PPR PPR VocabularyVocabulary

Terms Terms are for are for

EC-4, 4-8 and 8-12EC-4, 4-8 and 8-12

Abstract conceptsAbstract concepts

Cognitive thought that is a part or Cognitive thought that is a part or remote from any concrete reality or remote from any concrete reality or particular material objectparticular material object

Ability groupsAbility groups

A grouping in which all children in a small A grouping in which all children in a small group are roughly the same in academic group are roughly the same in academic level. Unfortunately, this type of level. Unfortunately, this type of placement results in ethnic tracking placement results in ethnic tracking

Academic Learning Academic Learning TimeTime

The amount of time of a student is The amount of time of a student is actively engaged in leaning actively engaged in leaning academically relevant materialsacademically relevant materials

AccelerationAcceleration

The goal of receiving the required The goal of receiving the required curriculum but at an increased levelcurriculum but at an increased level

AccommodationAccommodation

Changes or modifications in the way Changes or modifications in the way students receive instruction to enable students receive instruction to enable them to improve their learning or an them to improve their learning or an experience experience

Active listeningActive listening

Focusing attentively on what a Focusing attentively on what a student is sayingstudent is saying

Abstract conceptsAbstract concepts

Non-observable concepts that are Non-observable concepts that are acquired only through the senses acquired only through the senses because they do not possess physical because they do not possess physical qualitiesqualities

Academic learning time Academic learning time (ALT)(ALT)

The time when children are actually The time when children are actually understanding and succeeding at understanding and succeeding at the learning task.the learning task.

acculturationacculturation

The successful application of new knowledge The successful application of new knowledge form another culture while retaining one’s form another culture while retaining one’s own native culture and language. own native culture and language.

Achievement testAchievement test

The process of measuring mastery The process of measuring mastery of a given subject or specific skillof a given subject or specific skill

AccountabilityAccountability

Holding schools and teachers Holding schools and teachers responsible for student performanceresponsible for student performance

ADDADD

Attention deficit disorder Attention deficit disorder

affective domainaffective domainBehavior that reflects interests, Behavior that reflects interests, attitudes, opinions, values and emotionsattitudes, opinions, values and emotions

Age-equivalent Age-equivalent scoresscores

Based on developmental norms. Based on developmental norms.

allocated timeallocated time

Specified amount of time for Specified amount of time for learning and other school eventslearning and other school events

alignmentalignment

Lining up of standards and curriculum to meet Lining up of standards and curriculum to meet the needs of students, schools, school the needs of students, schools, school districts and state goals. May be horizontal or districts and state goals. May be horizontal or vertical i.e. math 3vertical i.e. math 3rdrd grade is aware of what is grade is aware of what is being done in 2being done in 2ndnd and 4 and 4thth. .

Acceptable use policyAcceptable use policy

A statement of expectations for how students and A statement of expectations for how students and faculty will use school resources, procedures they faculty will use school resources, procedures they are expected to follow, and consequences when are expected to follow, and consequences when expectations and procedures are violated. expectations and procedures are violated. Commonly associated with the use of computers Commonly associated with the use of computers and internet resources. and internet resources.

Advocate for Advocate for children or children or studentsstudentsA person (usually a professional) who works A person (usually a professional) who works

with the family, the student, and school to with the family, the student, and school to ensure that each student receives the ensure that each student receives the appropriate education necessary to optimize appropriate education necessary to optimize his her opportunity to achieve to the highest his her opportunity to achieve to the highest level of his/her potential level of his/her potential

analysisanalysis

The process of separating parts and The process of separating parts and then learning the relationship of then learning the relationship of these parts these parts

analyzeanalyze

Look at objects, concepts, students, Look at objects, concepts, students, etc. in detail with the effort to etc. in detail with the effort to determine if a relationship exists determine if a relationship exists

Appropriate Appropriate instructioninstruction

Instruction that is considered to be Instruction that is considered to be the best choice for a student at a the best choice for a student at a given time and in a given situationgiven time and in a given situation

Age appropriateAge appropriate

Material or instruction that has been Material or instruction that has been determined suitable for a student's determined suitable for a student's state of developmentstate of development

Aide/Aide/paraprofessionalparaprofessional

Someone who provides assistance Someone who provides assistance in the classroom. in the classroom.

analogyanalogy

A comparison wherein one describes A comparison wherein one describes similarities between the ideas that are similarities between the ideas that are generally considered dissimilar. generally considered dissimilar.

Assertive disciplineAssertive discipline(Lee Cantor)(Lee Cantor)

A classroom management techniques that A classroom management techniques that was/is utilized in schools. It makes clear was/is utilized in schools. It makes clear statements of expectations and required statements of expectations and required behavior without employing hostile or behavior without employing hostile or argumentative action on the part of the argumentative action on the part of the teacher. teacher.

Aptitude testAptitude test

Test to determine how a person might Test to determine how a person might perform in a certain area or activityperform in a certain area or activity

Alternative assessmentAlternative assessment

A type of instruction and measurement A type of instruction and measurement that differs from the usual standard or that differs from the usual standard or paper and pencil test. Evaluation is in the paper and pencil test. Evaluation is in the form of presentations, portfolios and form of presentations, portfolios and projects. projects.

assessmentassessment

The process of measuring or gathering The process of measuring or gathering data to discover what students know and data to discover what students know and are learning. The main purpose for are learning. The main purpose for assessment should be to plan assessment should be to plan appropriate instructionappropriate instruction

Attribution theoryAttribution theory

A description of how beliefs about the A description of how beliefs about the causes of people’s successes and/or causes of people’s successes and/or failures influence their motivationfailures influence their motivation

auditory learnerauditory learner

A student who learns best by receiving A student who learns best by receiving information through listening to information through listening to information received rather than information received rather than through visual means. through visual means.

assimilation assimilation

A cognitive process in which new A cognitive process in which new information is integrated into an already information is integrated into an already existing schemaexisting schema

adaptationadaptation

The adjustment of existing The adjustment of existing knowledge structure through either knowledge structure through either of the two processes of assimilation of the two processes of assimilation or accommodationor accommodation

Assisted learningAssisted learning

The process a teacher might use The process a teacher might use when providing scaffolding within a when providing scaffolding within a student’s zone of proximal student’s zone of proximal developmentdevelopment

Auditory learnerAuditory learner

One who learns best by listening One who learns best by listening rather than seeing or touching. rather than seeing or touching.

