Glossary of Educational Terms

Glossary of Educatio

Education has its own lexicon, and much of it is a foreign language to parents. Here we present some of the most commonly used education terms, along with the most parent-friendly definitions we could find.
NOTE: Non-sourced definitions are from School Wise Press.
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)
accommodations
Changes in the way tests are designed or administered to respond to the special needs of students with disabilities and English learners (EL).  (Ed Source)
accountability
The 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 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)
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.  In California, the measures include (1) specified percentages of students scoring "proficient" or "advanced" on California Standards Tests in English/language arts and math; (2) participation of a least 95 percent of students on those tests; (3) specified API scores or gains; and (4) for high schools, a specified graduation rate or improvement in the rate. (Ed Source)
adoption
Refers to the chosen curriculum of a particular school.
advanced  (see proficiency)
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.
alignment
The 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 assessments
Ways 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)
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)
assessment
Teacher-made tests, standardized tests, or tests from textbook companies that are used to evaluate student performance.
at-risk student
Students may be labeled at risk if they are not succeeding in school based on information gathered from test scores, attendance, or discipline problems.
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)
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 (see also proficiency)
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)
benchmarks
A detailed description of a specific level of student achievement expected of students at particular ages, grades, or developmental levels; academic goals set for each grade level. (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. (Ed Source)
block scheduling
Instead 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 measure
A 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)
California Achievement Test (CAT/6)
A standardized, nationally normed test of basic skills that replaced the SAT-9 in 2003 as a state-required test for grades two through 11. Results are used to compare the scores of individual students and schools with others in the area, across the state, and throughout the United States. The API is calculated using this exam instead of the SAT-9. (See nationally normed assessment.) (Ed-data)
California Alternate Performance Assessment (CAPA)
This is an alternative assessment for children with disabilities who cannot take part in general statewide assessment programs; it is part of California's Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program.
California Basic Educational Data System (CBEDS)
Statistical information about schools, teachers, and students that is collected from each public school in the fall. (Ed-data)
California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST)
This test measures basic educational skills and must be passed before a person can become a teacher or administrator in California. (Ed Source)
California Content Standards
The official definitions from the state Board of Education of what children need to know and learn at a particular grade level.
California Education Code (Ed Code)
A collection of all the laws directly related to California K-12 public schools. Ed Code sections are created or changed by the governor and legislature when they make laws. (Ed Source)
California English Language Development Test (CELDT)
A test for students whose primary language is not English (as reported by their parents). The test is administered 30 days after initial enrollment and then annually until it is determined that the student has mastered English. At that point the student is classified as Fluent English Proficient (FEP).
California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE)
A state exam that California public high school students, beginning with the class of 2006, must pass in order to graduate. Its purpose is to test whether students have mastered the academic skills necessary to succeed in the adult world. It is a pass-fail exam divided into two sections: English/language arts (reading and writing) and mathematics. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors can take the test. Once students pass a section of the test, they do not have to take that section again. (Ed Source)
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 postsecondary education: two-year community colleges, the four-year CSU system, and the more selective University of California (UC) system. (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)
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)
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)
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 employees
School 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 campus
This 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.
cluster
To place small groups of students together for instruction, especially GATE student.
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)
community-based learning
Students, faculty, administrators, and community members working together to create new learning opportunities within local communities but generally outside traditional learning institutions.
comparable growth
Subgroups 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 management
A 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)
content standards
Standards that describe what students should know and be able to do in core academic subjects at each grade level. (Ed Source)
cooperative learning
A 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 academics
The required subjects in middle and high schools—usually English (literature), history (social studies), math, and science.
criterion-referenced test
A 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)
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
The courses of study offered by a school or district. California has developed a set of standards that are intended to guide curriculum and instruction. The final decisions about school curriculum are the responsibility of the local school board. (Ed Source)
differentiated instruction
This 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 data
The 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)
dropout
A grade seven through twelve student who left school prior to completing the school year and had not returned by Information Day (a day in October when students throughout the state and are counted and enrollment is determined). This does not include students who receive a General Education Development (GED) or California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE) certificate, transfer to another high school or to a college, move out of the United States, are suspended or sick that day, or enrolled late. (Ed Source)
emergency permit
In California, 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)
English as a Second Language
Classes 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 learner
A 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)
enrichment
Additional courses outside those required for graduation.
family math
A University of California at Berkeley program that teaches families how to enjoy doing math together. Parents and children attend workshops or use the Family Math book to learn how to use everyday materials to do fun math activities.
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 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)
Free/reduced-price meals
A federal program that provides food for students from low-income families. (Ed-data)
general fund
Accounting 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)
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)
highly qualified teacher
According 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)
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)
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 education
A 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.
inclusion
The practice of placing students with disabilities in regular classrooms. Also known as mainstreaming. (Ed Source)
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.
