EDUCATIONALESE


Here are some terms that we “in the business” use all the time.
  1. ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE INDEX (API)...Each school in the state of California is ranked on their standardized test scores. Schools receive a score ranging from 200-1000, and a ranking from 1-10. Last year Grant received a score of 875 and a “9”, ranking us in the top 20% of the schools in the state of California.

    ACADEMIC CONFERENCE...A team of teachers, usually based on grade levels choose a group of students to focus on and improve their literacy or math skills. The conference allows the team to develop strategies and lessons that have not been tried before in order to give struggling students new opportunities to succeed in writing, literacy or math.

    BALANCED CURRICULUM...Basically, a common-sense approach to teaching that utilizes a number of teaching strategies and materials to help children learn. In language arts this would include; phonics, literature, writing, spelling, grammar & speaking.

    CENTERS...Many teachers create areas of activity where students work independently on a prescribed set of tasks. Students sometimes rotate from one center to another. These activities build independence in the learner.

    CHAT WITH THE PRINCIPAL...Grade level meetings for parents and the principal and assistant principal to discuss pertinent issues, look at the curriculum, and discuss any issue or concern that a parent may want to share with the group.

    CORE LITERATURE...Novels chosen to be read in class by small or whole groups of children. Each grade level has a list of titles that allows teachers to enrich literature in the classroom.

    GATE...The Gifted and Talented Education program (GATE) is offered to all fourth and fifth grade students in the areas of art and law.

    HANDS-ON...A catchall phrase that literally and figuratively means that children are actively involved in learning, using their hands
    and minds to solve problems, collaborate and investigate in any curricular area.

    HOMEWORK...School work and projects that are done outside of school. Many activities are a continuation of concepts and practices that began in the classroom. Parent involvement in homework is recommended in order to guide and monitor children.

    INDEPENDENT STUDY FORM...When you know in advance that your child will be out for five days or more (vacation, personal business), you would fill out the Independent Study Form and return it one week prior to the absence. Your child’s teacher will prepare work for the time your child is out of the classroom. This will allow a student to keep pace and have an excused absence.

    MULTIAGE CLASS...Two grade levels in one class. Curriculum is designed to meet the individual and group needs of the students. Many of the younger group “loop” with the teacher the following year.

    PARENT CONFERENCE...In November, teachers meet with parents to discuss their children. Informal parent conferences occur throughout the year and can be initiated by the parent or teacher.

    PRINCIPLES OF LEARNING...Research-based teaching strategies that focus on Academic Rigor, Clear Expectations, and Accountable Talk.

    QUIET CENTER...Students have the option at lunch recess to work on art projects, play board games, solve puzzles and make paper airplanes. Staffed by playground supervisor and parent volunteers.

    REPORT CARDS...Twice a year, each student receives a report card. The document summarizes the student’s grades in all subject areas. In addition, a child’s behavior and work habits are also evaluated. Teacher comments are included.

    RESOURCE PROGRAM...A special program for children diagnosed with learning disabilities. Students spend from 20 minutes to half a day with the resource teacher.

    SITE-BASED DECISION MAKING...Where all decisions emanate from the school. Typically a governance committee representing teachers, parents, community members and administration create guidelines to fairly decide important school issues.

    STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAY...Each year, the district or individual schools organize staff development days. Teachers and administrators attend workshops, inservices and staff meetings to improve instruction, learn new ideas, and implement instructional practices in the classroom. There are three days a year outside of the school day funded by the state.

    UNITS AND PROJECTS...Exciting themes that incorporate important skills and instruction into one week up to three-month courses of study. Science, math, social studies, reading and art are sometimes integrated to tap all learning modalities of the student. Sometimes these units or projects are referred to as “thematic teaching.”