Glossary of Terms in Child Education

Specific methods used to meet the individualized needs of a student. These are usually for a child who is classified and needs Special Education or Section 504.

This term includes the leaders of a school district:

Assistant Principal – Works closely with the principal and board members to define and enforce school policies for students and staff. Also develops community relations, works closely with staff, and oversees curriculum.

Assistant Superintendent – Works closely with the superintendent and is responsible for programs, policies, procedures, business services, and technology within a district.

Principal – The manager of the school who oversees, plans, organizes, and administers all instructional leadership for the school. She/He supervises and evaluates all personnel, as well as manages the budget, discipline, revises policies and procedures, and oversees facilities.  The principal also sets goals and makes sure learning objectives are attained.

Superintendent – The school district’s chief executive officer who works directly with the board of education and has a clear vision for the district, is an instructional leader, and an effective communicator.

Supervisor – An administrator who works closely with teachers to design and oversee a program curriculum, ensure there are adequate supplies, and enhance instruction. The supervisor may also be responsible for evaluating teachers.

Classroom aide – A person who helps the teacher in a classroom.
Lunch aide – A person who oversees a classroom of students during lunchtime (and usually recess).
One-to-one aide – A person whose job is to help one student with special needs.

A factual written note about a student to picture exactly what was observed without interpretation.

(See administrators.)

(See administrators.)

A written educational plan which includes developmentally appropriate learning outcomes for students.

The age a child must have attained by a specific date to attend a particular grade level. Each state has their own rules.

Methods to effectively teach every child in different ways to meet each child’s individual needs, including ability, aptitude, and preferences.

A specific geographical area that is almost always governed by a school board with a superintendent as chief executive officer

According to teachers’ contracts, teachers must oversee specific times the students are eating, playing, in detention, attending a club, or any other number of activities. A teacher ‘on duty’ is the teacher in charge of the student activity.

Using instructional practices (e.g., doodle notes, Venn diagrams, one minute write-up, etc.) that provide evidence of where students are in their learning comprehension so teachers can adjust as needed.

A higher priority of taking care of the elderly than taking care of young families.

A specialized program that is instrumental in advancing the learning of intelligent, high ability students. This falls under special education services.

A concept about learning and intelligence researched and developed by Dr. Carol Dweck. If students believe their brains are malleable and can get smarter, they understand that is attributed to effort, which consequently leads to higher achievement. A fixed mindset is limiting and does not encourage success.

A small group methodology of reading instruction whereby students are grouped in similar reading levels and the teacher works to clarify one or two teaching objectives per lesson.

Using manipulatives that students can touch and move to enhance the learning process.

This is an acronym for an Individualized Education Plan and is a contract that is created for students in need of special education to ensure each child’s individual needs are being met.

Researching and learning about a topic a student is interested in that is usually not part of the school’s curriculum.