Behavioral Behavioral approachapproach

An approach to motivation that An approach to motivation that emphasizes the desire to make emphasizes the desire to make sense of the world. sense of the world.

behavior behavior modificationmodification

A process that is employed to alter A process that is employed to alter or change existing behavior by or change existing behavior by reinforcing desired behavior and reinforcing desired behavior and ending undesirable behavior ending undesirable behavior

Benchmark testsBenchmark tests

Tests used to determine if a student has Tests used to determine if a student has met a specifically described task. met a specifically described task.

bilingualbilingual

Being able to speak two languages Being able to speak two languages with the facility of a native speakerwith the facility of a native speaker

Biracial/multiracialBiracial/multiracial

People whose ancestors are from People whose ancestors are from two or more different racial groups. two or more different racial groups.

Bloom’s TaxonomyBloom’s Taxonomya Hierarchy of six levels of a Hierarchy of six levels of

ThinkingThinking KnowledgeKnowledge

Memorizing factsMemorizing facts

ComprehensionComprehension understandingunderstanding

ApplicationApplication Apply conceptsApply concepts

AnalysisAnalysis Breaking down the complexBreaking down the complex

SynthesisSynthesis Putting together complex ideasPutting together complex ideas

EvaluationEvaluation Judging or forming an opinionJudging or forming an opinion

Cause-effect relationshipCause-effect relationship

Pattern showing the relationship Pattern showing the relationship between where one event happened between where one event happened as a result of another eventas a result of another event

cognitioncognition

Process of thinking and reasoningProcess of thinking and reasoning

Cognitive developmentCognitive development

Changes in mental processesChanges in mental processes

Chronological ageChronological age

Age of a person in years and Age of a person in years and monthsmonths

ChunkingChunking

Grouping bits of information into one Grouping bits of information into one unit of information to allow more unit of information to allow more items to be included in memory.items to be included in memory.

Classroom ClimateClassroom Climate(positive)(positive)

An atmosphere in a classroom An atmosphere in a classroom where students are comfortable and where students are comfortable and able to learn. able to learn.

Classroom Classroom managementmanagement

A systematic approach to organizing a A systematic approach to organizing a classroom so lessons can be delivered classroom so lessons can be delivered effectively and misbehaviors are redirected effectively and misbehaviors are redirected or prevented or prevented

closureclosure

A part of the lesson cycle in which the material A part of the lesson cycle in which the material covered, objectives of the lesson are restated covered, objectives of the lesson are restated thus bringing an appropriate conclusion to the thus bringing an appropriate conclusion to the lesson presented either by the teacher or is lesson presented either by the teacher or is teacher directed. teacher directed.

Code of Ethics Code of Ethics and and

Standard PracticesStandard Practices

Standards of practice and ethical conduct Standards of practice and ethical conduct toward students, professional colleagues school toward students, professional colleagues school officials, parents, members to which the Texas officials, parents, members to which the Texas educator will adhere in order to safeguard educator will adhere in order to safeguard academic freedom. academic freedom.

Commissioner of EducationCommissioner of Education

The chief educational officer in the state The chief educational officer in the state of Texas. Is appointed by governor and of Texas. Is appointed by governor and has administrative responsibility for the has administrative responsibility for the Texas Education agency and for over Texas Education agency and for over seeing the implementation of legislation seeing the implementation of legislation into school and district operations. into school and district operations.

Competency testCompetency test

A form of measurement that tests the A form of measurement that tests the basic skills students should to be able to basic skills students should to be able to acquire o master for the district or state. acquire o master for the district or state.

Computer assisted Computer assisted instructioninstructionSoftware that provides assistance Software that provides assistance with instruction occurring in the with instruction occurring in the classroom classroom

ConceptConcept

A mental structure that categorizes A mental structure that categorizes similar ideas, objects, events, similar ideas, objects, events, people, or experiences. people, or experiences.

conferencesconferences

Interactions that take place to discuss Interactions that take place to discuss assignments, events, creations or progress in assignments, events, creations or progress in any academic area; may be teacher-student any academic area; may be teacher-student conferences or peer-peer conferences in conferences or peer-peer conferences in addition to teacher-caregiver conferences. addition to teacher-caregiver conferences.

conservationconservation

The ability for students in the pre-The ability for students in the pre-operational stage of development in operational stage of development in mentally reverse an operating or to mentally reverse an operating or to realize that an object is the same under realize that an object is the same under changing perceptual conditions. changing perceptual conditions.

Concrete operational Concrete operational stagestage

The third of Piaget’s stages, covering The third of Piaget’s stages, covering ages 7-11; characterized by the ability to ages 7-11; characterized by the ability to consider more than one aspect of an consider more than one aspect of an object or problems, conserve and object or problems, conserve and classify and demonstrate the concept of classify and demonstrate the concept of seriation (placing items in a series. seriation (placing items in a series.

Conventional moral Conventional moral reasoningreasoning

The focus on graining approval of The focus on graining approval of others as a result of a particular others as a result of a particular course of actioncourse of action

contiguitycontiguity

The simple pairing of two behaviors The simple pairing of two behaviors enough times that a person continues to enough times that a person continues to pair the two even when only one is pair the two even when only one is presented. presented.

Convergent questionConvergent question

A question for which here is one A question for which here is one (only) correct answer(only) correct answer

Corporal punishmentCorporal punishment

Spanking or striking … it is not allow in Spanking or striking … it is not allow in public schools now.public schools now.

Criterion-Criterion-referenced testsreferenced tests

A formal test composing a students’ test A formal test composing a students’ test score to a of skills (criteria). The TAKS score to a of skills (criteria). The TAKS and the TExES are examples of criterion and the TExES are examples of criterion referenced tests.referenced tests.

CultureCulture

A way of life; the habits, values and A way of life; the habits, values and attitudes of a group of peopleattitudes of a group of people

Cultural Cultural deprivationdeprivation

Assumes that students have not culture Assumes that students have not culture and that is why they do poorly in school. and that is why they do poorly in school. Every student has a culture it just may be Every student has a culture it just may be different for the teacher’s culture different for the teacher’s culture

Culturally-biased Culturally-biased testtest

Tests that, in their construction, Tests that, in their construction, reflect the basic knowledge and reflect the basic knowledge and interpretation of a particular cultural interpretation of a particular cultural or sub-cultural group. or sub-cultural group.

