Glossary of CCR Terminology

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A

ABE

Abbreviation for "Adult Basic Education." Adult Education programs in Texas are funded through a combination of state and federal funds, with local programs providing significant in-kind resources. Texas Adult Basic Education is administered through the office of Texas LEARNS, the Texas Adult Education and Family Literacy Collaboration. Adult Basic Education grants provide comprehensive English literacy services with basic instruction in reading, writing, and mathematics to adult learners.

Academic Freedom

Instructor’s ability to explore and cover varied topics in the classroom without interference from administration or higher authority.

Academic Integrity

Student’s ability to perform ethically in an academic/school atmosphere (i.e. avoid plagiarism and cheating). 

Academic Rigor

Difficulty and/or challenge(s) presented in any academic setting.

Accountability

Being responsible for the decisions you make. Often used synonymously with responsibility, answerability, and liability; e.g., students are held accountable for their own actions.

ACT

Comprehensive exam which evaluates student abilities and knowledge in various academic subjects. The ACT is often used as a measurement for college admission. For additional information about the ACT test, visit the ACT website.

ADCAP

Shorthand for "adult degree completion programs".

Administration

The management of a college or school. Examples include President, Dean, Superintendent and Principal.

Admissions Essay

Essay composed by the student for the purpose of informing a college about the student's personality/background/character.

Algebra Readiness Initiative

The Algebra Readiness Initiative provides materials, diagnostics, professional development and grant opportunities to prepare Texas students to be algebra ready. Components of the initiative include materials, diagnostics and professional development.

All Kids Alliance

Organization serving as a hub to a network of regional councils, with the mission of supporting children and youth from cradle to career. For additional information, visit the all KIDS alliance website.

Alumni

Former students at any given educational institution.

AP

Abbreviation for "Advanced Placement." Advanced Placement is a school system program allowing high school students to take courses at an advanced level preparing them for a standardized exam designed to test their college-level knowledge of the same subject. The goal of the student is to earn a score high enough to earn college credit without taking the college course. For additional information about AP, visit the CollegeBoard website.

Application

Form completed with student's information for the purposes of gaining admission to a given college or post-secondary institution.

ARRA Stimulus Funds

Federal funds that are available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).

Articulation Agreement

Contract between educational institutions allowing for the direct and smooth transfer of courses.

Assessment

Evaluation of student's performance.

Associate’s Degree

Degree earned after the successful completion of a 2-yr collegiate program. Types of Associate's Degrees include A.A. (Associate's of Arts), A.A.S. (Associate's of Applied Science), and A.S. (Associate's of Science).

ATC

Abbreviation for "Advanced Technical Credit." Advanced Technical Credit is a high school program allowing a student to earn technical credit towards their post-secondary degree while still in high school.

At-Risk

Student in danger of not completing task or course due to extenuating circumstances.

Award Letter

Letter sent from Financial Aid department of an educational institution informing the student of the financial aid available to them. This letter is sent after the receipt and processing of all financial aid application information (including the FAFSA).

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B

Bachelor’s Degree

Degree earned after the successful completion of an undergraduate program. Also known as a "baccalaureate." Types of Bachelor's Degrees include B.A. (Bachelor's of Arts), and B.S. (Bachelor's of Science).

Blackboard

Is an online proprietary virtual learning platform for e-learning that is sold to colleges and other institutions used around the world.

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C

Campus/College Visit

Trip taken to any college campus for the purpose and intent of gaining information and knowledge about the given institution. Oftentimes tours can be arranged for this purpose (these tours are typically coordinated through the Admissions department of the institution).

Career

One's occupation or profession.

CCAP

Abbreviation for "Comprehensive Curriculum, Assessment, and Professional Development"; online instructional system. For additional information, visit the CCAP website.

CCR

Abbreviation for "College and Career Readiness." For additional information explore this site, and visit the Texas CCR Program website.

CCRS

Abbreviation for "College and Career Readiness Standards." For additional information explore this site, and visit the Texas CCR Program website.

Certificate

A document awarded by an educational institution proving the student has successfully completed a technical program.

Chancellor

Main/chief administrative figure at a college/university.

Cohort

An organized group with appointed members.

College

An institution of post-secondary/higher learning. Interchangeable with the term "university."

