Glossary of Educational Terms

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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)

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