trait or holistic. They may be expressed as a scoring rubric or scoring guide. (See rubrics and scoring guide.) |
Performance TaskAn assessment exercise that is goal directed. The exercise is developed to elicit students application of a wide range of skills and knowledge to solve a complex problem. |
PhonicsAn instructional strategy used to teach reading. It helps beginning readers by teaching them letter-sound relationships and having them sound out words. |
Physical Education (PE)Activities focused on developing physical and motor fitness; fundamental motor skills and patterns; and skills in aquatics, dance, individual and group games, and sports (including intramural and lifetime sports). The term includes special PE, adaptive PE, movement education, and motor development. |
PortableA term commonly used to describe single-unit, relocatable buildings. A portable building can be moved from one site when it is no longer needed and used again in another location. |
PortfolioA collection of various samples of a student’s work throughout the school year that can include writing samples, examples of math problems, and results of science experiments. (Ed Source) |
Portfolio AssessmentAn assessment process that is based on the collection of student work (such as written assignments drafts artwork and presentations) that represents competencies exemplary work or the student s developmental progress. |
PRELPacific Resources for Education and Learning |
Prior KnowledgeThe total of an individual s knowledge at any given time. |
Problem SolvingA method of learning in which students evaluate their thinking and progress while solving problems. The process includes strategy discussion--determining solution strategies to similar problems and pinpointing additional problems within the context of their investigation. |
Project 2061A reform initiative developed by the American Association for the Advancement of Science which seeks to improve the quality increase the relevance and broaden the availability of science math and technology education. |
PTAParent Teacher Association |
PTOParent Teacher Organization |
R and Dresearch and development |
R-Dresearch and development |
RD and Dresearch development and dissemination |
ReliabilityAn indicator of score consistency over time or across multiple evaluators. Reliable assessment is one in which the same answers receive the same score regardless of who performs the scoring or how or where the scoring takes place. The same person is likely to get approximately the same score across multiple test administrations. |
RestructuringSee systemic reform. |
RubricsSpecific criteria or guidelines used to evaluate student work. |
Safe HarborAn alternate method for a school to meet AMO if it shows progress in moving students from scoring at the "below proficient" level to the "proficient" level or above on STAR, CAHSEE, and/or CAPA. The state, school districts, and schools may still make AYP if each subgroup that fails to reach its proficiency performance targets reduces its percentage of students not meeting standards by 10 percent of the previous year's percentage, plus the subgroup must meet the attendance rate or graduation rate targets. (Dataquest) |
SAT (Standardized Achievement TestAlso known as the SAT Reasoning Test (formerly called Scholastic Aptitude Test), this test is widely used as a college entrance examination. Scores can be compared to state and national averages of seniors graduating from any public or private school. (Ed-data) |
SAT IIThis was formerly know as the Achievement Tests and was renamed the SAT II: Subject Tests. They are administered by the College Board and widely used as a college entrance exam. Students may take the test more than once, but only the highest score is reported at the year of graduation. |
ScaleThe range of scores possible for the student to achieve on a test or an assessment. Performance assessments typically use a 4- to 6-point scale compared to a scale of 100 or more with traditional multiple-choice tests. |
School Accountability Report Card (SARC)An annual disclosure report for parents and the public produced by a school that presents student achievement, test scores, teacher credentials, dropout rates, class sizes, resources, and more. The SARC is required by state and federal law. |
School Improvement Program (SIP)A state-funded program for elementary, intermediate, and secondary schools to improve instruction, services, school environment and organization at school sites according to plans developed by School Site Councils (see School Site Council). |
School Site Council (SSC)A group of teachers, parents, administrators, and interested community members who work together to develop and monitor a school's improvement plan. It is a legally required decision-making body for any school receiving federal funds (see School Improvement Plan). |
Scientific KnowledgeKnowledge that provides people with the conceptual and technological tools to explain and describe how the world works. |
Scientifically Based ResearchResearch that involves the application of rigorous, systemic, and objective procedures to obtain reliable and valid knowledge relevant to educational activities and programs. (Ed Source) |
Scoring GuideA set of guidelines for rating student work. A scoring guide describes what is being assessed provides a scoring scale and helps the teacher or rater correctly place work on the scale. (See rubrics.) |
SEAState education agency (e.g. state department of education) |
SEDLSouthwest Educational Development Laboratory |