College-Access Challenge Grant

Grant awarded by the Department of Education to aid low-income students prepare for, enter and succeed in post-secondary endeavors. For additional information about the College-Access Challenge Grant Program, visit the U.S. Department of Education website.

College Prep

High school courses designed to prepare high school students for the rigor of college courses in the same subjects.

Community College

Post-secondary educational institution offering courses through a two-year degree (Associate's Degree) and or Certificate Program. Interchangeable with the term "junior college."

Core Curriculum

Course of study focusing on the mainstream educational subjects (English, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science) required for every degree.

Cost-of-Living

Expenses incurred through daily life. Examples of Cost-of-Living expenses include rent, telephone service, electricity, Internet. Interchangeable with the term "Personal Expenses."

Counseling

Guidance provided via a professional for the purpose of working through personal, educational and or professional issues, concerns, or problems.

CSCOPE

Curriculum support system offered through the Texas Education Service Center Curriculum Collaborative. For additional information, visit the CSCOPE website.

CSOTTE

Abbreviation for the "Consortium of State Organizations for Texas Teacher Education," a nonprofit organization dedicated to the continued support and refinement of preparation and development programs for certificated school personnel in Texas. For additional information, visit the CSOTTE website.

Culture

A set of shared attitudes and beliefs that set apart a group of people.

Curriculum

A set of courses offered by an educational institution.

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D

Dean

Head of a college division; can be academic or administrative.

Developmental Education

Courses designed to bring students who are academically unprepared for college courses to a level of preparedness allowing them to be successful as college Freshmen. For additional information about Developmental Education, visit the National Association for Developmental Education website.

Diploma

A document awarded by an educational institution proving the student has successfully completed a course of study.

Distance Education

Long distance learning that focuses on education to students who are not physically "on site" in a traditional classroom or campus.

Dorm (Dormitory)

College building designed and used for the purpose of housing current students. Dorms typically contain bedrooms, kitchenettes, bathrooms, washing facilities, common living areas, and vending areas.

Drop

Leaving a college course or an educational institution without completing official paperwork.

Dual Credit

Course option allowing high school students to take one collegiate course taught by a college-level instructor while in high school and, provided the student passes with a "C" or higher, receive both high school and college credit.

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E

E3 Alliance

A regional, collaborative, data-driven organization, seeking to ensure efficient allocation of resources in order to increase regional competitiveness. For additional information, visit the E3 Alliance website.

Early College High School.

A blended program offered by a high school allowing students to simultaneously take high school and college-level courses over the period of four-years with the end-result being the student graduating with both a high school diploma and an Associate's Degree or Certificate. For additional information, visit the national Early College High School Program website as well as the Texas-focused TEA's ECHS and Texas High School Project websites.

Educational Journey

The process each student undergoes while completing the process of K-12 and beyond.

Educational Potential

A student's ability to succeed in any educational endeavor; from kindergarten through post-secondary education/training.

Elective

An optional educational course not part of the main core curriculum intended to offer a student a more well-rounded and focused educational experience.

ELPS

The English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS) outline English language proficiency level descriptors and student expectations for English language learners (ELLs). School districts shall implement this section as an integral part of each subject in the required curriculum. The English language proficiency standards are to be published along with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for each subject in the required curriculum. For additional information, visit the Texas Education Agency website's Bilingual Education pages, and review the Region 4 brochure "Embedding the ELPS with E's," available from the UH CCRS site Resources page.

English

The academic study of English language, composition and literature. Examples of English courses include British Literature, Expository Writing and Research-Based Argument.

Enrollment

The process of becoming a member of the student population of an educational institution.

Entrance Exam

An exam designed to ascertain a student's academic knowledge and skill level prior to registration in courses.

EOC Test

Abbreviation for "End of Course" Test. An End of Course Test is an exam designed to ascertain a student's knowledge about and attainment of information in regards to a give subject.

ESC

Abbreviation for "Education Service Center." An Education Service Center functions as regional support for local school districts for grades levels K-12. For additional information, visit the Texas Education Association website.

ESL

Abbreviation for "English as a Second Language." Study of English by speakers with a different native language.

Ethnicity

Refers to a person's ethnic group (culture, physical features, background, religion, etc.).

Expected Family Contribution

The monetary input expected of a student's family in regards to the payment of college/post-secondary expenses.

