Initials terms
was signed by President Obama on December 10,
2015, and reauthorizes the 50-year-old Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA),
the nation’s educational law. Its purpose is to make sure public schools provide a quality
education for all students.
Proficiency Shows the number of students who passed the test (i.e., they are “proficient”)
School Choice Under No Child Left Behind, students who attend schools that consistently fail to meet state
standards have the option to transfer elsewhere. School Choice is now supported by the
Alabama Accountability Act.
MTSS Multi-Tier System of Supports-ESSA refers to MTSS as a systematic, data-based approach
for increasing student achievement and teacher effectiveness. Proactive Approach for all
students.
RTI Response To Intervention-Addresses the specific academic needs of struggling students;
high-quality and effective instructional practices for targeted academic intervention.
College and Career Ready
(CCR) Assessments
Tests used to determine student proficiency. Alabama is currently using ACAP in grades 3-
8 and ACT in grade 11.
ARI Alabama Ready Initiative-State-wide K-12 initiative supporting the development of high-
quality instruction that will prepare all students with the literacy skills needed to meet or
exceed grade level standards.
ACAP Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program Proficiency test currently used for grades 3-
8 in Alabama school
AP Advanced Placement
Percentile (testing) Results based on a 100-point scale. If you scored at the 75th percentile, you performed
equal to or better than 75% of all others tested.
Quarter The school calendar is typically broken into four quarters (9-weeks each), with students
receiving report cards at the end of each quarter
Semester 18 weeks
Block Schedule Students have four 90-minute classes every day, as opposed to having 6 or 7 shorter classes
(4 x 4 block)
What is ESSA