Sheltered EnglishAn instructional approach in which classes are composed entirely of students learning English. Students are taught using methods that make academic instruction in English understandable. In some schools, students may be clustered in a mainstream classroom. |
Single-Subject Credential A credential required to teach middle or high school. It authorizes a teacher to teach in a single subject area such as English or a foreign language. |
Socioeconomically DisadvantagedStudents whose parents do not have a high school diploma or who participate in the federally funded free/reduced price meal program because of low family income. (Ed Source) |
Spanish Assessment of Basic Education, Second Ed. (SABE/2)A norm-referenced assessment required for all Spanish-speaking students in grades two through eleven who have been enrolled in California schools for less than one year. SABE/2 is part of the STAR program and the results are part of the school's API. It covers Spanish/language arts and mathematics. (Ed Source) |
Special Day ClassesFull-day classes for students with learning disabilities, speech and/or language impairments, serious emotional disturbances, cognitive delays, and a range of other impairments. Classes are taught by certified special education teachers. A student may be placed in a regular classroom as appropriate according to the student's IEP. |
Special EducationSpecial instruction provided for students with educational or physical disabilities, tailored to each student's needs and learning style. |
Staff Development DaysDays set aside in the school calendar for teacher training. School is not generally held on these days. |
Standardized Tests
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StandardsStatements of what students should know and be able to demonstrate. Various standards have been developed by national organizations state departments of education districts and schools. |
Student Assistance ProgramA school-based program modeled on employee assistance programs that focuses on addressing students behavior and performance at school and includes a referral process to help students address identified problems. |
Student Study Team(also referred to as Student Success Team) A team of educators that comes together at the request of a classroom teacher, parent, or counselor to design in-class intervention techniques to meet the needs of a particular student. |
Student TeacherA teacher in training who is in the last semester of a teacher education program. Student teachers work with a regular teacher who supervises their practice teaching. |
Systemic ReformArray |
Teaching for UnderstandingA teaching method that focuses on the process of understanding as the goal of learning rather than simply the development of specific skills. It focuses on forming connections and seeing relationships among facts procedures concepts and principles and between prior and new knowledge. |
Team TeachingA teaching method in which two or more teachers teach the same subjects or theme. The teachers may alternate teaching the entire group or divide the group into sections or classes that rotate between the teachers. |
TechnologyIn education a branch of knowledge based on the development and implementation of computers software and other technical tools and the assessment and evaluation of students educational outcomes resulting from their use of technology tools. |
TECSCUTeacher Education Council of State Colleges and Universities |
TenureA system of due process and employment guarantee for teachers. After serving a two-year probationary period, teachers are assured continued employment in the school district unless carefully defined procedures for dismissal or layoff are successfully followed. (Ed Source) |
Thematic UnitsA unit of study that has lessons focused on a specific theme, sometimes covering all core subject areas. It is often used as an alternative approach to teaching history or social studies chronologically. |
Title 1A federal program that provides funds to improve the academic achievement for educationally disadvantaged students who score below the 50th percentile on standardized tests, including the children of migrant workers. (Ed Source) |
TrackingA common instructional practice of organizing student in groups based on their academic skills. Tracking allows a teacher to provide the same level of instruction to the entire group. |
Traditional AssessmentAn assessment in which students select responses from a multiple-choice list a true/false list or a matching list. (Compare to alternative assessment.) |
Traditional CalendarSchool starts in September and ends in June for a total of 180 days of instruction. |
ValidityAn indication that an assessment instrument consistently measures what it is designed to measure excluding extraneous features from such measurement. |
WestEdThe Regional Educational Laboratory serving Arizona California Nevada and Utah. |
Whole LanguageA teaching method that focuses on reading for meaning in context. |
Year-Round EducationA modified school calendar that gives students short breaks throughout the year, instead of a traditional three-month summer break. Year-round calendars vary, sometimes within the same school district. Some schools use the staggered schedule to relieve overcrowding, while others believe the three-month break allows students to forget much of the material covered in the previous year. |
Zone of Proximal DevelopmentA level or range in which a student can perform a task with help. |