Culturally relevant Culturally relevant teaching teaching

A theory that underscores teaching A theory that underscores teaching practices grounded in the understanding practices grounded in the understanding of culture and experiences that shape of culture and experiences that shape students’ ways of knowing the world. students’ ways of knowing the world.

Cooperative learningCooperative learning

Instruction that is structured for Instruction that is structured for partners or small groups to work partners or small groups to work together. together.

Deficiency needsDeficiency needs

The four lower-levels needs of the The four lower-levels needs of the Maslow’s hierarchy (survival, safety, Maslow’s hierarchy (survival, safety, belonging and self-esteem. belonging and self-esteem.

DevelopmentDevelopment

Systematic and lasting changes that Systematic and lasting changes that take place over the course of the take place over the course of the human life spanhuman life span

developmentally developmentally appropriate appropriate

Instruction in a way that considers the Instruction in a way that considers the stage of the child and the capabilities in stage of the child and the capabilities in the developmental stage, providing the developmental stage, providing learning experiences that lead to optimal learning experiences that lead to optimal developmentdevelopment

disequilibriumdisequilibrium

Occurs when dissonance after Occurs when dissonance after interaction with the environment is not interaction with the environment is not consistent with our prior representation consistent with our prior representation of events or objects.of events or objects.

Differentiated Differentiated instructioninstruction

Instruction that is changed to meet Instruction that is changed to meet the needs of students by accepting the needs of students by accepting assignments or tasks in varied assignments or tasks in varied means. means.

Differently-abledDifferently-abled

A term used to describe exceptional students A term used to describe exceptional students who accomplish tasks in ways different from who accomplish tasks in ways different from those of most other studentsthose of most other students

Direct instructionDirect instruction

A teacher-centered instruction that is A teacher-centered instruction that is based around a structured form of based around a structured form of delivery and completion of tasks. delivery and completion of tasks.

Discovery LearningDiscovery Learning

An instructional approach based on An instructional approach based on Bruner’s constructivist theory. The Bruner’s constructivist theory. The method allows the learner discover the method allows the learner discover the information by themselves information by themselves

Divergent questionDivergent question

A question for which there are many A question for which there are many possible answerspossible answers

domaindomain

An umbrella term that describes an An umbrella term that describes an area of the curriculum such as a area of the curriculum such as a math skillmath skill

dyscalculiadyscalculia

A learning disability in the area of A learning disability in the area of mathematicsmathematics

dysgraphiadysgraphia

A learning disability in the area of written A learning disability in the area of written language, which affects the ability to language, which affects the ability to formulate written letters or numbers formulate written letters or numbers and/or the ability to formulate a thought and/or the ability to formulate a thought and express it in writing. and express it in writing.

dyslexiadyslexia

A learning disability in reading that affects A learning disability in reading that affects the ability or recognize and comprehend the ability or recognize and comprehend written words as a result of written words as a result of developmental language impairment. developmental language impairment.

EgocentricEgocentric

One who believes that everyone One who believes that everyone sees the world as he or she does. sees the world as he or she does.

EgocentrismEgocentrism

The inability to take the perspective The inability to take the perspective of others of others

enrichmentenrichment

The provision of richer, more varied The provision of richer, more varied content through strategies that content through strategies that supplement the standard curriculum supplement the standard curriculum

equilibrationequilibration

The constant search for a balance The constant search for a balance between what we already know and a between what we already know and a new activity, skill or social experiencenew activity, skill or social experience

Erik EricksonErik Erickson

A theorist who believes that society, A theorist who believes that society, history and culture affect the personality history and culture affect the personality development of a person. He is best development of a person. He is best know for this concept of the identify crisis. know for this concept of the identify crisis.

equilibriumequilibrium

A mental balance between one’s A mental balance between one’s cognitive schemes and information cognitive schemes and information from the environmentfrom the environment

Extrinsic Extrinsic motivationmotivation

Motivation that is created by events Motivation that is created by events or rewards outside of the individual or rewards outside of the individual

ExtensionExtension

A component in the lesson cycle that A component in the lesson cycle that emphasizes the enlargement or expansion of emphasizes the enlargement or expansion of the original learning objectives. the original learning objectives.

evaluationevaluation

Typically refers to all means used in schools Typically refers to all means used in schools to formally measure student performance or to formally measure student performance or behavior and to make judgments based on behavior and to make judgments based on the results of the programs or procedures the results of the programs or procedures being implemented. being implemented.

Factual questionFactual question

Questions which require students to Questions which require students to recall information through recognition or recall information through recognition or rote memoryrote memory

Fair use doctrineFair use doctrine

A component of federal law related op A component of federal law related op copyrights. It allows specified copying copyrights. It allows specified copying privileges of copyrighted work for teaching privileges of copyrighted work for teaching purposes. purposes.

Family diversityFamily diversity

Diversity of cultural background, differences in Diversity of cultural background, differences in family characteristics and structure, and family characteristics and structure, and circumstances or situational differences, circumstances or situational differences, resulting in diverse languages, economics resulting in diverse languages, economics situations, customs, attitudes behaviors and situations, customs, attitudes behaviors and values. values.

Family involvementFamily involvement

Encompasses all interactions Encompasses all interactions between school and home that between school and home that support student achievement. support student achievement.

FeedbackFeedback

The response given after a n action has taken The response given after a n action has taken place, in the context of the classroom there is place, in the context of the classroom there is a student teacher feedback. a student teacher feedback.

Flexible groupingFlexible grouping

Student grouping based on a student’s Student grouping based on a student’s need for review, re-teaching, practice or need for review, re-teaching, practice or enrichmentenrichment

focusfocus

Is an event that a teacher plans so as to Is an event that a teacher plans so as to ‘entice’ students into the lesson in some ‘entice’ students into the lesson in some manner. (might be called the anticipatory manner. (might be called the anticipatory set) set)

Formal assessmentFormal assessment

The use of standardized test instruments The use of standardized test instruments to gather information regarding a to gather information regarding a student's performance in an area of student's performance in an area of educational performance. educational performance.

Formal operational Formal operational stagestage

The last of Piaget’s stages, covering The last of Piaget’s stages, covering ages 11 to adult; characterized by the ages 11 to adult; characterized by the ability to deal with abstract concepts.ability to deal with abstract concepts.