Extracurricular

Activities and functions related to an educational institution, but not connected to academic study.

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F

Faculty

The teaching body of an educational institution. Faculty includes teachers, instructors, and professors.

Financial Aid

Monies awarded to students in the college system. Financial Aid includes scholarships, grants, and loans.

Final Exam

An exam given at the end of a course as an assessment of what the student has learned throughout the course.

First Generation

The first person in a family to attend a post-secondary educational institution.

Freshman

A student in their first year of high school or college.

FTIC

Abbreviation for "First Time In College." Interchangeable with the term "First Generation."

Full-time

Based on the number of college credits a student is taking during one given semester. Full-time is twelve-plus credits.

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G

GED

Abbreviation for "General Educational Development." General Educational Development is a certificate earned after the completion of five tests (Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Reading, Writing) based on the knowledge acquired in high school. Following successful completion of the General Educational Development Program, a student is awarded a GED Certificate. General Educational Development is an alternative to completing high school and subsequently the GED Certificate is awarded in place of the high school diploma. For additional information about General Educational Development in Texas, visit the Texas Education Association website.

Generation TX

Organization founded in a grassroots, community-based movement, with a mission of supporting all students in seeking college and career education beyond high school. For additional information, visit the Generation TX website.

GPA

Abbreviation for "Grade Point Average." Grade Point Average is ascertained via a formula which takes the total number of grade points earned by a student and dividing it by the total number of credits taken or by the hours of course work. Grade Point Average is often used as a requirement and/or factor for college admission.

Graduation

The completion of a high school, training and or degree-program culminating in the receipt of a diploma, certificate or degree.

Graduation Requirements

Set list of courses and/or extracurricular activities required for a student to successfully reach the point of graduation.

Grant

Monies available for education which a student must qualify for based on a set of specific parameters. Grant monies do not have to be repaid.

Guidance Counselor

See Counseling.

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H

Higher Education

Any educational institution serving students who have successfully completed high school.

HIP

High Impact Practice

Hybrid Course

College course which combines two delivery methods.

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I

IHE

Abbreviation for "Institute of Higher Education."

Inclusion

Sometimes referred to as "mainstreaming", inclusion is when students with mild to severe special needs are integrated into class with non-disabled students.

Institute of Higher Education

Collegiate-level institutions, such as vocational schools, trade schools, and career colleges, that award academic degrees or professional certifications.

Internship

Work education allowing a student to gain experience and on-the-job training. An internship is typically not a paid position.

ISD

Abbreviation for "Independent School District."

ITV Course

Abbreviation for "Interactive Video Course." Interactive Video Courses allow students and instructors to interact via video from multiple physical locations.

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J

Job Shadowing

Work-related experience allowing a student to accompany a professional to their place of business and observe the activities and components of their employment position.

Junior

A student in their third year of high-school or college.

Junior College

Post-secondary educational institution offering courses through a two-year degree (Associate's Degree) and or Certificate Program. Interchangeable with the term "community college."

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K

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L

Learning Strategies

There are four basic types of learning strategies: visual/verbal, visual/non-verbal, kinesthetic, and auditory. In the classroom setting the verbal learner will benefit from outlines and notes and likes color coding and highlighting. A strategy for non-verbal learners is to utilize flashcards, and they will also benefit from visual aids. Kinesthetic learning strategies are very hands-on. These students like to do the activity themselves to learn, and like field work. The auditory learner benefits from an oral format or lecture. Repeating things out loud helps this learner.

Lifelong Learner

Someone who continues to further their education without seeing the diploma, certificate or degree as a terminal ending.

Loan

Monies available for educational spending based on a student's ability to qualify. Depending on a variety of options, loans must be paid back (typically with interest).

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M

Major

Subject or field of interest chosen by a college student on which their entire course of study is based.

Master’s Degree

Degree earned after the successful completion of a graduate program. Types of Master's Degrees include M.A. (Master's of Arts), M.S. (Master's of Science), M.Ed. (Master's of Education), and M.B.A. (Master's of Business Administration).

Mastery Learning

An instructional method that presumes all children can learn if they are provided with the appropriate learning conditions. Specifically, mastery learning is a method whereby students are not advanced to a subsequent learning objective until they demonstrate proficiency with the current one.

