In every profession there are terms, phrases, and initials that mean special things to the people who work in these occupations. For the rest of us, listening to the lingo can be very confusing.
Education is no exception.
The following list is for anyone who has ever read about the newest trends in education and wondered what was going on in the classroom. It's also for any parent who has attended a teacher conference and been embarrassed to ask questions about the jargon that was tossed around as if it were common knowledge. Please bear in mind that the meaning of many of these terms will vary in different parts of the country and even in different school districts within a state. This glossary is intended to offer simple explanations of what are sometimes complex issues. It is far from complete, but it may help parents better understand the trends and issues that are important in the educational profession.