Individual Education Program (IEP)
A 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.
instructional minutes
Refers to the amount of time the state requires teachers to spend providing instruction in each subject area.
integrated curriculum
Refers 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.
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)
intervention
The 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 shadowing
A 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 districts
School districts with boundaries that cross county lines. (Ed Source)
language arts
Another term for English curriculum. The focus is on reading, speaking, listening, and writing skills.
magnet school
A 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.
mainstreaming
The practice of placing students with disabilities in regular classrooms; also known as inclusion. (Ed Source)
manipulatives
Three-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.
minimum day
A shortened school day that allows teachers to meet and work together.
modernization
The installation of new plumbing, air conditioning, floors, cabinets, carpeting, etc. on school grounds.
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.
National Blue Ribbon Award
This award honors public and private K–12 schools that are academically superior or that demonstrate dramatic gains in student achievement.
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".
norm-referenced assessment
An assessment in which an individual or group's performance is compared with a larger group. Usually the larger group is representative of a cross-section of all US students. (Ed Source)
Open Court Reading Series
A 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.
parcel tax
In California, an assessment on each parcel of property that must be approved by two-thirds of the votes in a school district. The proceeds are generally used for educational programs, not for construction or renovation, which is normally financed through a general obligation bond measure. (Ed Source)
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 program
A 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 ranks
One way to compare a given child, class, school, or district to a national norm. (Ed Source)
phonics
An 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.
portable
A 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.
portfolio
A 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)
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)
Program Improvement (PI)
A multistep plan to improve the performance of students in schools that did not make adequate yearly progress under No Child Left Behind for two years in a row. Only schools that receive federal Title I funds may be entered in Program Improvement. The steps in PI can include a revised school plan, professional development, tutoring for some students, transfer to another school with free transportation, and, at the end of five years, significant restructuring. (Ed-data)
pull-out programs
Students receive instruction in small groups outside of the classroom.
pupil-teacher ratio
The total student enrollment divided by the number of full-time equivalent teachers. The pupil-teacher ratio is the most common statistic for comparing data across states; it is usually smaller than average class size because some teachers work outside the classroom. (Ed-data)
Regional Occupational Programs (ROP)
State funded programs for job training, jobs-related counseling, and skills upgrades for students ages 16 to 18. Students often take ROP classes in high school to start learning a trade.
resource specialists
Specially credentialed teachers who work with special education students by assisting them in regular classes or pulling them out of class for extra help.
resource teacher
A teacher who instructs children with various learning differences. Most often these teachers use small group and individual instruction. Children are assigned to resource teachers after undergoing testing and receiving an IEP.
rubric
Refers to a grading or scoring system. A rubric is a scoring tool that lists the criteria to be met in a piece of work. A rubric also describes levels of quality for each of the criteria. These levels of performance may be written as different ratings (e.g., Excellent, Good, Needs Improvement) or as numerical scores (e.g., 4, 3, 2, 1).
Safe harbor
An 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 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.
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 (seeSchool Improvement Plan).
scientifically based research
Research that involves the application of rigorous, systemic, and objective procedures to obtain reliable and valid knowledge relevant to educational activities and programs. (Ed Source)
sheltered English
An 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 in California. It authorizes a teacher to teach in a single subject area such as English or a foreign language.
socioeconomically disadvantaged
Students 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 classes
Full-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 education
Special instruction provided for students with educational or physical disabilities, tailored to each student's needs and learning style.
staff development days
Days set aside in the school calendar for teacher training. School is not generally held on these days.
standardized test
A test that is in the same format for all who take it. It often relies on multiple-choice questions and the testing conditions—including instructions, time limits, and scoring rubrics—are the same for all students, though sometimes accommodations on time limits and instructions are made for disabled students. (Ed Source)
Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program
The three tests that are required for grades two through 11.
1. California Standards Tests (CSTs) based on California academic content standards in English/language arts and mathematics in all grades; science in grades five and nine through eleven; and history/social science in grades eight, ten, and eleven.
2. The CAT/6, a standardized national test.
3. SABE/2, a test for Spanish-speaking students who have been in a California school for a year or less. (Ed-data)
standards-referenced tests
Also known as standards-based assessments.
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 teacher
A 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.
Team teaching
A 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.
tenure
A 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 units
A 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 1
A 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)
tracking
A 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 calendar
School starts in September and ends in June for a total of 180 days of instruction.
whole language
A teaching method that focuses on reading for meaning in context.
Williams v. California
A lawsuit filed in 2000 that argued that the state has a constitutional duty to ensure basic educational equality and contended that California has failed in that duty by not providing thousands of students in public schools with "bare minimum necessities," defined as textbooks, trained teachers, and safe, clean, uncrowded facilities. The lawsuit further argued that low-income students and students of color are the most likely to bear the burden of inadequate resources. (Ed Source)
year-round education
A 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.