Formative AssessmentFormative Assessment

Assessment that occurs before a during Assessment that occurs before a during the learning process in order to guide the the learning process in order to guide the content and pace of the lessons. content and pace of the lessons.

Free and appropriate Free and appropriate public education public education

(FAPE)(FAPE)

The provision of IDEA that The provision of IDEA that guarantees special education and guarantees special education and related services to children with related services to children with disabilities at public cost. disabilities at public cost.

Gender BiasGender Bias

Favoring one gender over the otherFavoring one gender over the other

GiftedGifted

A designation applied to students A designation applied to students who are exceptionally creative, who are exceptionally creative, intelligent, and/or talented. intelligent, and/or talented.

goalgoal

Generally thought of as broad idea of Generally thought of as broad idea of what the teacher (and other what the teacher (and other involved/interested in education) want the involved/interested in education) want the children to learn. children to learn.

Grade-equivalent Grade-equivalent scoresscores

Based on developmental norms, Based on developmental norms, reporting such scores assumes that all reporting such scores assumes that all children or all children in certain grades children or all children in certain grades have received uniform instruction. have received uniform instruction.

Guided PracticeGuided Practice

A step in the lesson cycle here the A step in the lesson cycle here the student practices the leaning under student practices the leaning under direct teacher guidance. direct teacher guidance.

Hands on Hands on

Term applied to lessons which encourage Term applied to lessons which encourage students to be actively involved in students to be actively involved in learning by physically interacting with the learning by physically interacting with the teaching materials and/or manipulatives. teaching materials and/or manipulatives.

HeterogeneousHeterogeneous

Classroom grouping which integrated Classroom grouping which integrated students who have a variety of grouping students who have a variety of grouping learning styles and/or abilities learning styles and/or abilities

Hidden curriculumHidden curriculum

What students learn that the teachers What students learn that the teachers doesn’t teach explicitly. doesn’t teach explicitly.

Humanistic Humanistic approachapproach

An approach to motivation that An approach to motivation that emphasizes a person’s desire to emphasizes a person’s desire to improve him- or herselfimprove him- or herself

hypothesishypothesis

a possible explanation for an observation a possible explanation for an observation phenomenon or scientific problems that phenomenon or scientific problems that can be tested by further investigation. can be tested by further investigation.

HomogeneousHomogeneous

Classroom grouping which places Classroom grouping which places students of similar intellect, traits and students of similar intellect, traits and grouping abilities for learning. grouping abilities for learning.

imageryimagery

The use of vivid or figurative The use of vivid or figurative language to represent objects, language to represent objects, actions or ideas. actions or ideas.

Information Information processingprocessing

A cognitive view of learning that likens the A cognitive view of learning that likens the mind to a computer with a place for data mind to a computer with a place for data input, storage, and retrieval for future input, storage, and retrieval for future use. use.

InclusionInclusion

Including students with disabilities in Including students with disabilities in the regular general education the regular general education classroom classroom

Independent Independent practicepractice

A step in the lesson cycle that allow A step in the lesson cycle that allow the student to practice the leaning the student to practice the leaning independent of any outside independent of any outside assistance. assistance.

Indirect teachingIndirect teaching

Learning that occurs incidentally Learning that occurs incidentally from the planned objective of a from the planned objective of a lessonlesson

Informal assessmentInformal assessment

Spontaneously unstructured test that Spontaneously unstructured test that occur during instruction to determine the occur during instruction to determine the student’s level of understanding and student’s level of understanding and performance performance

inquiryinquiry

An inductive teaching method that engages An inductive teaching method that engages students in investigation and explanation of students in investigation and explanation of situations and is designed to promote situations and is designed to promote problem-solving through critical thinking.problem-solving through critical thinking.

Inquiry learningInquiry learning

Learning based on student-designed Learning based on student-designed processes to solve a problem; processes to solve a problem; requires higher-level thinking skillsrequires higher-level thinking skills

In-service trainingIn-service training

Professional development Professional development opportunities offered for practicing opportunities offered for practicing teachersteachers

Instructional groupingInstructional grouping

The division of students into small The division of students into small groups for the purpose of teaching groups for the purpose of teaching certain conceptscertain concepts

Intelligence quotientIntelligence quotient

The measure of a person’s intelligence as The measure of a person’s intelligence as indicated by an intelligence test; the ratio indicated by an intelligence test; the ratio of a person’s mental age to his or her of a person’s mental age to his or her chronological age (multiplied by 100)chronological age (multiplied by 100)

Interdisciplinary Interdisciplinary instructioninstruction

Teaching information through themes Teaching information through themes that incorporate several subject areasthat incorporate several subject areas

Intrinsic motivationIntrinsic motivation

Motivation derived from activities Motivation derived from activities that are rewarding within themselvesthat are rewarding within themselves

jigsawjigsaw

A cooperative group strategy that A cooperative group strategy that requires each member to become an requires each member to become an expert on one part of the whole lesson expert on one part of the whole lesson and teach it to the other students and teach it to the other students

kinesthetickinesthetic

A learning style that emphasizes the A learning style that emphasizes the student's need to move in order to student's need to move in order to learnlearn

labelinglabeling

The use of a special education The use of a special education category to allow a student to access category to allow a student to access special educational services special educational services

Learned Learned helplessnesshelplessness

The expectation, based on previous The expectation, based on previous experiences, that all efforts to succeed experiences, that all efforts to succeed will fail. will fail.

Learning goalsLearning goals

Goals based on improving abilities and Goals based on improving abilities and learning with the focus on mastery rather learning with the focus on mastery rather than the time it may take—also called than the time it may take—also called mastery goals. mastery goals.

Leading questionsLeading questions

A nonobjective question in which the opinion A nonobjective question in which the opinion of the one asking the question can be of the one asking the question can be inferred from the way in which he question is inferred from the way in which he question is asked. asked.

