Glossary

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An adjunct professor is a part-time college instructor hired on a contract basis, often bringing industry experience to the classroom.

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APA, or the American Psychological Association, sets standards for academic writing and research in the social sciences, ensuring clarity and consistency.

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Active learning is an instructional method that engages students through participation, collaboration, and hands-on activities for deeper understanding.

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Academic probation is a status for students whose academic performance falls below institutional standards, serving as a warning to improve grades.

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An associate professor is a mid-level academic rank in higher education, signifying expertise and responsibility in teaching, research, and service.

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Auditory learning styles focus on processing information through listening, making auditory stimuli essential for effective learning.

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An achievement test measures a student's knowledge and skills in a specific subject area, assessing mastery of learning objectives.

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The achievement gap refers to the disparity in academic performance between different groups of students, often influenced by socioeconomic factors.

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Academic rigor is the challenging nature of educational experiences that fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

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Authentic assessment evaluates student learning through real-world tasks, emphasizing application of knowledge and skills in meaningful contexts.

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Action research is a systematic inquiry by educators aimed at improving teaching practices and student outcomes through a cyclical process of planning, acting, observing, and reflecting.

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Academic achievement is the level of success students attain in their educational pursuits, measured by grades, test scores, and skill development.

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Analytical skills are the ability to gather, interpret, and evaluate information to solve problems and make informed decisions.

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Accelerated learning is an instructional approach designed to enhance retention and comprehension, allowing learners to acquire knowledge more efficiently.

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Assessment tooling encompasses various methods and technologies used to evaluate learners' knowledge and skills, aiding educators in instructional decisions.

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An associate dean is a senior administrative role in educational institutions, assisting the dean in managing academic departments and programs.

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An aptitude test measures an individual's potential to develop skills or perform tasks, aiding in educational and career decision-making.

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Ability grouping is an educational strategy that organizes students into groups based on similar academic abilities to enhance targeted instruction.

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An area of study is a specific branch of knowledge pursued by students in higher education, shaping their academic and career paths.

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Assessment balance is the equitable distribution of formative and summative assessments to effectively measure student learning and progress.

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Accuplacer is a computer-adaptive assessment tool that evaluates college readiness and helps in course placement for incoming students.

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Analytical thinking is the ability to evaluate information systematically and draw logical conclusions based on evidence.

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Academic standing indicates a student's status regarding their academic performance and progress within an educational institution.

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Academic performance measures a student's success in education through grades, test scores, and overall achievements.

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An academic year is the period during which schools and universities conduct classes and academic activities, usually divided into semesters.

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Assessed value is the estimated monetary value of a property used for tax assessments, impacting education funding and resources.

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The Academic Performance Index (API) was a California accountability system for K-12 schools, measuring academic performance through standardized test scores until 2013.

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Alternative assessments are non-traditional evaluation methods that measure student skills through real-world tasks rather than standardized tests.

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A-G courses are a set of high school classes approved by the University of California for undergraduate admission eligibility.

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Adequacy in education funding determines if financial resources are sufficient to meet the educational needs of students and goals set by authorities.

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The Advanced Placement (AP) program allows high school students to take college-level courses and exams for potential college credit.

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Actuals are real financial figures reflecting an organization’s income and expenses over a set period, used to compare against budgets and guide financial decisions.

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A bursar is a financial administrator in educational institutions responsible for managing tuition, fees, and student accounts.

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A bachelor's degree is an undergraduate degree awarded after completing a specific course of study, typically taking three to four years.

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Brainstorming is a creative technique for generating ideas through open discussions, fostering collaboration and innovative thinking.

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Blended learning combines traditional classroom instruction with online learning, enhancing flexibility and personalization in education.

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Benchmarks in education are standards used to assess students' academic progress and proficiency across various subjects.

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A Building Fund is a financial reserve for organizations to support the construction and maintenance of facilities.

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A bond measure is a voter-approved proposal to issue bonds for funding specific educational projects, such as school construction and renovations.

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The Budget Act is a legislative document that establishes a government's budget for a fiscal year, detailing revenue and expenditure allocations.

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Critical thinking is the objective analysis and evaluation of information to form reasoned judgments and decisions.

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A curriculum is a structured educational plan outlining learning objectives, content, and assessment methods for students.

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A capstone course is a final project or course that integrates knowledge and skills from a student's academic program, typically taken in their last year.

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A cumulative exam is an assessment that evaluates a student's understanding of an entire course curriculum over a specific period.

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A criterion-referenced test measures a student's performance against specific learning standards, focusing on individual proficiency rather than peer comparison.

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Collaborative learning is an instructional method where students work together in groups to achieve shared learning objectives through active engagement and cooperation.

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Certificate programs are short-term educational courses focused on specific skills or knowledge, enhancing career opportunities and professional development.

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Curriculum design is the process of creating a structured plan for teaching and learning, focusing on content, objectives, methods, and assessments.

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Classroom management involves strategies educators use to create a positive learning environment and effectively address student behavior.

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Cooperative learning is a teaching strategy that promotes collaborative learning among students in small groups to achieve common goals.