Welcome to Go-2-College´s glossary of education terms. We offer you general definitions of terms used throughout our site as well as education terminology that will help you understand the types of degrees and programs we offer.
A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - K - L - M - N - O - P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - X - Y - Z
A
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)
Achievement test
A test to measure a student's knowledge and skills. (Ed Source)
ACT
A set of college admissions tests. Most colleges now accept either the SAT or the ACT for admissions purposes. (Ed Source)
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)
Assessment
Teacher-made tests, standardized tests, or tests from textbook companies that are used to evaluate student performance.
Associate degree
An award that requires completion of an organized program of study of at least 2 but less than 4 years of full-time academic study or more than 60, but less than 120 semester credit hours.
Average class size
The 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)
TOP
B
Bachelor degree
An award that requires completion of an organized program of study of at least 4 but not more than 5 years of full-time academic study with at least 120, but less than 150 semester credit hours.
Basic aid
The minimum general-purpose aid that is guaranteed by the state's Constitution for each school district in California. 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)
Bilingual education
An 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.
TOP
C
California Standards Tests (CST)
Tests in English/language arts, mathematics, science, history/social science, and other topics comprising items that were developed specifically to assess students' performance on California's content standards. The CST is part of the STAR testing program. Students at different grade levels take different tests, depending on the courses they are taking.
California State University (CSU) system
A four-year state university system. California operates three separate public systems for post secondary education: two-year community colleges, the four-year CSU system, and the more selective University of California (UC) system. (Ed Source)
Certificate/credential
A state-issued license certifying that the teacher has completed the necessary basic training courses and passed the teacher exam.
Charter schools
Publicly 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)
Community college
A 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)
TOP
D
Distance learning
Using 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.
Doctor's degree
The highest award a student can earn for graduate study. The Doctor's degree classification includes such degrees as Doctor of Education, Doctor of Juridical Science, Doctor of Public Health, and the Doctor of Philosophy in any field.
TOP
E
English as a Second Language
Classes or support programs for students whose native language is not English.
TOP
F
First-Professional certificate
An award that requires completion of an organized program of academic study of 24 semester credit hours beyond the master's degree but does not meet the requirements of academic degrees at the doctor's level.
First-Professional degree
An award that requires completion of an organized program of study that meets all of the following criteria: (1) completion of the academic requirements to begin practice in the profession; (2) at least 2 years of college work prior to entering the program; and (3) a total of at least 6 academic years of college work to complete the degree program, including prior required college work plus the length of the professional program itself.
ForenPsyD - Forensic Psychology Practice Doctorate
Formative assessment
Any 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)
TOP
G
Governor's Performance Awards
A competitive program that grants awards to public schools in California that meet or exceed their Academic Performance Index performance growth target each year. The financial awards were discontinued in 2002–2003 due to lack of state funding. (Ed Source)
TOP
I
Independent study
Specially designed instruction in courses taught through a variety of delivery methods that complement traditional high school curricula and provide an accredited diploma.
Interdisciplinary curriculum
A curriculum that consciously applies the methodology and language from more than one discipline to examine a central theme, issue, problem, topic, or experience.
Internet
A worldwide "network of networks" that allows participants in different electronic networks to share information, transfer files, access news, and communicate through electronic mail.
TOP
L
Language arts
Another term for English curriculum. The focus is on reading, speaking, listening, and writing skills.
TOP
M
Master's degree
An award that requires completion of an organized program of study of at least one full-time but not more than 2 academic years of work beyond the bachelor's degree, consisting of at least 30, but less than 60 semester credit hours.
Multiple-subject credential
A credential required to teach in elementary and middle-school classrooms. It qualifies a teacher to teach multiple subjects in a self-contained class.
TOP
N
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 under performing schools, and requires states to train all teachers and assistants to be "highly qualified".
New Route PhD initiative - a major development involving over 30 leading UK universities and supported by the UK government, and others. The program leads to a full PhD thesis, and is designed to enhance subject knowledge and develop a range of subject-specific and important generic research skills.
TOP
P
Post baccalaureate certificate
An award that requires completion of an organized program of study requiring 18 semester credit hours beyond the bachelor's and is designed for persons who have completed a baccalaureate degree, but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of "master".
Post-Master's certificate
An award that requires completion of an organized program of academic study of 24 semester credit hours beyond the master's degree but does not meet the requirements of academic degrees at the doctor's level. First-Professional Degree. An award that requires completion of an organized program of study that meets all of the following criteria: (1) completion of the academic requirements to begin practice in the profession; (2) at least 2 years of college work prior to entering the program; and (3) a total of at least 6 academic years of college work to complete the degree program, including prior required college work plus the length of the professional program itself.¹ Advanced Certificates: New definitions of post-baccalaureate and postmaster's certificates and First Professional Certificate (Post-Degree) better define this old category. Level 6 Eliminate First-Professional Certificate (Post-Degree). An award that requires completion of an organized program of study designed for persons who have completed the first professional degree. Doctor's Degree.The highest award a student can earn for graduate study. The Doctor's degree classification includes such degrees as Doctor of Education, Doctor of Juridical Science, Doctor of Public Health, and the Doctor of Philosophy in any field.
Primary language
A student's first language or the language spoken at home.
Professional development
Programs that allow teachers or administrators to acquire the knowledge and skills they need to perform their jobs successfully. (Ed Source)
Proficiency
Mastery or ability to do something at grade level. California students receive scores on the California Standards Tests (CST) that range from "far below basic" to "advanced." The state goal is for all students to score at "proficient" or "advanced." (Ed Source)
PsychD - Psycho therapeutic and Counseling Psychology
TOP
S
SAT (Standardized Achievement Test)
Also 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 II
This 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.
Single-subject credential
A credential required to teach middle or high school in California. It authorizes a teacher to teach in a single subject area such as English or a foreign language.
Special education
Special instruction provided for students with educational or physical disabilities, tailored to each student's needs and learning style.
Standardized tests
Assessments that are administered and scored in exactly the same way for all students. Traditional standardized tests are typically mass-produced and machine-scored; they are designed to measure skills and knowledge that are thought to be taught to all students in a fairly standardized way. Performance assessments also can be standardized if they are administered and scored in the same way for all students.
Student assistance program
A 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.
TOP
T
Technology
In 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.
TOP
U
Undergraduate Less-than-1-year certificate
Undergraduate Certificate (less than 1 years) Requires completion of an organized program of study at the post secondary level (below the baccalaureate degree) in less than 1 academic year (2 semesters or 3 quarters) or in less than 900 contact hours by a student enrolled full time.
Undergraduate Less-than-2-year certificate
Undergraduate Certificate (1-2 years) A post secondary award, certificate or diploma, that requires completion of an organized program of study of at least one but less than two full-time equivalent academic years, or designed for completion in at least 30 but less than 60 semester credit hours, or in at least 900 but less than 1,800 contact hours.
Undergraduate Less-than-4-year certificate
Undergraduate Certificate (2-4 years) A post secondary award, certificate or diploma, that requires completion of an organized program of study of at least two but less than four full-time academic years, or designed for completion in at least 60 but less than 120 semester credit hours, or in at least 1,800 but less than 3,600 contact hours.
TOP
Go-2-College | Glossary of education terms < You are here