Learner-centered Learner-centered instructioninstruction

An approach to teaching that focuses on An approach to teaching that focuses on individual learners and promotes inquiry, individual learners and promotes inquiry, higher-order thinking, problem solving, higher-order thinking, problem solving, high levels of literacy and engagementhigh levels of literacy and engagement

Learning disabilityLearning disability

A general term referring to a heterogeneous A general term referring to a heterogeneous group of disorders manifested by significant group of disorders manifested by significant difficulties I the acquisition and use of listening, difficulties I the acquisition and use of listening, speaking , reading, writing, reasoning, or speaking , reading, writing, reasoning, or mathematical skills. These disorders are intrinsic mathematical skills. These disorders are intrinsic to the individual, presumed to be due to central to the individual, presumed to be due to central nervous system dysfunction and may occur nervous system dysfunction and may occur across the lifespan. across the lifespan.

Learning logLearning log

a written response t literature but a written response t literature but may be used to respond to other may be used to respond to other texts texts

Learning stylesLearning styles

Orientations for approaching Orientations for approaching learning based on the manner of learning based on the manner of processing new informationprocessing new information

Least restrictive Least restrictive environmentenvironment

Required by IDEA for students with Required by IDEA for students with disabilities to be placed in a setting that disabilities to be placed in a setting that enables him or her to function to the enables him or her to function to the fullest capability. fullest capability.

Limited English Limited English Proficiency Proficiency

The limited use of the English The limited use of the English languagelanguage

Long term memoryLong term memory

A place where information is A place where information is permanently stored in the mindpermanently stored in the mind

Local school boardLocal school board

The community elected board that oversees The community elected board that oversees the operation of schools in the local school the operation of schools in the local school district The board has a number of specific district The board has a number of specific responsibility set out in law related to policy responsibility set out in law related to policy adoption and budgetary areas. adoption and budgetary areas.

mainstreamingmainstreaming

Placing special needs students in Placing special needs students in the regular classroomsthe regular classrooms

maturationmaturation

Internally determined changeInternally determined change

Mental retardation Mental retardation (MR)(MR)

Students who have intelligence skills that are Students who have intelligence skills that are below average (IQ below 70) Most MR below average (IQ below 70) Most MR students are born with below average students are born with below average intelligence and may have poor social skills intelligence and may have poor social skills also. also.

MentorsMentors

Beginning teachers are usually assigned Beginning teachers are usually assigned an experienced teacher who is there to an experienced teacher who is there to provide assistance and guidance for the provide assistance and guidance for the first few years of teachingfirst few years of teaching

MetacognitionMetacognitionThe ability to think about one’s own The ability to think about one’s own thinking and to control the thinkingthinking and to control the thinking

Metacognitive Metacognitive AbilityAbility

The ability to think about one’s own The ability to think about one’s own cognitive thinking processes and to use cognitive thinking processes and to use these processes to facilitate learningthese processes to facilitate learning

ModalitiesModalities

Refers to the perference in learning of a Refers to the perference in learning of a particular sensory input such as visual, particular sensory input such as visual, auditory, tactile (touching) and kinesthetic auditory, tactile (touching) and kinesthetic (movement). (movement).

ModelingModeling

The process of showing o demonstrating The process of showing o demonstrating how to do a task or verbalizing how one how to do a task or verbalizing how one does a mental tasks. does a mental tasks.

MultimediaMultimedia

Software, such as presentation Software, such as presentation software that combines texts, software that combines texts, pictures, music, video, graphics and pictures, music, video, graphics and animation.animation.

MinorityMinority

Term typically referred to as any Term typically referred to as any ethnic group. ethnic group.

Negative Negative reinforcementreinforcement

The removal of something The removal of something undesirable in order to increase a undesirable in order to increase a behaviorbehavior

Non-routine Non-routine problem solvingproblem solving

Solving a problem for which there is Solving a problem for which there is not an easily identifiable solution not an easily identifiable solution available. available.

Non-verbal Non-verbal messagemessage

A communication expressed with A communication expressed with body language, gestures, tone of body language, gestures, tone of voice, expression, etc. voice, expression, etc.

Non-verbal cues Non-verbal cues communicationcommunication

Norm-referenced Norm-referenced testtest

objectiveobjective

What the student will be able to do What the student will be able to do or know at the end of the lesson. or know at the end of the lesson. Must be measurableMust be measurable

observationobservation

The careful watching and recording The careful watching and recording of events or behavior for later of events or behavior for later reflection and analysis reflection and analysis

Observation dataObservation data

Data collected by the teacher through Data collected by the teacher through careful watching and charting of specific careful watching and charting of specific student behavior. student behavior.

Observable behaviorObservable behavior

Behaviors for objectives must be able o Behaviors for objectives must be able o be seen or heard so that teachers can be seen or heard so that teachers can measure or assess how well an objective measure or assess how well an objective and/or task has been accomplished. and/or task has been accomplished.

Organizational Organizational skillsskills

One factor in learning that involves One factor in learning that involves categorizing and repetition by categorizing and repetition by childrenchildren

Overlapping Overlapping oror

multi-taskingmulti-tasking

Doing more than one thing at a time. Doing more than one thing at a time. i.e. the teacher who is teaching one i.e. the teacher who is teaching one group but making eye contact with group but making eye contact with other students who are off task. other students who are off task.

Over learningOver learning

Practicing or learning a skill beyond Practicing or learning a skill beyond mastery so that the material will mastery so that the material will remain in memory longer. remain in memory longer.

Parenting styles Parenting styles

Four style of raising children have been Four style of raising children have been identified:identified:

permissivepermissiverejecting-neglectingrejecting-neglectingauthoritarianauthoritarianauthoritative authoritative

PedagogyPedagogy

How to teachHow to teach

Percentile rankPercentile rank

Standardized scores that compare an individual Standardized scores that compare an individual with other test taker and report that he/she with other test taker and report that he/she scored as well as or better than a certain scored as well as or better than a certain percentage of the norm samplepercentage of the norm sample

Performance-based Performance-based assessmentassessment

An alternative assessment method An alternative assessment method based on a student’s performance of based on a student’s performance of a skill based on a real-life situationa skill based on a real-life situation

Peer teachingPeer teaching

In teacher education classes it is where In teacher education classes it is where pre-service teachers practice teaching a pre-service teachers practice teaching a lesson to one another in order to gain lesson to one another in order to gain practice in teaching. practice in teaching.

Peer tutoringPeer tutoring

Students in elementary through Students in elementary through secondary schools are often asked to secondary schools are often asked to assist another student with a conceptassist another student with a concept

Performance Performance assessmentassessment

Assessment that involves having Assessment that involves having students do activities that are real. students do activities that are real.