Mathematics/Math

The academic study of quantity, space, change and structure. Examples of Mathematics/Math courses include Algebra, Calculus and Geometry.

Matriculation

Enrollment in a college/university.

Meal Plan

A plan offered by a chosen college allowing students a certain number of meals to be eaten in the cafeteria (or other food service locations on-campus) per week/month/term in exchange for a set fee.

Mentor

A guide charged with the task of providing advice, assistance, and or counseling. Typically in a college setting, a mentor is someone in the same peer group as the student receiving the assistance.

M.D.

Abbreviation for "Doctor of Medicine." A Doctor of Medicine is a degree earned after the successful completion of a medical program taken after the receipt of a Bachelor's Degree.

Minor

A course of study chosen in addition to a major, but not focused on with the same intensity as a major.

MSTAR

MSTAR Pilot is designed to increase the preparedness of middle school students to be successful in Algebra I and meet standards on Algebra I end-of course test. It was created to serve as an early test of strategies to be used in TEA’s Algebra Readiness Initiative.

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N

NADE

Abbreviation for "National Association of Developmental Education." For additional information, visit the National Association of Developmental Education website.

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O

Online Course

A course offered via the Internet. Common Online Course delivery systems include WebCT and Blackboard.

Open-Admission

Non-competitive college admissions process requiring only a high school diploma or equivalent documentation for admission.

Orientation

Welcoming process designed to acquaint incoming freshman with a given educational institution.

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P

P-16 Council

Philanthropic organization composed of educators and local workforce members with the common goal of encouraging students to continue their Educational Journey from high school graduation to completion of a Bachelor's Degree.

Part-time

Based on the number of college credits a student is taking during one given semester. Part-time is considered as anything less than twelve credits.

PELL Grant

Federal grant awarded to college students. The PELL Grant is geared towards students from low-income families.

Personal Expenses

Expenses incurred external of college tuition and fees. Interchangeable with the term "Cost-of-Living."

Ph.D.

Abbreviation for "Doctor of Philosophy." A Doctor of Philosophy is a degree earned after the successful completion of a doctoral program.

Placement Tests

Exams designed to determine the course level in which a student should be placed when enrolling in college courses.

Post-Secondary

Any learning-centered institution attended after high school.

President

Chief officer of a college or university.

Private College/University

College or university typically not funded or mandated by federal or state monies and policies.

Professional Development

Career-based educational opportunities designed to improve work-performance.

Professional Development Modules

Professional development training, information, and resources for instructors at levels from High School through Higher Education, offered online by the THECB. For additional information, visit the TXProfDev.org website.

Project Share

Project Share is a collection of Web 2.0 tools and applications that provides high quality professional development in an interactive and engaging learning environment. Project Share leverages existing and new professional development resources for K-12 teachers across the state and builds professional learning communities where educators can collaborate and participate in online learning opportunities.

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Q

QEP

Abbreviation for "Quality Enhancement Plan." A Quality Enhancement Plan is designed to focus on a element of collegiate practice or a specific division and enhance the performance of that element or division.

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R

Registration

The process of selecting and joining high school or college classes. This process is completed at the beginning of each semester.

Residency

Period of time during which a student has lived full-time in a particular location.

Resources

Tools, departments, people, and other elements available through an educational institution designed to assist students, faculty and staff with a variety of situations and issues.

RHSP

Abbreviation for "Recommended High School Program." A Recommended High School Program is the default high school curriculum for most Texas high schools. For additional information about the Texas Recommended High School Program, visit the College for All Texans website.

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S

SACS

Abbreviation for "Southern Association of Colleges and Schools." The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools is the regional body covering eleven states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia) designed to maintain the accreditation standards of degree-granting higher-education institutions. For additional information, visit the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools website.

SAT

Abbreviation for "Scholastic Assessment Test." The Scholastic Assessment Test is a comprehensive exam which evaluates student abilities and knowledge in various academic subjects and is often used as a measurement for college admission. For additional information about the Scholastic Assessment Test, visit the CollegeBoard SAT website.

Scholarship

Monies awarded to a student for educational use. Most scholarships contain specific requirements and parameters. Unlike loans, and like grants, scholarships do not have to be repaid.

Science

The academic study of physical, life, earth and space sciences. Examples of Science courses include Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Self-Discipline

The ability to manage one's own time and responsibilities.

