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Definition of Terms

Achievement Gap: Observed, persistent disparity of educational measures between the performance of groups of students, especially groups defined by socioeconomic status, race/ ethnicity, identified disability, and gender.

Best Practices: Existing practices that possess a high level of research-based, widely-agreed upon effectiveness.

Curriculum: The subjects, lessons, and academic content taught in a school, specific course, or program

Equity: Fairness achieved through the just distribution of resources based upon each student’s needs

Holistic: The physical, mental, emotional, and social needs of the individual, family and community

Initiatives: The specific programs and projects assigned to collaborative teams to attain each performance objective

Mission: The work every Cheltenham School District stakeholder strives to achieve each day

Keystone Exam: Pennsylvania requires end-of-course assessments designed to evaluate proficiency in the high school subject areas of English, Math and Science

Measures: Specific goals (typically numerical) set within a metric to track performance and progress

Metric: A standard for measuring or evaluating the effectiveness or completion of a goal or objective

Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA): The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment standardized test administered to public schools in Pennsylvania. Students in grades 3-8 are assessed in English language arts and mathematics. Students in grades 4 and 8 are also assessed in science.

Performance Measures: A measurement of outcomes and results which generates reliable data on the effectiveness and efficiency of programs

Project-Based Learning (PBL): A teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to an engaging and complex question, problem, or challenge

SMART Goals: Used to help guide goal setting. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Timely.

Stakeholders: Anyone involved in the welfare and success of a school and its students, including administrators, teachers, staff, students, parents/guardians, community members, school board members, city councilors and state representatives

Strategic Goal Areas: A framework to describe the district’s strategy to reach its mission and vision

Vision: The ideal future desired for Cheltenham School District