Physically challengedPhysically challenged

Those who possess some type of bodily Those who possess some type of bodily condition that prevents them from condition that prevents them from performing certain actions such as performing certain actions such as walking, speaking and seeing. walking, speaking and seeing.

Jean PiagetJean Piaget

Theorist who created theory of Theorist who created theory of development based on the development based on the observation of childrenobservation of children

playplay

Voluntary, meaningful action initiated by Voluntary, meaningful action initiated by children where reality is suspended; in children where reality is suspended; in play, skills can be practiced, symbolism play, skills can be practiced, symbolism employed , rules followed in games. employed , rules followed in games.

Positive reinforcementPositive reinforcement

The process of rewarding behaviors that The process of rewarding behaviors that are desirable .For example M & M’s or are desirable .For example M & M’s or stars are given for good behavior stars are given for good behavior

portfolioportfolio

An authentic assessment tool used An authentic assessment tool used to assess student progress; consists to assess student progress; consists of a collection of the student’s work. of a collection of the student’s work.

prejudiceprejudice

The mindset and resulting action that The mindset and resulting action that consistently thrust negative response on consistently thrust negative response on a particular person or groups of people a particular person or groups of people

Probing questionsProbing questions

A follow up question used to A follow up question used to encourage deeper thinking through encourage deeper thinking through elaboration, clarification, justification, elaboration, clarification, justification, etc. etc.

Positive Positive reinforcementreinforcement

The introduction of something disliked The introduction of something disliked or distasteful to decrease a behavior. or distasteful to decrease a behavior.

Presentation Presentation punishmentpunishment

Solving a problem for which there is Solving a problem for which there is a procedure to follow that makes the a procedure to follow that makes the answer readily availableanswer readily available

Private speechPrivate speech

Vygotsky’s term for young children’s Vygotsky’s term for young children’s talking themselves through tasks abound; talking themselves through tasks abound; this develops as we grow older into this develops as we grow older into mentally talking ourselves through tasks. mentally talking ourselves through tasks.

Probing questionsProbing questions

Questions that are asked after a student Questions that are asked after a student response in an effort to get the student to response in an effort to get the student to give additional information or to think at a give additional information or to think at a deeper level. For example, “What deeper level. For example, “What makes you think that?”makes you think that?”

Prompting questionsPrompting questions

Questions that guide students to a correct Questions that guide students to a correct answer through the use of cues or answer through the use of cues or prompts, especially after an incorrect prompts, especially after an incorrect response. response.

Public Law 94-142Public Law 94-142

Federal law requiring all schools receiving Federal law requiring all schools receiving federal funds to provide an education in the least federal funds to provide an education in the least restrictive environment of all disabled students. restrictive environment of all disabled students. This law was the beginning of special education This law was the beginning of special education as we know it today. as we know it today.

Pull out programsPull out programs

Programs that remove special Programs that remove special needs children from the regular needs children from the regular classroom for special instruction. classroom for special instruction. For example, reading recovery is a For example, reading recovery is a pull-out program. pull-out program.

Raw scoreRaw score

A report of exactly how many items A report of exactly how many items were answered correctly on a test. were answered correctly on a test.

ReadinessReadiness

The assessment of a student’s The assessment of a student’s ability to complete tasks.ability to complete tasks.

Reliability Reliability

The consistency of test results over time. A The consistency of test results over time. A reliable test is one that yields similar results reliable test is one that yields similar results time after time when administered to the time after time when administered to the same type or level of students and under the same type or level of students and under the same conditions. same conditions.

Reciprocal Reciprocal teachingteaching

Teaching strategy that teaches students to ‘think Teaching strategy that teaches students to ‘think like a teacher’ Teachers model asking questions like a teacher’ Teachers model asking questions about material read. Then, the students take the about material read. Then, the students take the role of the teacher and asks questions about the role of the teacher and asks questions about the next section of the text to the teacher. next section of the text to the teacher.

redirectingredirecting

If a student fails to give a compete If a student fails to give a compete response, the teacher may ask another response, the teacher may ask another student, “Ben, what do you think?” This is student, “Ben, what do you think?” This is redirecting. redirecting.

Reflective listeningReflective listening

The process of listening and The process of listening and summarizing a student's response summarizing a student's response to indicate it was heard and to indicate it was heard and understood understood

remediationremediation

From the root word remedy, instruction From the root word remedy, instruction designed to assist students who are designed to assist students who are having difficulty in school. Tutoring is one having difficulty in school. Tutoring is one form of remediation. form of remediation.

reteachreteach

The process of teaching a lesson in a The process of teaching a lesson in a different way to students who do not different way to students who do not master the original instructional objective. master the original instructional objective.

Removal Removal punishmentpunishment

The removal of something The removal of something pleasurable in order to decrease a pleasurable in order to decrease a behaviorbehavior

rehearsalrehearsal

The process of repeating The process of repeating information over and over to oneself information over and over to oneself to keep it in working memory to keep it in working memory

responsivenessresponsiveness

Referring to a teacher, this means Referring to a teacher, this means acknowledging differences in students acknowledging differences in students experiences and prior knowledge and using experiences and prior knowledge and using these differences to respond with understanding. these differences to respond with understanding.

Risk-free Risk-free environmentenvironment

A place or situation in which one A place or situation in which one feels secure enough to take chance. feels secure enough to take chance.

Role playingRole playing

For a deeper understanding of a concept, For a deeper understanding of a concept, the students act out roles. For example a the students act out roles. For example a student may role play a word problem in student may role play a word problem in math. math.

Rote learningRote learning

Memorizing information as opposed Memorizing information as opposed to learning it in ways that could be to learning it in ways that could be discussed or explained. discussed or explained.

Routine problem Routine problem solvingsolving

Solving a problem for which there is Solving a problem for which there is a procedure to follow that makes the a procedure to follow that makes the answer readily available. answer readily available.

rubricrubric

Guidelines for accomplishing a task Guidelines for accomplishing a task and including examples of both and including examples of both good and poor resultsgood and poor results

Run on questionsRun on questions

More than one questions asked at a time. More than one questions asked at a time.

scaffoldingscaffolding

Strategies used to bridge gaps Strategies used to bridge gaps between what students know and between what students know and new content that can be taught. new content that can be taught.

