2013 Edition
Education 101
Terms to know in your search for the right educational experience for your child
CHARTER SCHOOL A taxsupported public school that is independently run, allowing for greater educational choice for a school community.
developed by Dr. Maria Montessori focusing on the unique individuality, selfreliance and independence of the children.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING An educational approach using applied hands-on methods of learning.
SPECIAL NEEDS A school or program for children who have mild-to-moderate learning differences. It usually features smaller class sizes, individualized attention and multi-sensory learning methods.
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB) A specifically designed comprehensive academic program emphasizing traditional disciplines while encouraging international perspective. MAGNET SCHOOL A public school that offers a specific or enhanced curriculum designed for students of special interest or ability. MONTESSORI A school following the principles
ACCREDITATION Official certification that guarantees a school provides an education of a reasonably high quality. Schools must prove levels of quality and maintain continuous standards of improvement. ACT An alternative to the SAT, this national college admissions examination consists of subject area tests
in English, Mathematics, Reading and Science, with an optional 30-minute writing test. ADEQUATE YEARLY PROGRESS (AYP) A measure of year-to-year student achievement on statewide assessments as required by the No Child Left Behind Act. CRITERION-REFERENCED COMPETENCY TESTS (CRCT) Tests designed to measure how well students in grades one through eight acquire the skills and knowledge described in the Georgia Performance Standards. EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION Education that applies to children from birth to age eight, focusing specifically on their development, including physical, emotional, sensory,
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Did You Know: More than 1.5 million HOPE scholarships have been awarded totaling more than $6.6 billion.
GEORGIA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION TESTS (GHSGT) All students seeking a Georgia high school diploma must pass four content areas as well as the Georgia High School Writing Assessment. GEORGIA PERFORMANCE STANDARDS Statewide standards of academic content for all subjects K-12, to which every school must adhere and on which students are annually tested. HOPE SCHOLARSHIP (Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally) A scholarship in Georgia, funded by the Georgia Lottery, that rewards academically achieving students with financial Education Answer Book™ | 2013 Edition | Appen Media
MISSION/PHILOSOPHY A statement outlining the guidelines a school follows to achieve its goals or maintain performance standards. NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND ACT A federal law passed in 2001 designed to ensure that all children have a fair and equal opportunity to obtain a highquality education and meet state academic standards of proficiency. NOTIFICATION DEADLINE The date by which an independent school notifies families of the acceptance of a child for enrollment to the school. OPEN HOUSE An event held at a school, at which parents can learn more about the school and its offerings.
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communicative, cognitive and social needs.
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assistance to attend eligible public and private Georgia colleges and universities.
PSAT A standardized test that offers students practice for the SAT Reasoning Test and allows them to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program. REPLY DEADLINE The date by which parents must notify an accepting school of their commitment to enroll their child.
SAT This standardized test measures the critical thinking, mathematical reasoning, and writing skills of students planning to attend college. SECONDARY SCHOOL ADMISSIONS TEST (SSAT) The admissions test that many independent schools require students to take in order to be considered for enrollment. SUMMER CAMP A common destination for children and teenagers during the summer, at which they can participate in a variety of activities or classes.