Semester

Period of time during which courses are offered. The three common educational semesters are Spring, Summer and Fall. Interchangeable with the term "term."

Senior

A student in their fourth year of high school or college.

Six-Drop Rule

Texas law designed to prevent students from dropping more than six classes during their entire four-year collegiate career.

Social Studies

The academic study of social sciences combined with humanities. Examples of Social Studies courses include Sociology, History and Political Science.

Soft Skills

A set of interpersonal skills including, but not limited to, communication, language, study skills, personal habits, and social interaction.

Sophomore

A student in their second year of high school or college.

Special Education

The education of students with special needs, such as students with medical, mental, or psychological disabilities; and or students with individual differences.

Special Needs

Individuals who require additional assistance because of medical, mental or psychological disabilities.

STEM

Abbreviation for "Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics."

Stimulus Funds

See: ARRA

Student Fees

Costs owed by a college student in addition to tuition. Student Fees include funding for student groups and associations.

Study Skills

Skills needed to be a successful student in academic and technical courses.

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T

TAKS

Abbreviation for "Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills." The Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills is a standardized test given to K-12 students in an effort to assess student performance in five courses of study (Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Writing, Reading). For additional information about the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills, visit the Texas Education Association website.

TALA

Abbreviation for "Texas Adolescent Literacy Academies." TALA sessions will be available the summer of 2010 for teachers of grades 6-8 English Language Arts, reading, math, science, and social studies, including ESL and special education. For additional information, visit the Texas Education Agency website.

TCA

Abbreviation for "Texas Counseling Association." For additional information, visit the Texas Counseling Association website.

TEA

Abbreviation for "Texas Education Agency." For additional information, visit the Texas Education Agency website.

TEC

Abbreviation for "Texas Education Code." The Texas Education Code is a set of Texas laws and statutes related to public education in the State of Texas. For additional information about the Texas Education Code, see the Texas Constitution and Statutes website.

teachHouston

A non-profit organization at the University of Houston which prepares and supports mathematics and science majors for careers in secondary education. For additional information, visit the UH teachHouston website.

Tech Ed

Abbreviation for "Technical Education." Technical Education refers to courses of study related to technology.

Tech Prep

Program of study allowing high school students to earn technical credits towards a certificate or technical degree program as early as their freshman year in high school. For additional information, visit the College Tech Prep of Texas website.

TEKS

Abbreviation for "Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills." See also ELPS.

Term

Period of time during which courses are offered. The three common educational terms are Spring, Summer and Fall. Interchangeable with the term "semester."

Texas Two-Step Project

Project that offers a seamless transition for students engaged in studying a technical program between high school and a post-secondary institution (commonly a two-year institution). For additional information about the Texas Two-Step Project, visit the College Tech Prep of Texas website.

THECB

Abbreviation for "Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board." For additional information, visit the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board website.

Transfer

The awarding of course credit at an educational institution based on a student's performance in the same course at an alternate institution.

TSI

Abbreviation for "Texas Success Initiative." The Texas Success Initiative is a program legislated by the state designed to improve student success in a college setting.

Tuition

Cost of taking courses at an educational institution.

Tutoring

Assistance offered by a professional or highly-successful students/peers in a given course of academic study.

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U

University

An institution of post-secondary/higher learning. Interchangeable with the term "college."

UTeach

An innovative and highly successful teacher preparation program for students majoring in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics — collectively known as the STEM fields. The unique 4-year program was initiated at The University of Texas at Austin in 1997, and is now being replicated at 21 universities around the country. For additional information, visit the UTeach Institute website and the UTeach UT Austin website.

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V

Vice-President

Second-in-Command to the chief officer (President) of a college or university.

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W

Waiver

Elimination of a given educational fee or fine based on a variety of circumstances.

Web CT

(Course Tools) is a set of online tools that allows teachers to create, teach and manage online courses.  It is now owned by Blackboard.

Withdrawal

Formal exiting of a college course or program.

Workforce

Members of a society engaged in working within that society. Also known as the "Labor Pool."

Workforce Solutions

Organization designed to assist employers and potential employees with various job-related needs. For additional information, visit the Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas website.

Work Study

Financial Aid program pairing a college student with an on-campus department, allowing the student to work at minimum wage.

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X

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Y

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Z

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