Scale score Scale score

This is a statistical score which compares This is a statistical score which compares a score with a minimum passing standard a score with a minimum passing standard based upon the difficulty of the test. based upon the difficulty of the test. (TAKS) (TAKS)

schemaschema

Building blocks of thought that enable us Building blocks of thought that enable us to understand our world and help guide to understand our world and help guide our interactions with object and events our interactions with object and events according to Piaget. according to Piaget.

scopescope

How much or how deeply into a How much or how deeply into a topic discussion will delvetopic discussion will delve

Self-directed Self-directed learninglearning

The ability to learn something without The ability to learn something without direct instruction from a teacher. The goal direct instruction from a teacher. The goal of education is to prepare all students to of education is to prepare all students to become self-directed learners.become self-directed learners.

Self-conceptSelf-concept

One’s perception of himself or herselfOne’s perception of himself or herself

Self efficacySelf efficacy

The belief that one is capable of The belief that one is capable of accomplishing somethingaccomplishing something

Self-esteemSelf-esteem

How one feels about his or her How one feels about his or her perception of selfperception of self

Self assessmentSelf assessment

A process in which students reflect A process in which students reflect on their achievement and progresson their achievement and progress

simulationsimulation

An imitative representation of a system or An imitative representation of a system or situation. It allows students to participate situation. It allows students to participate in an activity without the risks. Often in an activity without the risks. Often simulations involve role playing simulations involve role playing

Site-based Site-based decision makingdecision making

Brings the decision making to the Brings the decision making to the school school

Site-based Site-based managementmanagement

Decisions about the school are Decisions about the school are made by a committee at the schoolmade by a committee at the school

SocioeconomicSocioeconomicoror

social class social class statusstatus

A composite of five equally weighed A composite of five equally weighed standardized components: father’s education, standardized components: father’s education, mother’s education, family income, father’s mother’s education, family income, father’s occupation and household items. occupation and household items.

Social Social developmentdevelopmentOccurs as humans interact with others, Occurs as humans interact with others, although inherent personality traits may although inherent personality traits may influence the nature of these interactions. influence the nature of these interactions.

Social learning Social learning theorytheory

A theory of learning that emphasizes A theory of learning that emphasizes what we learn through observing the what we learn through observing the behavior of others in our environment. behavior of others in our environment.

Sponge activitySponge activity

An activity employed when children An activity employed when children enter a room where the lesson will not enter a room where the lesson will not begin for a moment. begin for a moment.

spreadsheetspreadsheet

An accounting program for a An accounting program for a computer; also the ledger layout computer; also the ledger layout modeled by such a program. modeled by such a program.

stabilitystability

The degree to which something is The degree to which something is believed to be changeable or not. believed to be changeable or not.

Standardized testStandardized test

Test developed by commercial publisher that Test developed by commercial publisher that compares students results to either a norming compares students results to either a norming sample of individual (norm-referenced tests) or sample of individual (norm-referenced tests) or compares results to a set of criteria (criterion-compares results to a set of criteria (criterion-referenced tests). The SAT is a norm-referenced referenced tests). The SAT is a norm-referenced and the TAKS and the TExES are criterion-and the TAKS and the TExES are criterion-referenced tests. referenced tests.

State Board of State Board of Educator CertificationEducator Certification

(SBEC)(SBEC)

The state agency responsible for the The state agency responsible for the certification of Texas teacherscertification of Texas teachers

State Board of State Board of EducationEducation

The elected group of people that The elected group of people that approves all public school rules and approves all public school rules and regulations regulations

State-wide State-wide initiativeinitiativeA program that is adopted for all schools A program that is adopted for all schools in a state. The initiative is usually for in a state. The initiative is usually for remedial purposes and is funded by the remedial purposes and is funded by the state government. state government.

stereotypingstereotyping

The assumption that certain beliefs based The assumption that certain beliefs based on skin color or other forms of physical, on skin color or other forms of physical, religious, or other cultural identifiers are religious, or other cultural identifiers are true of all people of that type. true of all people of that type.

Stress factorsStress factors

Children may become anxious and Children may become anxious and nervous because of situations in their nervous because of situations in their homes or community and because of this homes or community and because of this stress may have difficulties in learning. stress may have difficulties in learning.

Student-centered Student-centered teacherteacher

The teaching style that Texas prefers to The teaching style that Texas prefers to see its teachers use. Teachers employ a see its teachers use. Teachers employ a facilitating manner and constantly focus facilitating manner and constantly focus on the needs of the learners in every on the needs of the learners in every respect. respect.

Summative Summative assessmentassessment

An assessment that is done after a An assessment that is done after a lesson is taught. It is used to evaluate lesson is taught. It is used to evaluate learning and to guide instruction and the learning and to guide instruction and the curriculum curriculum

supervisorsupervisor

In public schools, each program, In public schools, each program, such as special education, has a such as special education, has a person in charge of those programs person in charge of those programs in the district. They are usually in the district. They are usually situated at the central office and situated at the central office and report to the superintendent. report to the superintendent.

Summative dataSummative data

Assessment data collected after instruction to Assessment data collected after instruction to evaluate a student’s mastery of the curriculum evaluate a student’s mastery of the curriculum objectives and a teacher’s effectiveness at objectives and a teacher’s effectiveness at delivering instruction. delivering instruction.

synthesissynthesis

A cognitive process that is one form A cognitive process that is one form of higher level thinking. It involves of higher level thinking. It involves putting ideas or pieces together to putting ideas or pieces together to form a whole idea. form a whole idea.

superintendentsuperintendent

The chief educational leader in the local school The chief educational leader in the local school district. Is employed by the local school board district. Is employed by the local school board and has responsibility for the provision of quality and has responsibility for the provision of quality educational offerings in the district in compliance educational offerings in the district in compliance with all laws, regulations and policies. with all laws, regulations and policies.

Task analysisTask analysis

Breaking a task into small sub-skills. i.e. Breaking a task into small sub-skills. i.e. prior to writing a research report, one prior to writing a research report, one might select a topic, formulate a question, might select a topic, formulate a question, read to find information, etc. read to find information, etc.

TaxonomyTaxonomy

A system of classification. A system of classification.

Teacher-made Teacher-made teststestsInformal measures of student progress Informal measures of student progress based on the objectives of the curriculum based on the objectives of the curriculum and classroom and classroom

Teachable momentTeachable moment

Unplanned event that lends itself to Unplanned event that lends itself to teaching something to studentsteaching something to students

Test biasTest bias

The fairness of the testThe fairness of the test

Teacher Teacher certificationcertification

A certification awarded to individual A certification awarded to individual after completion of specific state after completion of specific state requirements.requirements.

Teacher Teacher expectationexpectation

A teacher’s belief about how successful a A teacher’s belief about how successful a student will be in school. Texas teachers student will be in school. Texas teachers should have high expectations for all should have high expectations for all students in the class. students in the class.

Teaching styleTeaching style

The manner in which a teacher The manner in which a teacher presents instructionpresents instruction

TAKSTAKSTexas Assessment of Knowledge and SkillsTexas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills

State mandated assessment for State mandated assessment for ensuring school accountability for ensuring school accountability for student achievementstudent achievement

TEKSTEKSTexas Essential Knowledge and SkillsTexas Essential Knowledge and Skills

the curriculum set by the state as a guide the curriculum set by the state as a guide for each grade level tested through the for each grade level tested through the TAKS. (there are also guides for the TAKS. (there are also guides for the lower grades) lower grades)

TEATEATexas Education AgencyTexas Education Agency

State agency responsible for State agency responsible for overseeing public education in overseeing public education in TexasTexas

TECTECTexas Education CodeTexas Education Code

Statues passed by Texas Statues passed by Texas Legislature in Senate Bill I in 1995 Legislature in Senate Bill I in 1995 that governs Texas public schools. that governs Texas public schools.

Texas Learning Index Texas Learning Index (TLI)(TLI)

An index that is statistically figured to allow An index that is statistically figured to allow teachers to compare children’s performance teachers to compare children’s performance across grade levels or years. i.e 3-68 would across grade levels or years. i.e 3-68 would indicate that the child is at the third grade indicate that the child is at the third grade level however only scored positive at 68% of level however only scored positive at 68% of the material. the material.

TExESTExESTexas Examination of Educator StandardsTexas Examination of Educator Standards

State licensing examination for new State licensing examination for new teachers or new teachers to Texas. teachers or new teachers to Texas.

Thematic teachingThematic teachingOrganizing instruction around a central theme Organizing instruction around a central theme such as ‘systems’ Often the instruction crosses such as ‘systems’ Often the instruction crosses between disciplines and is integrated thematic between disciplines and is integrated thematic teaching. Often language arts, science, social teaching. Often language arts, science, social studies, and math are integrated into a team of studies, and math are integrated into a team of teachers that teach a central theme to a group of teachers that teach a central theme to a group of students. students.

Time-outTime-out

Form of discipline that places a child Form of discipline that places a child away from the other students for a away from the other students for a short amount of time. short amount of time.

Title I Title I (formerly Chapter (formerly Chapter 1)1)Remedial program for poor and Remedial program for poor and disadvantaged. disadvantaged.

Title VITitle VICivil rights ActCivil rights ActAct which state that any school receiving Act which state that any school receiving federal funds may not discriminate federal funds may not discriminate against student on the basis of race, color against student on the basis of race, color or national origin. or national origin.

Title VIITitle VIIBilingual Education Bilingual Education

ActActProvides funding for non-English-Provides funding for non-English-speaking studentsspeaking students

Title IXTitle IX

Bars gender discrimination in Bars gender discrimination in schools receiving federal fundsschools receiving federal funds

transitiontransition

Moving from one activity or setting Moving from one activity or setting to anotherto another

Types of Types of involvementinvolvementParents may participate in school involvements Parents may participate in school involvements

at one of six levels:at one of six levels:basic obligations of parentingbasic obligations of parentingcommunicationscommunicationsVolunteeringVolunteeringLearning activities at homeLearning activities at homeDecision making and advocacyDecision making and advocacyCommunity collaborationCommunity collaboration

UnitUnit

Group of lessons planned around a Group of lessons planned around a control topiccontrol topic

Unit PlanUnit Plan

Written plan for teaching a unti. The plan Written plan for teaching a unti. The plan usually looks at broad areas to be usually looks at broad areas to be covered over a week or longer. It usually covered over a week or longer. It usually does not contain the daily lesson plans. does not contain the daily lesson plans.

validityvalidity

The truthfulness of the assessment The truthfulness of the assessment information; does the score report really information; does the score report really measure what it is purports to measure?measure what it is purports to measure?

Value Centered Value Centered educationeducation

A teaching program that focuses on A teaching program that focuses on teaching values to students. teaching values to students.

Value-centered Value-centered educationeducation

A teaching program that focuses on A teaching program that focuses on teaching values to studentsteaching values to students

Verbal Verbal reinforcementreinforcement

Using positive comments when students Using positive comments when students are doing something well. The idea is to are doing something well. The idea is to use positive comments to cause a use positive comments to cause a response to occur more oftenresponse to occur more often

Vicarious learningVicarious learning

Learning that results from seeing Learning that results from seeing someone else’s behavior rewarded someone else’s behavior rewarded or punishedor punished

Wait timeWait time

A practice of a teacher waits for 5 -7 A practice of a teacher waits for 5 -7 seconds after asking a question to allow seconds after asking a question to allow all students to have time to think about all students to have time to think about the questions and formulate and answer. the questions and formulate and answer.

Whole class Whole class discussiondiscussion

A discussion which involves all students I A discussion which involves all students I the class discussing a topic as opposed the class discussing a topic as opposed to discussion in small group. to discussion in small group.

Whole Language Whole Language Approach Approach

Philosophical approach to teaching Philosophical approach to teaching reading using complete texts rather than reading using complete texts rather than excerpts and having students respond in excerpts and having students respond in writing and through discussion to the text. writing and through discussion to the text.

With-it-nessWith-it-ness

The teacher is aware of everything The teacher is aware of everything that is going on in the classroom that is going on in the classroom

Working memoryWorking memory

A place where information is temporarily A place where information is temporarily stored in our minds (usually about 20 stored in our minds (usually about 20 seconds or less) – may also be called seconds or less) – may also be called short term memoryshort term memory

Zone of proximal Zone of proximal development development

(Vygotsky)(Vygotsky)

The zone of proximal development The zone of proximal development is just a bit harder than what the is just a bit harder than what the child can do alone. child can do alone.

Thank you. Thank you. Best of luck on your Best of luck on your upcoming PPR test.upcoming PPR test.